DCAF was in Uzhgorod recently conducting consultations on intelligence sector reform with international experts and security actors to advance key reforms that will shape Ukraine's policies and practices. At the invitation of the NATO Building Integrity team, we also participated in a conference focused how to take a structured, collaborative approach to embedding integrity, transparency and accountability in defence and security institutions. DCAF is supporting the Ukraine with a wide variety of good security governance initiatives, including training soldiers on International Humanitarian Law in combat, and advising Parliamentarians on legislation for effective oversight of armed forces.
17 Oct 2024DCAF is close to home this week with partners and other international organizations at Geneva Peace Week, sharing knowledge and discussing the challenges of making and building peace. We are pleased to be contributing to several events, including panels about trust and reconciliation in Somalia, the role of local actors as peace influencers in Yemen, Libya and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, and potential new models for UN peace missions. But it is not over yet – there are still panels and workshops, special events, art exhibitions, a movie screening and more. Check the programme – in person and virtual - here and join in the conversation: What is peace?
16 Oct 2024Last week, DCAF’s Director Nathalie Chuard (centre) welcomed team members from the Sahel who are part of our internal Gender Focal Points network. DCAF has a commitment to ensure that all our projects take gender equality into account from the planning stage on through to completion and evaluation. The gender focal points shared their experiences implementing gender equality in projects in their country contexts, and passed on lessons learned to inform our overall approach. Such exchanges are part of our continuous learning and development at both headquarters and across our 15 country offices.
14 Oct 2024We were thrilled to bring together more than 100 representatives from 40+ countries in Berlin to share experiences and foster cooperation among ombuds institutions. Discussion at the 16th annual International Conference of Ombuds Institutions for the Armed Forces looked at pre- and post-deployment support, the integration of women in the armed forces, and the transition to civilian life, as well as mental health challenges faced by veterans, with a focus on post-traumatic stress disorder. The event was possible thanks to the generous support and hospitality of the Government of Germany.
10 Oct 2024In Madrid, DCAF brought together key stakeholders of our Elsie Initiative - a multi-stakeholder project designed to increase the meaningful participation of women in United Nations peacekeeping operations. Participants from South Africa, Senegal, Bangladesh, Uruguay, and Jordan discussed what strategies are effective, for whom, and under what conditions. They were trained in outcome harvesting and the change story methodology, empowering them to effectively track and document the progress and impact of the Initiative in their countries. The Elsie Initiative is generously funded by the Government of Canada.
09 Oct 2024