In Riobamba, Ecuador, we recently brought together police officers from Ecuador and Peru to work together on models for the use of police force. This training was based on DCAF's framework to ensure good governance over the use of force, which aims to help officers balance security needs with respect for human rights and rule of law. The seminar was held alongside the ‘International Course of Specialisation in the Use of Force’, led by the National Police of Ecuador. Participants discussed how to tailor standard ‘use of force’ models to specific institutions and contexts, with a focus on the preservation of life through the use of non-lethal techniques and technologies.
20 Dec 2024As part of our Security and Media Programme in Latin America, we supported the recent exchange of experiences between the Ombudsman's Offices of Colombia and its counterpart in Paraguay. The two offices discussed proposals for ways in which they could help address the challenges faced by human rights defenders (HRDs) and social leaders in Latin America – two groups that are key in ensuring effective oversight of security sector actors. Among the ideas were to create working groups on prevention, protection and the formulation of institutional strategies based on the Colombian experience and Inter-American standards.
19 Dec 2024Last week we were in the Democratic Republic of Congo to support our partner Observatoire Gouvernance et Paix in a workshop on how natural resource governance and civil society consultations must be reflected in regional peace processes. We brought together civil society groups working on conflict resolution, mediation, and disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration; and stakeholders working on security and human rights challenges related to natural resource extraction. Together they identified concrete actions to helps ensure inclusivity in local conflict resolution processes.
18 Dec 2024Last week we were honoured to host our annual meeting with representatives from the French Ministries of Europe and Foreign Affairs and of the Armed Forces, as well as the Ambassador to the Conference on Disarmament, France's representative on DCAF's Foundation Council. As one of the founding members of DCAF in 2000, France has been a steadfast partner of our organization, and a commited supporter of good security sector governance at the national and international levels. At the meeting last week, we took stock of the projects currently supported by France and discussed prospects for cooperation in 2025 and beyond
11 Dec 2024Last month, DCAF organized a workshop with key stakeholders from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to reflect on lessons learned in our SSG/R projects there, and discuss DCAF’s future engagement in the region. Through these discussions and exchanges, participants reflected on SSG/R initiatives in the context of the fast-evolving political situation in the Sahel. They brainstormed about how DCAF could further leverage partnerships with local organizations to continue to add value to establishing and maintaining peace and security in the region. DCAF has been supporting SSG/R processes in the Sahel countries for many years with the generous support of Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and other donors.
09 Dec 2024