In recent weeks, the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina conducted theoretical and practical training in the field of Human Security with instructors of the British Army at the Combat Training Center of the BiH Armed Forces in Manjaca.
The training was conducted in accordance with the principles of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 “Women, Peace and Security”. Resolution 1325 refers to the promotion of gender equality, improving the status and greater representation of women in defense and security institutions and organizations, as well as defining best methods for achieving gender equality in the armed forces and promoting gender equality in international peacekeeping operations.
The training in Human Security trained instructors, members of the BiH Armed Forces for the protection of civilians (especially women and children), for the prevention of sexual violence, protection of cultural heritage and combating the development of extremism in military missions. Members of the British Army shared the knowledge and experience of the United Kingdom, a leader in the development and application of the principle of human security in military missions. Particular attention is paid to how gender perspectives and direct contacts of women soldiers with the civilian population improve the operational effectiveness of the armed forces in military operations.
“The strategic partnership of the Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces of BiH with the British Government and NATO is continuously strengthening our relations and expanding the areas of our cooperation. Together, we maintain peace and stability, and build the capacity of the BiH Armed Forces for future security challenges, “said BiH Defense Minister Sifet Podzic.
The concept of Human Security focuses on the individual and the needs of different categories of the population during conflict
“Practical military training in the field of ‘Women, Peace and Security’, which we are conducting at the Manjaca range, will help the BiH Armed Forces to prepare as successfully as possible for the NATO assessment, which awaits them this fall. “The United Kingdom is proud to have the opportunity to transfer the latest knowledge and skills in the field of ‘Women, Peace and Security’ to our partners in the BiH Armed Forces,” said the British Ambassador to BiH Matt Field.
The concept of Human Security focuses on the individual and the needs of different categories of the population during conflict and peacebuilding processes, and integrates the principles of the Resolution “Women, Peace and Security” into military activities, including peacekeeping missions.
This training significantly raises the level of training and readiness of the AF BiH for the upcoming assessment of the readiness of our units to participate in NATO peacekeeping operations, “said the Chief of the Joint Staff of the AF BiH, Colonel General Senad Masovic.
“At the training itself, most attention was paid to topics such as ‘Women, Peace and Security’, Protection of Cultural Heritage and the Impact of Armed Conflict on Children. We have thoroughly covered each of these topics. For each we had a number of examples from around the world and we received tools from the lecturers, ie. patterns with steps of recognizing and approaching the problem from a certain area, “said the trainee, Lieutenant Martin Mlakic.
