An Introduction to the UN System
Students gain a solid introductory foundation in the workings and structure of the UN and UN initiatives to support peace. Topics include the task and mission organisation, the principal organs of the UN, the UN's role in maintaining peace and security, the UN's role in the fields of development and related humanitarian actions, the environments, principles of duties and responsibilities, safety and security, the available tools, and the institutional partners involved in peacekeeping. Nine lessons, 164 pages.
Commanding United Nations Peacekeeping Operations
This course was designed for military, police, and civilian students who may find themselves in leadership positions in peacekeeping operations, or for those wishing to understand the issues associated with commanding peacekeeping operations. It is useful for participants at the strategic, operational, or tactical level, and for senior and junior leaders on peacekeeping operations. Topics include UN Organs and Agencies, the Development of Peacekeeping Operations, the UN Charter, Definitions of Peacekeeping, Status of Forces, the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations, Peacekeeping Doctrine, UN Police, Selection and Preparation of Leadership, Regional Organisations, Sustainability and Logistical Support Requirements, MOUs, Contingent-Owned Equipment, Command and Control, Civil-Military Coordination, NGOs, Security, SOPs, National Contingents, Tactical Techniques for Military Commanders, Observation Posts, Patrols, Checkpoints, Convoy Escorts, Rules of Engagement, Code of Conduct, List of Acronyms, and other support material. Ten lessons, 260 pages.
The Conduct of Humanitarian Relief Operations
Students learn how humanitarian relief is provided to refugees and victims of war and natural disasters. Topics include a history of humanitarian relief, the development of humanitarian action in the 20th century, international humanitarian organizations, specialized government structures, NGOs, the Red Cross, principles of intervention, respect for at-risk populations including women and children, international humanitarian law, management of humanitarian emergencies, population security and safety, managing a refugee camp, community health care in humanitarian intervention, control of communicable diseases and epidemics, relief convoys, shelter, distribution of food aid, water management, collective sanitation, sustainable solutions to humanitarian crises, freely consented repatriation, asylum, conducting elections, establishment of civil institutions, the humanitarian charter, minimum standards for disaster relief, code of conduct in rescue and disaster situations. Directory of humanitarian-related internet sites. Eleven lessons, 208 pages.
This course, new for 2006, provides a basic overview and creates an understanding of the Ethics in Peacekeeping. Through the use of case studies and practical examples, this compilation aims to serve as a guideline for peacekeepers in the field and provides some perspectives concerning the major aspects of modern-day peacekeeping from an ethical point of view. Topics include: the Code of Conduct; Cultural Awareness; Gender and Peacekeeping; SEA and Human Trafficking; Child Protection; Human Rights; HIV/AIDS Awareness; and UN Guidelines and Procedures on Discipline for Uniformed Peacekeepers. Eight lessons, 132 pages.
Civil-Military Coordination (CIMIC)
Civil-military coordination provides the interface between the military component of a UN peace operation and the political, humanitarian, developmental, human rights and rule of law components of the mission, as well as others in the larger peacebuilding system. CIMIC is a crucial function in any complex peace operation because it is a 'force-multiplier' that contributes to the mission achieving a system-wide impact on the conflict system it is attempting to transform. While aimed at UN CIMIC officers, all military and civilian students will find this course useful as it will improve their understanding of the institutional cooperation that needs to occur between mission components, and between the mission and the rest of the system, in order to ensure a sustainable peace process. The focus of the course is on principles, policies and broad approaches and provides examples of CIMIC structures and operations from a number of UN and African missions. Seven lessons, 216 pages.
First released in early 2001, and revised following the events of September 11, 2001, this course provides a comprehensive knowledge of the terrorism phenomenon throughout history, culminating in the present threat posed by transnational terrorism. Its scope is the widest possible and includes transnational, international and domestic terrorism; terrorist groups; lone terrorists; different forms of historical terrorism; tactics and strategies such as kill-zones and choke-points; logistics; the terrorist armoury of weapons and their effects; sponsorship, including political and religious support; terrorism in the context of guerrilla warfare, criminal assault, and acts of war; the terrorism-media relationship; anti- and counter-terrorism; and the systematic eradication of terrorism vis à vis emergency suppression. Motives, victims, targets and types of leadership are also among the many topics covered in this richly illustrated course, and a broad range of nineteen relevant annexes includes a catalogue of major attacks spanning many years; a glossary of related terrorism, police, security and intelligence terms; and a brief profile-table of several hundred terrorist groups. Major case studies and historical terrorist attack briefs are also included in the course material, which was mentioned by the UN Secretary-General in his report (UN GA Report A/55/179) to 185 Ambassadors at the UN General Assembly as one of the training measures to suppress terrorism. Twelve lessons, 552 pages.
