ACPST course: Emerging threats to human security in Africa 2015

This course will focus on climate change, electoral violence, terrorism, trafficking in persons and drugs and gender-based violence.

Date: 2015-02-09 to 2015-02-13

Venue: ISS Addis Ababa

Application deadline: 23 January 2015

The African Centre for Peace and Security Training (ACPST) is mandated to enhance the ability of practitioners to make and implement policies that improve human security in Africa primarily through short courses and workshops. The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) created the Centre in 2011 with support from the Geneva Centre for Security Policy.

The ISS is an African organisation which aims to enhance human security on the continent. It does independent and authoritative research, provides expert policy analysis and advice, and delivers practical training and technical assistance. The ISS has staff from 13 African countries working from offices in South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia and Senegal.

Course description: African countries have made significant gains in the face of significant threats to human security on the continent, including warfare and authoritarianism. Unfortunately, the beginning of the 21st Century has coincided with the emergence of new threats that are making it difficult for many countries to reap the dividends from these gains. Climate change, piracy, electoral violence, terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, sexual and gender-based violence and cybercrime are some of these new challenges.

This course will focus on climate change, electoral violence, terrorism, trafficking in persons and drugs and sexual and gender-based violence. It will address the following questions: What is the nature of these threats? How do they threaten human security? What are their causes? How do they relate to each other and to traditional threats? What are some of the cutting edge practical ways of tackling them that are effective, rights-respecting and sustainable over the long run?

Goals: The course will equip participants with knowledge and skills, and facilitate networking to enable policy and behavioural changes that will help reduce the threats to human security.

Target course participants: State and non-state actors working on human security issues in Africa will be considered for participation. People working in agencies that directly combat these threats and those working on issues that are affected by these threats are encouraged to apply.

Language of instruction: English only. Applicants must be highly proficient in English.

How to apply:

Email [email protected] by 23 January 2015, using the subject line ‘ETHSA 2015’, with these two attachments (MS Word or PDF formats only).

1. A cover letter explaining how/why this course is relevant to your professional activities
2. A complete CV with your contact information and contacts of two referees

Participants’ obligations: The receipt of a certificate is dependent on full attendance and active participation in the course. All participants must ensure that they sign the attendance register for each day of the course. Only names that appear on the register for the whole duration of the course will be eligible for the certificate.

Funding

ACPST will fund up to 25 participants across Africa. The funds will cover:

• Economy class return air ticket from the participant’s closest international airport to the Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, including shuttle to and from the hotel
• Accommodation on a ‘bed and breakfast’ basis
• Local transport for Ethiopians coming from outside Addis Ababa to the hotel.

What ACPST covers

Tuition: ACPST charges no tuition or registration fee for any of its courses.

Meals: Lunch will be provided on training days.

What ACPST does not cover

ACPST does not provide per diems to participants. All participants accepted for the course will be fully responsible for obtaining their visas and medical insurance. ACPST will support international applicants with visa letters to process entry into Ethiopia.