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New name, same courses

UNITAR POCI is now the Peace Operations Training Institute. We are pleased to continue to provide all the same training courses on peacekeeping as we have done for the past fifteen years and as was recently welcomed by the United Nations Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C34). Here is what you should know:

We still offer the same courses.
Your existing enrolments are still valid.
We are still accepting new enrolments under our new name.

We are working hard to make this a quick and smooth transition. In the meantime, you may continue to see the name “UNITAR POCI” in some places. Thank you for your support.

Why? Click here to read more.

Here are descriptions of the 22 self-paced courses available from the Peace Operations Training Institute. Eligible students may enrol in any of the courses listed below. Courses can be taken in any order, but Principles of Peace Support Operations is recommended as a good foundational course. The three History of UN Peacekeeping courses are also recommended for beginning students.

To find courses in French, visit the French site.

To view a course description, click its title below.

An Introduction to the UN System

Students gain a solid introductory foundation in the workings and structure of the UN and UN initiatives to support peace. Topics include the task and mission organisation, the principal organs of the UN, the UN's role in maintaining peace and security, the UN's role in the fields of development and related humanitarian actions, the environments, principles of duties and responsibilities, safety and security, the available tools, and the institutional partners involved in peacekeeping. Nine lessons, 164 pages.

COURSE AUTHOR: LTC Christian Hårleman, Army of Sweden, Retired and former Chief of Training, UN Department Peacekeeping Operations. Served on UN Missions in Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East.

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Civil-Military Coordination (CIMIC)

Civil-military coordination provides the interface between the military component of a UN peace operation and the political, humanitarian, developmental, human rights and rule of law components of the mission, as well as others in the larger peacebuilding system. CIMIC is a crucial function in any complex peace operation because it is a 'force-multiplier' that contributes to the mission achieving a system-wide impact on the conflict system it is attempting to transform. While aimed at UN CIMIC officers, all military and civilian students will find this course useful as it will improve their understanding of the institutional cooperation that needs to occur between mission components, and between the mission and the rest of the system, in order to ensure a sustainable peace process. The focus of the course is on principles, policies and broad approaches and provides examples of CIMIC structures and operations from a number of UN and African missions. Seven lessons, 216 pages.

COURSE AUTHORS: Cedric de Coning, joint Research Fellow at the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) and the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI), and previously a training officer at DPKO ITS and a political and civil affairs officer with the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET); and Stephen E. Henthorne, Fellow of the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (RUSI), and a NATO/EU Subject Matter Expert in the areas of Joint-Interagency-Multinational Stability Operations, which includes Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance.

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Commanding United Nations Peacekeeping Operations

This course was designed for military, police, and civilian students who may find themselves in leadership positions in peacekeeping operations, or for those wishing to understand the issues associated with commanding peacekeeping operations. It is useful for participants at the strategic, operational, or tactical level, and for senior and junior leaders on peacekeeping operations. Topics include UN Organs and Agencies, the Development of Peacekeeping Operations, the UN Charter, Definitions of Peacekeeping, Status of Forces, the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations, Peacekeeping Doctrine, UN Police, Selection and Preparation of Leadership, Regional Organisations, Sustainability and Logistical Support Requirements, MOUs, Contingent-Owned Equipment, Command and Control, Civil-Military Coordination, NGOs, Security, SOPs, National Contingents, Tactical Techniques for Military Commanders, Observation Posts, Patrols, Checkpoints, Convoy Escorts, Rules of Engagement, Code of Conduct, List of Acronyms, and other support material. Ten lessons, 260 pages.

COURSE AUTHOR: Major General Tim Ford, Royal Australian Army, Retired, Former Head of Mission, UNTSO, and former Military Adviser to the Secretary-General.

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The Conduct of Humanitarian Relief Operations

Students learn how humanitarian relief is provided to refugees and victims of war and natural disasters. Topics include a history of humanitarian relief, the development of humanitarian action in the 20th century, international humanitarian organizations, specialized government structures, NGOs, the Red Cross, principles of intervention, respect for at-risk populations including women and children, international humanitarian law, management of humanitarian emergencies, population security and safety, managing a refugee camp, community health care in humanitarian intervention, control of communicable diseases and epidemics, relief convoys, shelter, distribution of food aid, water management, collective sanitation, sustainable solutions to humanitarian crises, freely consented repatriation, asylum, conducting elections, establishment of civil institutions, the humanitarian charter, minimum standards for disaster relief, code of conduct in rescue and disaster situations. Directory of humanitarian-related internet sites. Eleven lessons, 208 pages.

