The Commandant of PTS, Commissioner of Police (CP) Robert Niyonshuti, while closing the course, said that the peacekeeping pre-deployment training was initiated as a result of the existing partnership between Rwanda National Police (RNP) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), to build the capacity of the RNP officers, who will undertake different tasks in the UN mission areas.

“The pre-deployment training for IPOs presents the essential knowledge in special training materials imperatively required for all peacekeeping personnel—military, police and civilians—to perform effectively in a UN peacekeeping operation.

It also aims at providing a shared understanding of the basic principles, guidelines and policies of UN peacekeeping that guide peacekeepers as they carryout critical tasks to assist countries in the transition from conflict to peace,” CP Niyonshuti said.

He added that the training is in line with the RNP commitment in contributing personnel to peacekeeping missions to maintain peace worldwide and enhance the professionalism and capability to counterbalance security challenges both in the region and beyond.

CP Niyonshuti urged the trainees to fully apply the knowledge and skills acquired from the course in fulfilling their peacekeeping tasks. “Bear in mind the knowledge and skills you acquired in an added value to your daily policing duties.”

The two-week peacekeeping course was conducted by UNITAR in partnership with Rwanda National Police. Police officers acquired skills and knowledge in UN peacekeeping standards such as command, administration, human rights due diligence policy, community oriented policing, and capacity development.

It also looked at monitoring, mentoring and advising, protection of civilians, use force and firearms as well as arrest and detention in peacekeeping operations.