For UNITAR Division for Peace, the beginning of 2019 has been marked by a refreshed strategic vision, incorporating a number of new initiatives addressing various capacity gaps that stand in the way of the early achievement of SDG16 of Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. The overriding principle of maintaining the highest quality standards of training is strictly adhered to, and by combining traditional and innovative techniques and modes of delivery, continuous multiplication of knowledge is ensured. With the aim of further advancing its reach and impact in peace and security related capacity building, UNITAR has successfully entered new fields, both thematic and geographic, each time made possible through carefully designed and resilient partnerships.

Since January, UNITAR has been supporting the Ministry of Defence of Mali in strengthening the compliance of members of the Malian Armed Forces with International Human Rights Law and International Humanitarian Law principles in the planning, command and execution of military and combat operations. The training programme is implemented in the framework of the national Security Sector Reform strategy, adopted by Mali in 2018, and contributes to promoting the safety and security of civilian populations in the Sahel region. To achieve long-lasting impact, the training takes the form of a ToT, which combines the delivery of content on the specific knowledge areas (International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights Law and Protection of Civilians) with tools and instruments that allow the re-transfer of this knowledge. This involves the creation of meaningful and transformative experiences, able to shift mindsets and foster behavioral change. The programme considers elements ranging from context, practice and application, to the skills needed to transfer the knowledge obtained and to achieve a positive change in attitudes and behaviour. There is also a clear focus on gender issues. Designed as a pilot, the training programme is to be expanded to other countries in the Sahel region by the end of 2020.

In partnership with UNDP, UNITAR has been helping to enhance the operational capacities of the League of Arab States (LAS), so that its members can effectively respond to key crises that the region faces. A core component is providing a specialized LAS Task Force with comprehensive, tailor-made training programmes, which would enable them to eventually deploy as civilians to joint missions in a post-conflict setting. The first phase of the training covered an introduction to pre-deployment, while the second (ongoing) phase envisages two face-to-face trainings on peacekeeping mission start-up and mission mandate implementation. The second phase also includes two simulations – the first of which, on peacekeeping logistics, was held in January 2019 at the UN Logistics Base (UNLB)/ UN Global Service Centre (UNGSC) in Brindisi, Italy. Finally, to ensure long-term sustainability and learning retention, UNITAR will also conduct a training of trainers (ToT) for selected Task Force members.

UNITAR is also working on weapon and ammunition management (WAM), supporting the U.N. Department of Peace Operations (DPO) and the Office of Disarmament Affairs (ODA) in building capacities of Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) practitioners in the field to safely and securely manage weapons and ammunition in a range of DDR contexts. The collaboration – the third phase of which started in March 2019 - has been developed in the framework of a joint DPO/ODA project aimed at enhancing the coherence and effectiveness of peace operations through better integration of arms regulation principles and practices. To achieve this, a blended training course (online and face-to-face) is being developed with the specific aim of strengthening capacities on the ground. The course is focused on the design and implementation of effective and tailored disarmament and WAM operations that are guided by relevant, globally accepted standards, and that are consistent with commitments of host Governments. The first training will be held at the UN Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC) facilities in Lomé, Togo in summer 2019.

These projects are some of the highlights from the past few months, and they provide only a brief snapshot of the whole UNITAR peace portfolio, which continues its qualitative growth. Mid-2019 will see the consolidation of the outlined activities together with major developments in other areas, particularly regarding supporting marginalized populations – youth, women and displaced persons – in conflict-affected and fragile settings.