REGISTER NOW
The Permanent Missions of Ireland, Kenya, the Netherlands, and Bangladesh, to the United Nations, with Center for Civilians in Conflict, the United Nations Transitions Team, the Office for the High Commissioner for Human Rights and Civil Society representatives are pleased to invite you to a POC Week 2022 virtual expert-level roundtable on:
Prioritizing Protection of Civilians and Inclusive National Ownership in Peacekeeping Transitions
VIRTUAL ROUNDTABLE EVENT
Tuesday May 24, 2022
Time 8:30-10:00 (EST)/14:30-16:00 (CET)
To strengthen the link between peacekeeping and peacebuilding, the UN Security Council adopted UNSCR 2594 (2021). This resolution mandated UN peace operations to prioritize inclusive national and local ownership, coherent and integrated planning and coordination, and engagement with civil society, including women and youth, among other stakeholders in their drawdown and transition. Led by Ireland, with a range of key stakeholders, UNSCR 2594 (2021) served as a milestone that positioned Protection of Civilians (POC) at the heart of UN transitions. It consolidates lessons of prior UN Mission exits based on an inclusive approach, and stresses that in planning for transitions, peace operations should ensure joint planning with national and local partners includes civil society, prioritizing human rights and protection of civilians.
During this year’s Protection of Civilians Week at the UN, an expert level event will examine practical implementation of UNSCR 2594 (2021), drawing on recent research from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with lessons from Darfur and elsewhere. The roundtable will examine the field realities of how Protection of Civilians is prioritized throughout transition processes, including protection of specific vulnerable groups. Participants will discuss how PoC factors into joint transition benchmarks, operational decisions on base and office closures, and on how risk assessment, early warning and accountability mechanisms are used. Relevant experts, field-based UN staff, and civil society representatives will discuss ongoing efforts to strengthen local and national ownership, engaging communities, and creating civic space and participation channels for civil society in planning for peacekeeping transition, while prioritizing the safety and capacity of local protection partners.
RSVP here by Monday 23 May. Prior registration is required to attend the virtual event. This online event is open to the public. Live English/French interpretation will be available. Please contact jjorgensen@civiliansinconflict.org for additional information.
Agenda
Opening Remarks
H.E Geraldine Byrne Nason, Permanent Representative of Ireland at the United Nations
Moderated Panel Discussion and Q&As
Moderator: Wendy MacClinchy, Director, UN Program, Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC)
Panelists:
Madame Albertine Kungwa Assa, Civil Society Representative and Director, REFTANG network of women’s organizations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Erica Bussey, Deputy Director, Joint Human Rights Office, MONUSCO
Perspectives from UNAMID/UNITAMS (TBC)
Respondents:
Aditi Gorur, Senior Policy Advisor, Permanent Mission of U.S. to the UN
Dirk Druet, Senior Consultant and Protection of Civilians Expert
Closing Remarks
Ambassador Rabab Fatima, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations