Koumra hosts human rights training for defence and security forces

A comprehensive human rights awareness campaign has been launched at the central commissariat in Koumra, targeting defence and security personnel across the region. The initiative, which began on May 21, places a strong emphasis on embedding human dignity and accountability in operational procedures.

Balancing law enforcement with the strict observance of fundamental rights remains a persistent challenge. To address this, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have joined forces to reinforce judicial integrity and promote ethical standards within Chad’s security apparatus.

The training initiative falls under the broader Human Rights Promotion and Protection Support Project, engaging military personnel, gendarmes, police officers, and members of the National and Nomadic Guard (GNNT). Sessions are being conducted across various garrisons to ensure widespread participation.

The primary goals include preventing human rights violations, dismantling cycles of impunity, and fostering stronger trust between communities and those sworn to protect them. Participants are being educated on rigorous human rights compliance, gender-based violence prevention, and the nuances of military justice—all designed to enhance procedural precision and ethical conduct.

Over a two-day period, UN experts and senior military leaders will engage in interactive discussions with security forces. The programme combines legal frameworks, real-world case analyses, and open dialogues to confront operational realities head-on. By equipping uniformed personnel with the tools to resist abuse and uphold justice, Chad is taking meaningful strides toward an army that prioritises human rights in every action.

The next critical step lies in translating these theoretical lessons into everyday practice, ensuring that every soldier, officer, and guard embodies the principles they have been taught.