Reflection Series
The Reflection Series opens the door for readers to better understand the thoughts that drive and inspire the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre as it makes peace operations more effective.
Various topics and issues that the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre experiences will be reflected upon through a series of commentaries provided by both staff and members of our Board of Directors.
Sexual Violence, the Armed Forces and Military Operations
By Ann Livingstone, Vice President of Research
The Vice President of Research, Education and Learning Design at the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre, Dr. Ann Livingstone, presented at a conference on “Sexual Violence, the Armed Forces and Military Operations” in Oslo, Norway, organized by the Norwegian Defence University College.
Ann talked directly on the subject of training military personnel to respond to sexual violence using examples from the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre’s experience in conducting its sexual and gender-based violence training for peace operations, as well as on current best practices in the field. Read her speech.
The Importance of International Women’s Day
By Kristine St-Pierre, Research Analyst
While having breakfast with a friend, I mentioned an event I was taking part in for International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8. “You mean there is actually an international day dedicated to women?” he asked somewhat stunned. “Why do we need a day for women?” While trying to explain the importance of this day, I found myself at a loss for words. Why was this day so important anyways? What is this day really about and why should others care? Read more.
The Global Challenge of Fragile States: Is there a Role for Canada?
By Carolyn McAskie.
Carolyn McAskie is former United Nations assistant secretary-general for Peacebuilding Support and a member of the Board of Directors of the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre.
The Canadian International Council recently (June 2010) published a report outlining a series of recommendations for Canadian Foreign Policy called Open Door – A Global Positioning Strategy for a Networked Age. One of those recommendations is that following withdrawal (or reduction) from Afghanistan, Canada should develop a policy designed to stabilize weak states and rebuild their capacities to govern. This is predicated both on the perceived danger represented by unstable situations around the world and on the security and development capabilities which Canada has developed through its participation in Afghanistan. However, having a capability or “tool” is not in itself a justification for a policy. There needs to be a thorough discussion on Canadian foreign policy goals on the basis of needs and interests as well as capabilities. If the needs and interests are evident, then the tools can be developed, not vice-versa. Read more.
Taking Part in African Policy Dialogue Forum on Women, Peace and Security
By Ann Livingstone, Vice President of Research
The Pearson Peacekeeping Centre took part in an African Policy Dialogue Forum on Women, Peace and Security in Egypt. It was organized in collaboration with the Cairo Regional Centre for Training on Conflict Resolution and Peacekeeping in Africa (CCCPA), the Government of Japan, the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The Vice President of Research of the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre spoke in the plenary session entitled What lessons for more inclusion of women in peace dialogues and the role of the UN. Read the speech
UNSCR 1325: Celebrating 10 Years of Progress with Both Eyes on the Future
By Kristine St-Pierre, Research Analyst
In October 2010, the world will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) on Women, Peace and Security…The Pearson Peacekeeping Centre is no stranger to these issues, having been one of the first peacekeeping organizations to begin to assess and analyze the role of women in peace operations. Read more.
The Changing Reality of Peacekeeping
By Louise Fréchette, Chair, Board of Directors
The invention of peacekeeping is widely credited to Lester B. Pearson, a Canadian Foreign Minister who put forward the concept as a way out of the 1956 Suez crisis. Pearson would be surprised by the extent to which the concept, which merited him the Nobel Peace Prize, has changed. Read more
Realigning After the Haiti Earthquake
By Mike Snell, Project Manager
The earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010 had a huge impact on not only the people of Haiti but also on the United Nations peacekeeping mission there – MINUSTAH. While never forgetting the tremendous suffering of the Haitian people, the consequences of that tragedy forced a significant realignment in the Latin American Peacekeeping Capacity Building project (LAPCB). The project had just completed its first activity at the beginning of December and was getting ready for a visit by the directors of the Latin American peacekeeping training centres to MINUSTAH in late March. Read more
