PROTECTION of CIVILIANS in CONFLICT and POST--CONFLICT SETTINGS
PROTECTION of CIVILIANS in CONFLICT and POST--CONFLICT SETTINGS
The course critically examines issues surrounding the protection of civilians in both conflict and post-conflict settings.
It explores various conceptual and operational frameworks, focusing on international humanitarian law,
human rights, and the protection of vulnerable groups.
Key areas include the applicability of legal frameworks, community-based protection strategies,
and strategic planning for civilian protection in complex environments.
Through interactive activities and applied learning, participants develop the tools to assess risks, make informed protection decisions,
and advocate for civilian safety in challenging contexts.
The course runs from January to March each year.
It is developed over 8 weeks for non-credit and 11 weeks for those taking the course for credits.
This includes 2 reading weeks, 6 interactive weeks and for those taking the course for credits 3 weeks for finalising assessments.
Most of the course is asynchronous except for a one hour per week webinar. It is designed to be accessible for learners working full time.
Designed and delivered jointly by the Centre for Development and Emergency Practice (CENDEP) of Oxford Brookes University and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
Humanitarian Action and Peacebuilding courses give you an unique access to resources, experts and support
from both institutions.
For those following the credit-rated route, credit from this module can be counted towards
the the PGCert/MA Humanitarian Action and Peacebuilding after completion.
The Protection of Civilians in Conflict and Post-Conflict Settings course covers six core themes
that equip participants with essential knowledge and practical tools:
§Protection of Civilians in Conflict and Post-Conflict Contexts: Examines the primary challenges and ethical considerations in safeguarding civilians affected by conflict.
Conceptual and Operational Frameworks for Civilian Protection:
Analyzes various frameworks and theories related to civilian protection, emphasizing practical applications in real-world contexts.
Mapping Actors, Mandates, and Practices in Civilian Protection:
Identifies key organizations, their mandates, and how they operate in protecting civilians within complex conflict environments.
Legal Frameworks for the Protection of Civilians and Vulnerable Groups: Focuses on the applicability of international humanitarian law, human rights law, and protections for vulnerable groups in conflict settings.
Threat and Vulnerability Analysis with a Focus on Prevention:
Provides tools and strategies for assessing risks, threats, and vulnerabilities in conflict situations, aiming at preventative action.
Community-Based Protection Strategies, Including Unarmed Civilian Protection: Explores local, community-driven approaches and unarmed civilian protection tactics for enhanced safety and resilience.
This course encourages application-oriented learning, enhancing mental health support, resilience, and management skills
for humanitarian professionals working in complex, conflict-affected areas.
Demonstrate a systematic understanding of both conceptual and operational frameworks for the protection of civilians in conflict and post-conflict settings.
Critically review and apply international legal frameworks, assessing their relevance and application in protecting civilians and specific vulnerable groups within complex environments.
Strategically plan and utilize protection tools in designing and implementing effective civilian protection strategies, with an emphasis on community-based methods.
Independently assess risks and make informed decisions on protection issues, fostering self-reliance and a reflective, ethical approach to field challenges.
Expert Instruction: Led by practitioners, experts and experienced field professionals, the course provides a comprehensive view of IHL principles and their application in conflict settings.
Flexible Learning: Designed for professionals with work commitments, this mostly asynchronous course includes limited, flexible synchronous sessions, coordinated through participant polling to suit varying schedules.
Credit and Non-Credit Options: Can be taken for credit towards the MA in Humanitarian Action and Peacebuilding or as a standalone course. Credit-bearing participation includes assessments and a transcript, while the non-credit route provides a certificate of attendance.
This module is led by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) in cooperation with the Queen’s Award-winning Centre for Development and Emergency Practice (CENDEP) at Oxford Brookes University.
This course is for practitioners already working in the humanitarian, conflict transformation
and peacebuilding fields and in related areas (diplomacy, journalism…) who wish to continue their professional development,
and practitioners working in other fields interested in exploring opportunities in these areas.
For Credit: £1,145
Non-credit: £600
Application deadlines:
Credit rated: January 10th 2025
Non-credit rated (certificate of attendance): January 20th 2025
Cancellation policy
In case the course is cancelled, all registered participants will receive a 100% refund.
In case you need to cancel your booking, the following will apply:
Credit rated: A 50% refund will be issued if the cancellation is made up to and on 10 January. No refund will be provided in case of cancellations made after 10 January.
Non-credit rated: A 50% refund will be issued if the cancellation is made up to and on 20 January. No refund will be provided in case of cancellations made after 20 January.
If you have any enquiries about the course, please email us at: bpiquard@brookes.ac.uk