SIBIU, Romania – NATO's approach to the protection of civilians and children as well as armed conflict are being discussed in depth at the NATO-led Human Security in Operations training event currently underway at the Land Forces Academy in Sibiu, Romania.
“NATO is committed to the protection of civilians in its planning and conduct of operations, missions and other North Atlantic Council mandated activities,” said Miss Marianna Tonutti Stabilisation Advisor, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE). “NATO recognises that all feasible measures must be taken to avoid, minimise and mitigate harm to civilians. This week we will look at selected operational scenarios, and work through the implementation of tried and tested procedures to reinforce our knowledge of such measures. We have global experts here this week and already the feedback is hugely positive.”
NATO's approach to the protection of civilians and children as well as armed conflict are being discussed in depth at the NATO-led Human Security in Operations training event currently underway at the Land Forces Academy in Sibiu, Romania. The training event continues until Nov. 10.
The second phase of training examined Children and Armed Conflict. Key speakers discussed the roles of different actors such as UNICEF and Save the Children followed by an update on NATO's commitment to address the situation of children affected by armed conflict at the political, strategic and operational levels.
“We only have to look at the Russian invasion of Ukraine to see the risk and dangers to the civilian populations, but especially for children. NATO is fully committed to the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1612,” said Lieutenant Colonel Francesco Gonzalez, SHAPE Conflict Advisor. “For our training scenarios this week we will look and study the parameters set out by the United Nations Security Council, including on the 'six grave violations'. Such violations are sadly seen in armed conflict but can also be reinforced by poor values, corrupt criminal systems and complete disregard for human life. This is not how NATO conducts deter and defend operations,” he added.
This conference and training event solidifies a great deal of work and preparation from both NATO’s Allied Land Command (LANDCOM) and SHAPE staffs. “NATO is all about people, and Human Security in Operations is a fundamental requirement that must be reflected in all our activities undertaken by civil and military staff in NATO,” stated Mrs Sera Gaeta, Branch Head Civil Military Co-operation SHAPE. “I know how vital these topics are and will be essential in further developing our staffing processes and procedures. I am also particular grateful to Romania through the Headquarters Multinational Corps South-East for hosting this event, and to LANDCOM as the main sponsor.”