We 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 2024Recently DCAF and representatives of the National Police of Colombia travelled to Quito to meet with members of the National Police of Ecuador as part of the South-South Cooperation component of our Media and Police Regional Programme. Senior Ecuadorean police officers and 50 students from the General Alberto Enríquez Gallo School of Policing discussed with their Colombian counterparts how to protect and promote freedom of expression and human rights. The regional media programme is possible thanks to the generous support of the German Foreign Office and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Ecuador.
07 Oct 2024Our Director Nathalie Chuard (left) was in Berlin to meet with Anka Feldhusen, Director for Crisis Prevention and Stabilisation in Germany’s Directorate-General for Crisis Prevention, Stabilisation, Peacebuilding and Humanitarian Assistance. It’s always a great day when we get to meet with one of our long-standing strategic partners to talk about our current projects, and look ahead to new ideas on how we can continue to collaborate and help build the foundations for peace and sustainable development through SSG/R. Germany is a founding member of DCAF’s Foundation Council and a core contributor to the Trust Fund for North Africa, the International Conference of Ombuds Institutions for the Armed Forces (ICOAF), and our International Security Sector Advisory Team.
03 Oct 2024Thank you to the International Organization of La Francophonie for hosting us and an interactive workshop on the role of defense and security actors in responding to the challenges generated by climate change and environmental degradation. In many fragile and conflict-affected states especially, climate change endangers efforts to secure peace and security while deepening inequalities. We research ways in which the security sector can help manage the societal pressures from the climate crisis, and also how climate change may eventually (re)shape its work and operational environment.
02 Oct 2024