COURSE AUTHOR: M. Yvan Conoir, MBA, 20 years experience in humanitarian relief operations, DDR, reconstruction, peacebuilding and capacity building programmes with UNHCR, UNICEF, CARE Canada, CECI and the Pearson Peacekeeping Training Centre, in Central, Eastern and Western Africa, Asia, Central America, and the Balkans. Currently the Coordinator of the E-Learning for Peacekeepers programme (Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean) of UNITAR POCI.

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Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR): Principles of Intervention and Management in Peacekeeping Operations

The aim of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) process is to contribute to security and stability in post-conflict situations so that recovery and development can begin. The DDR of ex-combatants is a complex process, with political, military, security, humanitarian and socioeconomic dimensions. It aims to deal with the post-conflict security problem that results from ex-combatants being left without livelihoods or support networks---other than their former comrades---during the critical transition period from conflict to peace and development. This course will help UN and national decision makers, as well as UN, national and NGO practitioners, to understand the aims, objectives and practical issues related to a DDR process. It will present different policies and strategies for the development, management and evaluation of a DDR programme based on the International DDR Standards (IDDRS), which consolidate over 15 years of UN lessons and good practises on DDR issues. Eleven lessons, 316 pages.

COURSE AUTHOR: The Inter-Agency Working Group on DDR, consisting of fifteen UN departments, agencies, funds, and programmes, was established by the United Nations Executive Committee on Peace and Security with a mandate to improve UN performance in DDR. The Working Group publishes the Integrated DDR Standards, a set of policies, guidelines, and procedures for UN-supported DDR programmes in the context of peacekeeping. This course was adapted from the Integrated DDR Standards by Yvan Conoir, E-Learning for Peacekeepers Coordinator for UNITAR POCI.

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Ethics in Peacekeeping

This course provides a basic overview and creates an understanding of the Ethics in Peacekeeping. Through the use of case studies and practical examples, this compilation aims to serve as a guideline for peacekeepers in the field and provides some perspectives concerning the major aspects of modern-day peacekeeping from an ethical point of view. Topics include: the Code of Conduct; Cultural Awareness; Gender and Peacekeeping; SEA and Human Trafficking; Child Protection; Human Rights; HIV/AIDS Awareness; and UN Guidelines and Procedures on Discipline for Uniformed Peacekeepers. Eight lessons, 132 pages.

COURSE AUTHORS: Anne Elias, MSc., who has worked on human rights projects at DPKO TES; and Lt Col Michael McDermott, Training Officer at DPKO ITS.

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Gender Perspectives in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations

This course strives to educate all interested individuals that want to learn about the conceptual and operational issues involved in integrating a gender perspective in complex peace operations. The course describes in general terms the problems related to gender issues surrounding international modern conflict by exploring how they have evolved through time. The course also addresses how gender balance and gender equality allows women to stop being victimized in the conflict theatre. The course also emphasizes the need for women to have a strategic role at all UN decision-making levels and at the mission level, as well as at government and local levels. Nine lessons, 242 pages.

COURSE AUTHOR: Ximena Jimenez, BS, MA, MSc. Professor at the Chilean Joint Center for Peacekeeping Operations (CECOPAC) and Professor Fellow at the Army War College of Chile. General Manager of DUXI Consultants.

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Global Terrorism

First released in early 2001, and revised following the events of September 11, 2001, this course provides a comprehensive knowledge of the terrorism phenomenon throughout history, culminating in the present threat posed by transnational terrorism. Its scope is the widest possible and includes transnational, international and domestic terrorism; terrorist groups; lone terrorists; different forms of historical terrorism; tactics and strategies such as kill- zones and choke-points; logistics; the terrorist armoury of weapons and their effects; sponsorship, including political and religious support; terrorism in the context of guerrilla warfare, criminal assault, and acts of war; the terrorism-media relationship; anti- and counter-terrorism; and the systematic eradication of terrorism vis à vis emergency suppression. Motives, victims, targets and types of leadership are also among the many topics covered in this richly illustrated course, and a broad range of nineteen relevant annexes includes a catalogue of major attacks spanning many years; a glossary of related terrorism, police, security and intelligence terms; and a brief profile-table of several hundred terrorist groups. Major case studies and historical terrorist attack briefs are also included in the course material, which was mentioned by the UN Secretary-General in his report (UN GA Report A/55/179) to 185 Ambassadors at the UN General Assembly as one of the training measures to suppress terrorism. Twelve lessons, 552 pages.

