ACPST course: Governance and Human Security in Africa

Governance occupies a central role in discussions of threats to human security and the possibilities for overcoming these threats.

Date: 2012-08-13 to 2012-08-24

Venue: ISS Addis Ababa

 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. Established in 1991, the ISS is a leading applied policy research institute with staff from 16 African countries working in offices in South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia and Senegal. Major funding for the ACPST comes from the people of Japan and UNDP.

Course description: Governance occupies a central role in discussions of threats to human security and the possibilities for overcoming these threats. Unfortunately, it is not always clear what good governance means and how it can be crafted and practised to enhance human security. To respond to this lack of clarity, the course will focus on the following five key dimensions of governance: leadership and management, human rights, the rule of law, democracy and sensitivity to marginal communities. It will use these dimensions to explore how governance is related to the emerging threats of:

1. Electoral Violence
2. Human Trafficking
3. Drug Trafficking
4. Climate Change

The course will explore the following questions:

• What exactly does ‘good governance’ in the dimensions highlighted above mean?
• In what way is ‘poor’ governance related to the threats listed above?
• How can ‘good’ governance in the above dimensions help to address these threats to human security?
• What are the causes of poor governance?
• Why are some African countries and societies making more progress than others towards governance that effectively tackles these human security threats?
• What are the specific and practical means through which we can craft and practice ‘good governance’ in the dimensions highlighted above in dealing with emerging human security threats?

Goals of Governance: This course seeks to positively influence policymaking and implementation by giving participants a better understanding of governance and its impact on human security. It will provide them with the latest practical skills for crafting, promoting and practicing good governance in dealing with human security threats. It will also help participants create networks that will enable them to exchange knowledge and information on cutting-edge practices in improving governance in relation to emerging threats to human security.

Course Participants: State and non-state actors, including those from private and not-for-profit sectors, working on human security issues in Africa will be considered for participation.

Language of Instruction: English only. Participants are required to be proficient in English.

Participants’ Obligations: The receipt of a certificate is dependent on full attendance and active participation.

Costs and Funding: The ACPST can fund the participation of a few applicants, including their travel, accommodation and tuition costs. Awards will be based on need and require a clear motivation in the cover letter. The ACPST will cover lunch for all applicants throughout the course.