U.K. experts share CRSV and SEA knowledge

PANO - The Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations (VNDPKO), in coordination with the Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Vietnam, organized a professional exchange on the prevention of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) and sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) for officers and personnel of the Engineering Company Rotation 4, on June 30 in Hanoi.

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This professional exchange activity is taking place from June 23 to July 3. Earlier, the event was held in Ho Chi Minh City for members of the Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 7.

A view of the opening ceremony

Addressing the opening ceremony, VNDPKO’s Deputy Director Senior Colonel Nguyen Nhu Canh said that this exchange is a large-scale, in-depth activity aimed at equipping knowledge for and enhancing the capabilities of personnel of the Engineering Company Rotation 4 before their deployment for United Nations peacekeeping operations. The event was to ensure that all members will comply with International Humanitarian Law, International Human Rights Law, and relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions.

This marked the sixth time that Vietnam and the U.K. have jointly organized this professional exchange program, a field in which the British military possess extensive experience and a long-standing history.

CRSV and SEA are among the most serious and sensitive challenges confronting United Nations peacekeeping missions. Therefore, in-depth training and professional exchanges on these issues for peacekeeping personnel are not only essential but strategically mandated.

Such programs enable peacekeepers to properly understand the nature, forms, and severity of CRSV and SEA; master procedures for reporting and victim protection; and effectively engage in cross-sector coordination (civil-military-medical-legal). Through these events, peacekeepers will equip themselves with ethical awareness and skills, to respond to circumstances, contributing to the protection of individual dignity and the reputation of the nation.

Representatives of VNDPKO, British experts and members of the Engineering Company Rotation 4 in a joint photo

During this exchange, five experts from the U.K. Ministry of Defense will provide briefings and share practical knowledge and experience with the members of the Engineering Company Rotation 4 in preparation for their upcoming deployment to the U.N. peacekeeping mission.

Translated by Tran Hoai