COURSE AUTHOR: Paul Medhurst. Ph.D., former Deputy Chief, Security and Safety Section, UN Office, Vienna.

Please note that "Global Terrorism" is not an official UNITAR POCI course and does not represent official United Nations doctrine. Its content has not been endorsed by UNITAR or any other United Nations body.

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History of UN Peacekeeping 1945-1987

This course provides students with an understanding of the genesis, origin, evolution, functioning, and effectiveness of UN peacekeeping during the Cold War. It covers the Arab-Israeli conflict and missions in Korea, Lebanon, the Congo, India and Pakistan, the Middle East, Cyprus, and Africa. Military peacekeeping is discussed as a means to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes. Eleven lessons, 206 pages.

COURSE AUTHOR: Professor Sunil Ram, Canadian Forces Ret; based in part on the original course by the late Mr. F.T. Liu, former UN Assistant-Secretary-General for Special Political Affairs.

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History of UN Peacekeeping 1988-1996

This course traces the resurgence and subsequent retrenchment of UN peacekeeping and peace enforcement during the years following the Cold War, discussing both the successes and the failures. It covers the operations in the Persian Gulf, Yugoslavia, Somalia, Rwanda, Mozambique, Angola, Cambodia, and Central America. Eleven lessons, approximately 325 pages.

COURSE AUTHOR: Professor Sunil Ram, Canadian Forces Ret; based in part on the original course by the late Mr. F.T. Liu, former UN Assistant-Secretary-General for Special Political Affairs.

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History of UN Peacekeeping 1997-2006

This course traces the retrenchment of UN peacekeeping operations in the late 1990s and early 21st Century, which led to a growth in the size, scope, and complexity of new and existing UN peacekeeping and peace enforcement operations. The course covers operations in Haiti, Guatemala, the Balkans, and Africa. Eight lessons, 330 pages.

COURSE AUTHOR: Professor Sunil Ram, Canadian Forces Ret.

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International Humanitarian Law and the Law of Armed Conflict

This high-level course covers International Humanitarian Law as applied to soldiers, humanitarian workers, refugees, displaced persons, and others involved with armed conflict. Topics include background and definitions, protection of victims, rights of prisoners of war, rules of conduct in hostilities, means of implementation, human rights and IHL, applicability of IHL to peacekeeping and peace enforcement, different applications to international and intra-national conflicts, terrorism, sovereignty, and the role of the International Red Cross in International Humanitarian Law. Written at a higher level than other UNITAR POCI courses, this course deals with complex legal and military issues. Eight lessons, 166 pages.

COURSE AUTHOR: Mr. Antoine Bouvier, Legal Adviser, Delegate to Academic Circles, International Committee of the Red Cross, Division for Promotion of International Humanitarian Law, Geneva.

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Logistical Support to UN Peacekeeping Operations

Introduces students to logistics operations in United Nations peace operations. This basic course gives the background and rationale behind United Nations Peacekeeping logistics, the strategy employed in the field and at Headquarters, introduces the mission life-cycle, explains how financial support is gained, and introduces the different components that make up integrated logistics support in a field mission. Eight lessons, 236 pages.

COURSE AUTHOR: Mr. Kamran Baig, Coordinator of Common Services at the UN Office at Nairobi (UNON) and formerly served at ONUB, UNMIL, UNLB, and UNMIBH.

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Operational Logistical Support

Provides the student with a background in intermediate-level topics of United Nations Operational Logistics. Topics include an overview of UN operational logistics, command and control, planning, supply, engineering support, fire protection, environmental measures, transportation, aviation and air services, maintenance, medical aspects of logistical support, communications, postal and courier services. Ten lessons, 174 pages.

COURSE AUTHOR: Major Don Leslie, Canadian Forces, Ret.

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Advanced Topics in United Nations Logistics: The Provision of Troops and Contingent-Owned Equipment (COE) and the Method for Reimbursement

The purpose of this Advanced Logistics course is to provide students with an in-depth look at the provision of, and reimbursement for, troops and equipment that troop contributing nations provide to UN peacekeeping missions. The primary reference is the UN COE Manual and for ease of reference the lessons follow the same sequence as the manual. Students will understand what the COE system was designed to achieve and the rationale behind its creation. Topics include standard elements of COE, verification, transportation, loss and damage, rates, and responsibilities. References include glossary of terms, rate tables, and a sample MOU. Ten lessons, 158 pages.

COURSE AUTHOR: Major Don Leslie, Canadian Forces, Ret.

