Protection of children in peace support operations should be considered a key factor for the future of each country, otherwise, children and humanity in general are in danger.

This was said Monday by Methode Ruzindana, Director of Research and Training at Rwanda Peace Academy, while opening a two-week regional training-of-trainers course on child protection.

The course aims to equip trainers in child protection in Eastern African Standby Force (EASF) member states with appropriate knowledge and skills to conduct training on child rights, monitor and report rights violation in a conflict environment as well as engage in dialogue with parties.

Ruzindana said the course was important and timely.

"In most cases, children are killed, sexually abused and denied opportunities for their development. They lack protection, are denied their basic rights and are not allowed to realise their full potential,” he said

The training was organised by Rwanda Peace Academy in partnership with Save the Children International and EASF.

He said the training was designed in a very integrated manner by including participants from all components of peace operations, namely civilian, military and police.

The course attracted over 20 participants from nine countries, including Burundi, Comoros, Djibuti, Kenya, Somalia, Seychelles, Sudan, Uganda and Rwanda.

Col. Peter Kalimba, Head of Administration at EASF, said it was everyone’s responsibility to ensure that every child is protected from violence, sexual abuse, exploitation and neglect.

He said it takes concerted efforts from all members of society to build a protective environment around children"The diversity of participants is a demonstration of how child protection is indeed the responsibility of a dedicated society and participants will benefit immensely from sharing with each other their knowledge and experience,” said Kalimba.

He added that the trainees were being prepared for future peace support operations.

Participants said it was a great opportunity to attend the course as it would boost their skills and help them in future assignments.

"We are going to learn a lot and take the knowledge back home and give advice to help children facing challenges and abuse in armed conflicts,” said Captain Louise Margret, a participant from Seychelles.

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