Short Courses in SSR related subjects in Europe

Integrated DDR training group

The integrated DDR training group was established in July 2006 as a result of the increasing need for highly qualified DDR practitioners. Its purpose is to develop and deliver training courses in line with the UN Integrated DDR Standards. Various aspects of DDR are addressed in these courses, taking place across the globe, each organised by one or two of the group’s members: African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD); The Bonn International Center for Conversion (BICC); The Center for European Security Studies (CESS); GTZ Kenya Office Peace Support Training Centre (PSTC); Norwegian Defence Educational Command; Peaceworkers UK; Pearson Peacekeeping Center; Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna; Swedish National Defense College (SNDC); Center for International Peace Operations (ZIF). Each course is separate, with different eligibility requirements and admission procedures. Details of forthcoming courses can be found here.

The Folke Bernadotte Academy

The Folke Bernadotte Academy is a Swedish government agency dedicated to improving the quality and effectiveness of international conflict and crisis management, with a particular focus on peace operations. The Academy functions as a platform for cooperation between Swedish agencies and organizations and their international partners.

Forthcoming courses:

• Course on Security Sector Reform
  22-26 September 2008

In this course, which recently has been developed by the Folke Bernadotte Academy, the participants will acquire an understanding of the definitions of SSR and how the concept has developed. The guiding principles of SSR will be explored as well as concepts for how to develop an integrated approach to SSR in peace operations. The specific challenges and opportunities arising in post-conflict situations will be analysed bearing in mind the importance of sustainability. The participants will gain insight in several of the key areas of SSR and specific program design, yet remaining aware of the holistic approach needed in security sector. Participants will be provided with necessary theoretical knowledge by academic lecturers and experienced practitioners. Case studies, interaction between the participants and exchange of experience are also important parts of the course.

• Senior and Middle Management Course on DDR

  8-19 September 2008

In regions of violent conflict, and/or serious political and social crisis, a successful transition between conflict and peace is often dependent on the creation of a climate of confidence and security, which paves the way for a range of peace building and recovery activities. The process of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) is an output of conflict resolution and a facilitator of peace building. The aim of the course is to give the participants a comprehensive view on DDR. The course will combine experiences from different DDR programmes with theoretical views on the subject. The course is compliant with recently established UN Integrated DDR Standards (IDDRS).

For a catalogue of courses offered, please click here.

Austrian Study Center for Peace and
Conflict Resolution (ASPR)

ASPR aims to contribute to the promotion of peace and peaceful conflict resolution and to the dissemination of practical ideas for peace, including its developmental and environmental aspects. ASPR conducts and evaluates research in line with its objectives, engages in training and education, and conducts scientific courses.

KOFF - Center for Peacebuilding

The Center for Peacebuilding was founded at swisspeace in March 2001 by the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs and several NGOs. It aims to ensure that Swiss peace policy remains consistent in theory and practice by providing analyses, advice and training to all relevant Swiss actors, governmental and non-governmental, and through the promotion of networking.

International Human Rights Network

The International Human Rights Network is a non-governmental organisation supporting others in applying Human Rights Based Approaches in their work since 1996. Support is provided to states, inter-governmental organisations such as UN agencies and regional organisations, NGOs and other civil society organisations as well as the private sector.