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Mine Action: Humanitarian Impact, Technical Aspects, and Global Initiatives

The global problem of landmines and how international organisations approach the problem. Topics include The Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Treaty (Ottawa MBT); mine action guidelines for ceasefires and peace agreements; landmine and UXO safety training; identifying landmines and UXOs; International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) and guidelines for application; victim assistance; mine risk education; UNICEF mine action strategy; mine information; mine action assessment; and electronic mine action network. Seven lessons, 272 pages.

COURSE AUTHORS: Mr. Martin Donoghue, UN Mine Action Service and Mr. Adrian Wilkinson, Geneva International Centre for Humanitarian Demining (GICHD).

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Peacekeeping and International Conflict Resolution

The overall aim of this course is to provide the student with a basic understanding of the field of Conflict Resolution and its application, both theoretically and practically, to peacekeeping intervention in contemporary international conflicts. Topics include the nature of conflict, key concepts of conflict resolution, contemporary conflict dynamics, conflict mapping, early warning and conflict prevention, peacekeeping and conflict resolution in war zones, peace settlements and post-conflict peace building, the role of culture in conflict resolution, and gender issues. Includes lesson exercises and participation in the UNITAR POCI on-line message board. Ten lessons, 216 pages.

COURSE AUTHORS: Professor Tom Woodhouse and Dr. Tamara Duffey, Centre for Conflict Resolution, Department of Peace Studies, University of Bradford, UK.

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Peacekeeping in Yugoslavia: Dayton-Kosovo

Familiarises the student with the military and political efforts to bring peace to the Former Yugoslavia 1995-1999. Historical background, the Dayton Accord, UN Missions prior to IFOR, SFOR, NATO, the Kosovo Crisis, the KLA and the JLA, the role of the media, missions completed and ongoing. Nine lessons, 258 pages.

COURSE AUTHORS: Professor Sunil Ram, Canadian Forces Ret; and Dr. Shreesh Juyal, University of Regina, Canada.

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Principles of Peace Support Operations

Students learn the operational applications and political implications of the full range of Peace Support Operations in today's complex environment. Conceptual approaches, principles, operational techniques, peacekeeping, peace enforcement, peace support, combat, the promotion of consent, C3, techniques and planning for peace operations. Seven lessons, 172 pages.

COURSE AUTHORS: LTC Philip Wilkinson, MBE, Army of the United Kingdom; LTC Richard Rinaldo, U.S. Army, Retired.

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Security Measures for United Nations Peacekeepers

Prepares military and civilian personnel for inevitable security problems on any UN mission. Topics include security defined, security in UN missions, security in the mandate, HQ security, bases, checkpoints, vehicles, communications, weapons, defence, diplomatic and envoy status, assault, rape, hostage-taking, terrorist bombing, ambushes, blackmail. Includes case studies, glossary, field extracts, statistics of death, injury and hostage taking in UN missions, list of useful security and related publications, list of related internet sites. Ten lessons, 224 pages.

COURSE AUTHOR: Paul Medhurst, Ph.D., former Deputy Chief, Security and Safety Section, UN Office, Vienna.

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United Nations Military Observers

This course will assist in training Military Observers by enhancing the general understanding of peacekeeping and by providing specific knowledge of methods and techniques for serving on a United Nations mission. Beginning with a strategic overview of the United Nations organisation, the course moves through the operational spectrum of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and ends at the tactical level of "on the ground" knowledge and skills required for an individual MILOB to succeed. Thirteen lessons, 254 pages.

COURSE AUTHOR: LTC Phyllis Mihalas, United States Army Reserve, Instructor at the Joint Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia, USA; previously served at UNMEE.

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United Nations Police: Restoring Civil Order Following Hostilities

This course familiarises the student with the roles and duties of UN Police in restoring civil order following hostilities. Topics include the UN and the UN Charter, a History of UNPOL Operations, Privileges and Responsibilities, Staff Duties, Reporting, Liaison, Negotiation, Mediation, the Use of Interpreters, Administrative Matters, Logistics, Security and Safety, Hijacking, Detainment, Mines, Sniper Fire, First Aid, Communications, Radio Procedures, Driving, and various reference materials. Nine lessons, 186 pages.

COURSE AUTHORS: Detective Chief Inspector Peter Heepen, German State Police, UNPOL Monitor UN IPTF Bosnia-Herzegovina and OSCE Kosovo Verification Mission; and Colonel Guenther Freisleben, German State Police, formerly EU Police Mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina and Chief Adviser in the Republika Srpska, Head of the State Police College Wertheim.

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