Koumra: security forces trained in human rights compliance
The two-day training program for the defense and security forces (FDS) in Koumra kicked off on May 21, focusing on embedding human rights principles and combating impunity within military operations. Held at the central police station, the initiative brings together soldiers, gendarmes, police officers, and members of the National and Nomadic Guard of Chad (GNNT) to reinforce their operational integrity.
Aligning security operations with human dignity
Balancing law enforcement with the strict preservation of human dignity remains an ongoing challenge. In response, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have collaborated to integrate human rights protections into judicial procedures across Chad.
A structured approach to accountability and trust
This initiative falls under the Human Rights Promotion and Protection Support Project, which targets military and security personnel across various garrisons in the country. The goal is threefold: prevent misconduct, dismantle cycles of impunity, and rebuild public trust in the institutions sworn to protect them.
Core training objectives
- Educating FDS members on the strict observance of human rights and the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV);
- Enhancing familiarity with Chad’s military justice framework to ensure procedural precision;
- Imparting the Gendarmerie’s code of conduct to foster discipline and professionalism among gendarmes.
The training goes beyond theoretical instruction—it aims to reshape institutional culture so that every servicemember becomes a proactive advocate for fundamental freedoms. Through a rigorous two-day schedule, UN experts and senior military leaders engage in interactive sessions that blend legal frameworks, real-world case studies, and frank discussions on operational challenges.
From theory to practice: a commitment to lasting change
By equipping uniformed personnel with the tools to recognize and prevent abuse, Chad is taking a decisive step toward an army that upholds human rights. The ultimate test will be translating these lessons into everyday actions—ensuring that justice is served and that citizens can rely on their protectors.
