A protection of civilians course was among the bilateral activities the ADF conducted when it returned to Cambodia in October for Indo-Pacific Endeavour 24 (IPE24), working with the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
The ADF worked with the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF) on engagement activities including a navy diver information exchange, English language training, sports trainer workshop, gender in military operations workshop and a Comprehensive Protection of Civilians UN course.
Australia also donated books to the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Defence University’s library to aid Cambodia’s ongoing English language training courses.
The activities were delivered at the request of the Cambodian government, and were designed to support Australia and Cambodia’s collective commitment to an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.
ADF’s Group Captain Lesley Carney, who opened the protection of civilians course, said they were designed to support Cambodia’s important contribution to UN peacekeeping missions.
“I’m delighted to be back in Cambodia for a third time, contributing to these important training activities under IPE,” Group Captain Carney said.
“Australia is proud to be working with Cambodia, particularly given how much they contribute to and enhance UN peacekeeping missions.”
Brigadier General Nou Sovannara, of RCAF, said Cambodia was grateful for Australia’s sponsorship of such activities.
“We hope this training prepares our personnel for upcoming deployments on UN missions while also growing our female members’ involved in peacekeeping operations,” he said.
The course was instructed by Commander Darryl Watters, who has more than 20 years’ experience in peacekeeping missions and teaching.
Commander Watters said the aim was to strengthen participants’ understanding of how protection of civilians, child protection and conflict-related sexual violence considerations affect military planning processes at the tactical level.
“Our mission is to help the students understand how to approach the protection of civilians to assist those most vulnerable in conflicts,” Commander Watters said.
