This site has information relevant to the international seminar ‘Protection of Civilians – Learning from Darfur’, which was held in Copenhagen, September 10th – 11th 2007. The seminar was hosted by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and DanChurchAid. Download seminar rapport

Protection of civilians is one of the greatest challenges of our times. The rising levels of attacks on civilians are in direct contravention with international law and the commitment to the protection of civilians. In spite of numerous conventions and resolutions, which are all very clear on the responsibility to protect civilians in conflict situations, the challenge still remains on how to effectively operationalise protection on the ground.

Examination of practical experiences

The case of Darfur is an obvious learning experience. Since 2003 protection of civilians from targeted attacks, murder, rape and looting has been a key challenge in Darfur. To meet this challenge local and international humanitarian, political and military actors have employed various strategies.

Based on an examination of practical experiences with protection of civilians the seminar focused on the following aims: Clarify roles, responsibilities, mandates and capacities of humanitarian, political and military actors in protection work; discuss obstacles, weaknesses and strengths to come up with recommendations on strengthening implementation of protection measures, improve cooperation between actors and strengthen protection strategies.