(17th November 2025 – Accra, Ghana) – The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), in partnership with the Government of Switzerland, has commenced the Protection of Civilians Course (POC 25–2). This two-week training initiative brings together 29 participants—14 women and 15 men—from 15 countries worldwide, aiming to strengthen global peacekeeping capacity.
Sponsored by the Government of Switzerland, the programme equips participants with the knowledge and skills required for the effective implementation of Protection of Civilians (POC) mandates in peacekeeping operations, contributing to the mitigation of conflict impacts on civilian populations.
At the opening ceremony, the Acting Commandant of the KAIPTC, Air Commodore David Anetey Akrong, underscored the urgent need for enhanced civilian protection in modern conflict environments. He highlighted that millions of civilians continue to suffer from forced displacement, hostage-taking, rape, torture, extrajudicial executions, and massacres during conflicts. “While classical warfare between states, as seen in Ukraine, persists, non-international armed conflicts involving state forces and non-state armed groups remain predominant, often resulting in severe violations of international humanitarian law, human rights law, and refugee law,” Air Commodore David Anetey Akrong said.
He emphasized that a central goal of the POC course is to enhance participants’ capacity to implement POC mandates effectively, thereby reducing the impact of conflict on civilian populations.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Ambassador of Switzerland to Ghana, Her Excellency Simone Giger, highlighted that civilian protection has become a critical component of contemporary peacekeeping mandates. She reaffirmed Switzerland’s strong commitment to upholding international humanitarian and human rights law. Drawing on Switzerland’s historical role in humanitarian action, she recalled that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) was founded in 1863 in Geneva, with Henry Dunant among its founders. His advocacy for improved care for wounded soldiers led to the creation of the ICRC and, eventually, the adoption of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their protocols—cornerstones of civilian protection in armed conflict.
Her Excellency Giger added that investing in capacity building ensures that trained personnel act as multipliers, enhancing the effectiveness of peace operations.
“Our sponsorship of this course is an investment in that multiplier—in your knowledge, your judgment, and your ability to protect civilians in complex missions,” she said.
Her Excellency Simone Giger encouraged participants to use the opportunity to sharpen their skills, strengthen their networks, and uphold the standards and values that make peace operations credible and humane.
“On behalf of Switzerland, I wish you a productive course, stimulating discussions, and practical lessons you can carry into the field. I look forward to seeing the difference you will make,” she concluded.