International Humanitarian Law and the Law of Armed Conflict
This high-level course covers International Humanitarian Law
as applied to soldiers, humanitarian workers, refugees,
displaced persons, and others involved with armed conflict.
Topics include background and definitions, protection of
victims, rights of prisoners of war, rules of conduct in
hostilities, means of implementation, human rights and IHL,
applicability of IHL to peacekeeping and peace enforcement,
different applications to international and intra-national
conflicts, terrorism, sovereignty, and the role of the
International Red Cross in International Humanitarian Law.
Written at a higher level than other UNITAR POCI courses,
this course deals with complex legal and military issues.
Eight lessons, 166 pages.
Logistical Support to UN Peacekeeping Operations
Introduces students to logistics operations in United Nations peace operations. This basic course gives the background and rationale behind United Nations Peacekeeping logistics, the strategy employed in the field and at Headquarters, introduces the mission life-cycle, explains how financial support is gained, and introduces the different components that make up integrated logistics support in a field mission. Eight lessons, 236 pages.
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Operational Logistical Support
Provides the student with a background in intermediate-level topics of United Nations Operational Logistics. Topics include an overview of UN operational logistics, command and control, planning, supply, engineering support, fire protection, environmental measures, transportation, aviation and air services, maintenance, medical aspects of logistical support, communications, postal and courier services. Ten lessons, 174 pages.
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Mine Action: Humanitarian Impact, Technical Aspects, and Global Initiatives
The global problem of landmines and how international organisations approach the problem. Topics include The Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty (Ottawa MBT); mine action guidelines for ceasefires and peace agreements; landmine and UXO safety training; identifying landmines and UXOs; International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and guidelines for application; victim assistance; mine risk education; UNICEF mine action strategy; mine information; mine action assessment; and electronic mine action network. Seven lessons, 272 pages.
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Peacekeeping and International Conflict Resolution
The overall aim of this course is to provide the student with a basic understanding of the field of Conflict Resolution and its application, both theoretically and practically, to peacekeeping intervention in contemporary international conflicts. Topics include the nature of conflict, key concepts of conflict resolution, contemporary conflict dynamics, conflict mapping, early warning and conflict prevention, peacekeeping and conflict resolution in war zones, peace settlements and post-conflict peace building, the role of culture in conflict resolution, and gender issues. Includes lesson exercises and participation in the UNITAR POCI on-line message board. Ten lessons, 216 pages.
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Principles of Peace Support Operations
Students learn the operational applications and political implications of the full range of Peace Support Operations in today's complex environment. Conceptual approaches, principles, operational techniques, peacekeeping, peace enforcement, peace support, combat, the promotion of consent, C3, techniques and planning for peace operations. Seven lessons, 172 pages.
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Security Measures for United Nations Peacekeepers
Prepares military and civilian personnel for inevitable security problems on any UN mission. Topics include security defined, security in UN missions, security in the mandate, HQ security, bases, checkpoints, vehicles, communications, weapons, defence, diplomatic and envoy status, assault, rape, hostage-taking, terrorist bombing, ambushes, blackmail. Includes case studies, glossary, field extracts, statistics of death, injury and hostage taking in UN missions, list of useful security and related publications, list of related internet sites. Ten lessons, 224 pages.
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United Nations Military Observers
This course, new for
2006, will assist in training Military Observers by
enhancing the general understanding of peacekeeping and by
providing specific knowledge of methods and techniques for
serving on a United Nations mission. Beginning with a
strategic overview of the United Nations organisation, the
course moves through the operational spectrum of the
Department of Peacekeeping Operations and ends at the
tactical level of "on the ground" knowledge and skills
required for an individual MILOB to succeed. Thirteen
lessons, 254 pages.
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United Nations Police: Restoring Civil Order Following
Hostilities
This course familiarises
the student with the roles and duties of UN Police in
restoring civil order following hostilities. Topics include
the UN and the UN Charter, a History of UNPOL Operations,
Privileges and Responsibilities, Staff Duties, Reporting,
Liaison, Negotiation, Mediation, the Use of Interpreters,
Administrative Matters, Logistics, Security and Safety,
Hijacking, Detainment, Mines, Sniper Fire, First Aid,
Communications, Radio Procedures, Driving, and various
reference materials. Nine lessons, 186 pages.

