Unarmed Civilian Peacekeeping
Unarmed Civilian Peacekeeping (UCP) involves the use of trained peace professionals who use the principles of nonviolence to provide direct physical protection to civilians in a variety of contexts. Some of the strategies used include protective accompaniment, creation of safe spaces, proactive presencing, interpositioning, monitoring and reporting, and relationship building.
Learn the Skills of UCP
This course explores:
- Interpersonal communication skills, including active listening and mediation.
- Theory and practice of nonviolence and nonviolent action.
- Conflict analysis, security analysis.
- De-escalation techniques, being an active bystander.
- Building relationships in polarized contexts.
Register for our upcoming course in May 2023!
Prerequisites
The course will be delivered in English, making proficiency in English a requirement. One year of post-secondary studies, or a minimum age of 21 years is recommended.
What will I do once I complete the course?
This citation in UCP will enable you to apply for volunteer and paid positions with organizations that specifically hire unarmed civilian peacekeeping personnel.
Additionally, this course is helpful for anyone seeking employment in international humanitarian work, as it prepares students with the skills of cultural awareness, communication and violence de-escalation.
Questions? Contact Mir Centre for Peace Chair and Peace and Justice Studies Instructor Jennie Barron.
Background
Since 2017, Selkirk College has offered UCP training in collaboration with Nonviolent Peaceforce, a major global organization that employs UCP strategies in several areas, including the Philippines, South Sudan, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Iraq.
In 2019, Selkirk's UCP course was offered concurrently in Nelson and in Burundi (Central Africa). In the fall of 2022, we hired instructors in Burundi—including graduates of our previous trainings—to deliver a follow-up course to participants who are now acting as trainers, spreading the skills of UCP across Burundi and beyond.
Parfaite Ntahuba, Unarmed Civilian Peacekeeping Grad
A project coordinator in Burundi, Parfaite Ntahuba shares her narrative report on bringing unarmed civilian peacekeeping to her community of Bujumbura, Burundi. There, she works with the Quaker Peace Network. Read this for a deeper understanding...
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Check out the UCP Database for more on UCP around the world.
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Unarmed Civilian Peacekeeping
Check out the UCP Database for an interactive map and more on UCP around the world.
Program At-A-Glance
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