Koumra: security forces trained in human rights compliance

A comprehensive human rights training program for defense and security forces (FDS) kicked off on May 21 at the Koumra central police station. The initiative aims to embed strict adherence to human dignity and the fight against impunity within military operations.

Balancing law enforcement with absolute respect for human dignity remains a constant challenge. The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have joined forces to address this challenge in judicial proceedings across the region.

This initiative, launched under the Project to Support the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights, targets military personnel, gendarmes, police officers, and members of the National and Nomadic Guard of Chad (GNNT). Training sessions are being conducted in various barracks belonging to these units.

The project’s primary goals include preventing misconduct, breaking the cycle of impunity, and fostering trust between communities and those sworn to protect them.

Participants are being sensitized to the rigorous protection of human rights, with a strong emphasis on combating gender-based violence (GBV). They are also being introduced to the intricate frameworks of military justice in Chad to ensure procedural integrity, alongside specialized ethical codes for the Gendarmerie.

This campaign goes beyond mere legal reminders; it seeks to reshape institutional culture so that every officer becomes an active advocate for fundamental freedoms.

Over two days, UN experts and high-ranking officers will engage in intensive, interactive sessions with FDS personnel. The program includes legal refresher courses, real-world case studies, and candid discussions about operational challenges.

By equipping its uniformed personnel with the tools to prevent abuses and violence, Chad is taking a significant step toward building a military that upholds human rights. The next critical phase will involve translating these theoretical lessons into everyday practices that benefit justice seekers nationwide.