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Armed Conflict: Protection Of Civilians A Fundamental Principle Of International Law – Envoy

Published

4 months ago

July 15, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

The Ambassador of Japan to Nigeria, His Excellency Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, has said the protection of civilians is a fundamental principle of international law.

The Ambassador stated thus at the graduation of Participants of Comprehensive Protection of Civilians Course 37/24, organised by the Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme UNDP and the Government of Japan in Abuja.

The envoy who was represented by the Head of Mission, Hiromi Otsuki, said that civilians, especially women and children, are often the most vulnerable victims of armed conflict, often forced to flee their homes, lose loved ones, and face constant threat of violence.

According to him, Japan had been committed to peace and stability in Africa by providing assistance including human resource development, border control support, and assistance for building judicial and administrative systems.

This he said is for the purpose of the consolidation of democracy and strengthening of the rule of law.

“Japan’s commitment to civilian protection is reflected in our financial support for UN peacekeeping operations and other initiatives aimed at protecting civilians.

“We also provide training and capacity-building assistance for countries particularly in post-conflict situations.

“The skills and knowledge that you have gained in this course will be essential as you work to protect civilians in your respective postings and I ask you to continue to develop your skills and knowledge in the area of civilian protection,’’ the Ambassador said.

Member Board of Trustees MLAILPKC, Major General Obidah Ethan(Rtd.) in his remarks said that protecting civilians was not just a moral imperative, but a collective responsibility that required courage and determination.

“It demands that we put the needs of others before our own and that we stand firm in the face of adversity.

“This is a reminder that only through collective and collaborative action and empathy can we strive towards a world where every voice is heard, respected, and protected.

“The overall objective of the CPOC is to develop human capacity to handle challenges that arises in the Protection of Civilians in conflict zones.

“This Course is aimed at equipping participants with knowledge, skills and attitudes required for the performance of CPOC functions in an integrated peace operations environment,’’ he stated.

He therefore urged the participants to impact the knowledge gained from the course in their various formations, units and organisations as well as bring their expertise to bear when called upon to serve in any capacity.

Maj-Gen Ethan strongly urged the participants to give a good account of themselves and apply themselves professionally in the field, bring pride and glory to your organization and the country with every sense of responsibility when the need arises.

“You are the frontline defenders who will shield civilians from the ravages of conflict, prioritize their safety, security, and champion the promotion of human rights as well as dignity in the most challenging of environments.

“Please remember that your role is crucial in upholding the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and dignity, even in the face of adversity,’’ he admonished.

The Commandant of the Centre, Maj.-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, restated that their expertise was crucial in a world where conflicts and violence has continuously affected the innocent, vulnerable and persons living with disability.

Adedoja said the training recieved was fashioned in line with this Centre of Excellence Mission Statement which is “to deliver realistic training to potential peacekeepers for the multidimensional challenges contemporary peace support operations”.

“You have learned the importance of humanitarian principles, international laws, Causes and Nature of Conflicts in Africa, United Nations Legal Policy Frameworks on Protection of Civilians, Mission Life Cycle and Integrated Assessment Planning.

“You have also learned about Tactical Decision-making process, Mission Analysis and coordination with various stakeholders to ensure the safety of those affected by Conflicts.

“As certified UN-CPOC experts, you are now better equipped to navigate the full spectrum of peacekeeping operations, coordinating, communicating and leading in the pursuit of peace, stability and ultimately ensuring protection of civilians,’’ he said.

The commandant commended the Government of Japan and the UNDP for their enormous commitment towards the successful hosting of the course.

Thr two weeks course had participants drawn from five African countries including Liberia, Cameroon, Guinea Bissau, Ghana and Nigeria of the Police, Paramilitary, Armed Forces, Civil Society Organisations.

News

NECO accredits more foreign schools for SSCE, BECE

Published

3 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has given accreditation to more foreign schools to write the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).

The Acting Director, Information and Public Relations, Mr. Azeez Sani, disclosed this in a statement.

The newly accredited schools are in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea.

“NECO Accreditation Team visited the Schools to assess their readiness to write the SSCE and BECE.

“The Accreditation Team inspected classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer laboratories, workshops, examination halls and sport facilities to determine their adequacy and suitability for NECO Examinations.

“After a thorough evaluation and comprehensive assessment, the schools were granted full SSCE and full BECE accreditation status,” the statement said.

The statement added that the accreditation of additional foreign schools is a testament to NECO’s commitment to providing quality education and assessment beyond the shores of Nigeria.

“With its expanding global presence, NECO is poised to become a leading examination body in Africa, offering opportunities for students worldwide to benefits from its expertise, thus contributing to the advancement of education in Africa and beyond.”

In another development, the statement disclosed that candidates are participating in the on-going NECO SSCE External in Diffa, Niger Republic.

“The UNHCR School, Diffa, Niger Republic is the first NECO SSCE External Centre outside Nigeria.”

NECO examinations are now written by candidates in Benin Republic, Togo, Cote’ d’Ivoire, Niger Republic, Equatorial Guinea and Saudi Arabia.

News

Guardiola suffers worst defeat of career as Tottenham hammer Man City 4-0

Published

3 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, suffered the worst defeat of his managerial career as they lost 4-0 to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday night.

The Premier League champions were already on a run of four consecutive defeats ahead of the visit of the North London side.

James Maddison scored twice in the first half to set Spurs on their way to a sensational win.

Pedro Porro drilled in a third, before Brennan Johnson got on the scoresheet late in the game.

The result leaves City in second place with 23 points. They could go eight points behind Liverpool by the end of this Game Week.

Guardiola takes his men to Anfield next weekend.

News

FUOYE Re-Marks Exam Papers of Student Failed By Lecturer Over Sex-for-Grade Scandal, Secures Justice

Published

3 hours ago

November 24, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, has cleared a female student, Ramota Olahanloye, to graduate following the re-marking of her final-year examination scripts.

Olahanloye had alleged that a lecturer, Dr. Anthony Agbegbedia, demanded sexual favours from her, and when she declined, he deliberately failed her in two final-year courses.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser on Media to the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Wole Balogun, the university confirmed that Olahanloye’s allegations were investigated, and her scripts were re-marked.

“The young lady’s scripts were re-marked, and she performed fairly better than the scores initially awarded by Dr. Anthony Agbegbedia,” the statement read.

According to Balogun, the university management approved Olahanloye’s revised results, which qualified her for graduation.

“The university management has given executive approval for her results to be processed. She has since commenced her final clearance from relevant units of the university,” the statement added.

Balogun also disclosed that Agbegbedia had been sanctioned by the institution for his misconduct.

Olahanloye expressed her joy over the resolution of the case, saying, “I am happy that I have gotten justice, and I really appreciate the university Vice-Chancellor for setting up the committee that investigated the matter.

“I was shown my entire results, including the graduation list with my name on it. I have started my clearance as a graduating student of the university, and I am truly happy.”

Her father, Rasaki Olahanloye, also lauded the university for its commitment to justice.

“I can confirm to the world that FUOYE has served justice to my daughter. I was shown her upgraded results after her scripts were re-marked, and it is clear that she passed.

“The university fulfilled its promise to ensure fairness, and I appreciate the VC, Prof. Sunday Fasina, and the committee members for ensuring my daughter gets justice,” he said.