RESEARCH by a law professor at the University of Reading will underpin a new online course studied by UN peacekeepers.
Prof Rosa Freedman’s findings on abuse and exploitation of children will help staff safeguard children during their operations.
Research into missions in Brazil, Liberia, Haiti, Uruguay, Argentina and Ghana over the past five years will provide the backbone of training received by UN peacekeepers.
The course was launched in New York on Wednesday, March 15.
Prof Freedman said: “UN peacekeepers have a fundamental responsibility to safeguard all people affected by conflict. That makes it particularly egregious when the people who are supposed to be helping, are causing harm.
“After five years of research we have understood where the gaps in understanding are and how attitudes need to change.
“We have designed a course to bring knowledge and awareness of how to implement child safeguarding across all aspects of peacekeeping operations.”
The University of Reading and Keeping Children Safe collaborated on the course, which provides an understanding of the responsibilities, relevant theory and examples of good practices.
It will help participants better safeguard children from abuse and exploitation in the context of peacekeeping, and will be available in both English and Spanish.
