This week, DCAF and the German Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces hosted a preparatory meeting for the 16th International Conference of Ombuds Institutions for the Armed Forces (ICOAF). Created by DCAF in 2009, the annual conference gathers together representatives of ombuds institutions for the armed forces from around the world to share lessons learned and establish best practices related to the mandate, powers, and functioning of these institutions. To date, representatives of ombuds institutions of over 50 states have participated in the ICOAF initiative. This year’s meeting will take place in Berlin in October.
18 Apr 2024DCAF’s team in Banjul recently met with the newly appointed Inspector General of The Gambia Police Force, IGP Seedy M. Touray. They briefed him on the achievements of our recently concluded EU-Funded reform project with the national Police. These include the creation of a new policing doctrine with associated policies procedures, training in various aspects of policing, support to internal and external oversight mechanisms, and the creation of a database of laws and policies governing security institutions the country. The IGP and the senior management were also briefed on DCAF’s follow-on EU Funded project, 'SSR project for improved security, migration and border management'.
17 Apr 2024Last week, DCAF’s Director Ambassador Nathalie Chuard was in Basel for the 3rd annual International Cooperation Forum. Organized by the Swiss Government, it welcomed some 1,700 people from over 100 countries and the worlds of politics, business, research, philanthropy, and community activism. Peace was the theme of this year's event. In a panel discussion on the future of UN peacekeeping, our Director underlined the critical importance of taking an inclusive, people-centered approach to creating a sustainable peace. More than a new template, said Ambassador Chuard, we need a change of mindset.
15 Apr 2024The recent DCAF-organized Balkan Cybersecurity Days featured a panel on how to reshape cybersecurity education, develop new talent, and the prevent cybercrime among youth. Panelists underscored the importance of paving new career paths in the field, actively cultivating interest among youth, and providing practical training to develop their expertise. The panel emphasized that coordination at the regional level is necessary to develop a skilled cybersecurity workforce that can fight ever evolving cyber threats that cross borders. DCAF's work in cybersecurity in the Western Balkans is possible thanks to the generosity of the UK government.
11 Apr 2024Over the last few months, a wide range of civil society organizations from Kasai, Ituri, and Equateur in the Democratic Republic of Congo gathered to assess the progress of police reform initiatives in their areas. Participants noted the construction of new local police stations and the implementation of community policing. Among the problems identified were limited training for officers and substandard equipment, and the need to continue improving police-population relations. The workshops were organized with the support of DCAF as part of our contribution to phase three of the EU-funded Police Reform Support Program.
10 Apr 2024