Protecting the rights of armed forces personnel

At the 14th Seminar for Legal Advisors of the Armed Forces in Galway, hosted by the International Society for Military Law and the Law of War, DCAF shared insights on the economic and social rights of conscripts and armed forces personnel. Findings from our comparative research highlighted legal and practical gaps in access to basic needs, trust in complaints mechanisms, and awareness of protection. The discussion underscored the importance of monitoring, training, and inclusive reporting to safeguard the rights of those serving in the armed forces.

Supporting inclusive reintegration of veterans in Ukraine

In partnership with the NGO Horizon of Changes, DCAF held a workshop on advocacy for civil society organizations working with women and LGBTQI+ veterans. Participants explored how to better represent their communities through effective advocacy campaigns, with insights from experts including Lyubov Galan, Head of the human rights center “Principle”, and Inna Sovsun, Member of Parliament. This initiative, part of the project “Building diverse and inclusive reintegration policies and practices for veterans in Ukraine,” strengthens the capacity of CSOs to promote inclusive policies and support lasting reintegration.

Strengthening security governance in Moldova

In Chisinau, DCAF convened a series of events under its “Strengthening security sector governance in Moldova” project. Highlights included a conference on judicial control of special investigative measures with over 70 participants from Moldova and abroad, workshops supporting the institutional development of the platform for security and defence initiatives and the Women Police Association, and a civil society discussion on the draft law on national security. These initiatives reinforce transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance in Moldova’s security sector.

Advancing gender equality reform in North Macedonia

DCAF’s Deputy Director Béatrice Godefroy visited North Macedonia and delivered a keynote at the ceremony launching the Gender Self-Assessment Report and Gender Action Plan, commending national efforts to advance the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

She also met with the President of North Macedonia, the Ministry of Defence, Parliament representatives, the Academy of Judges and Public Prosecutors, as well as civil society and the media. These exchanges reinforced joint efforts to promote inclusive governance and security sector reform.

Launching police reform in Zambia

DCAF officially launched a 36-month police reform project in Zambia, implemented with SACCORD and funded by Sida. The initiative supports the Zambia Police Service in building a more accountable, people-centered, and human rights-based policing model. At the launch, the Inspector General emphasized the need for restraint, transparency, and professionalism, especially in managing public assemblies and electoral environments.