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A Dedicated Gender Trainer Must be Incorporated in the DPKO Integrated Training Service

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Gina Torry, Coordinator
Tel: 1-212-682-3633
Fax: 1-212-682-5354

A Dedicated Gender Trainer Must be Incorporated in the DPKO Integrated Training Service

March 15, 2006

The 2006 session of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations is set to endorse the establishment by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations of a single multi-dimensional training Unit—the Integrated Training Service (ITS). This Unit aims to develop department-wide training policy and strategy for all functional areas and levels of peacekeeping and to build on and inform ongoing work on doctrine and guidance, lessons learnt and conduct and discipline processes.

It is imperative that ITS incorporate policy and best practices in cross-cutting issues such as gender and human rights, to respond effectively to the training needs of multi-dimensional peace operations.

In this regard, it is crucial that a dedicated Gender Trainer or gender component such as a Gender Focal Point be included in the establishment of the ITS from the outset.

A dedicated Gender Trainer in the Integrated Training Service will better ensure the development of an effective and comprehensive training strategy on gender issues: a strategy which combines the recent advances made by DPKO in developing gender-sensitive training tools, and one which incorporates strategies used by other agencies and governments working in the multi-dimensional context.

It is vital that this post be institutionalized at the outset of the work of the Integrated Training Service to ensure that training on gender in DPKO is system-wide and more fully integrated into all areas of peacekeepingÐ a means to heighten understanding, accountability and, thereby, strengthen work in field missions and with troop contributing countries.

By including a dedicated Gender Trainer in the ITS, DPKO will further the implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 which calls for gender training for all peacekeeping personnel.

The NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security calls on the support of all Member States to ensure this important action is included in the 2006 report of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations.