THE HON. DR MIKE KELLY MP
Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support
Thursday, 10 December 2009
096/2009
AUSTRALIA TO ASSIST AFRICAN UNION
Australia’s commitment to effective international peacekeeping is being
demonstrated again this week in a workshop to assist the African Union in
developing draft guidelines for the protection of civilians in armed conflict.
The Asia Pacific Civil-Military Centre of Excellence (the Centre) is hosting an
expert Working Group in Queanbeyan, NSW, comprising representatives from
the African Union, the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping
Operations (DPKO), the United Nations Office for the Coordination of
Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees (UNHCR), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC),
lawyers and academics, together with members of the Australian Defence
Force, the Australian Federal Police and the Commonwealth Attorney
General's Department.
The draft guidelines being developed in Queanbeyan this week will form the
basis for a high level Symposium on the Protection of Civilians in Conflict
Zones to be co-hosted by the African Union Peace and Security Commission
and the Centre in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in March 2010. The draft guidelines
are intended to assist the African Union, the United Nations and international
actors with practical measures to improve the delivery of protection to civilians
under peacekeeping mandates.
The Hon. Dr Mike Kelly AM MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Support,
shared his personal experiences in peace operations with the Working Group
on Thursday, 10 December 2009.
"The Security Council has been mandating operations to protect civilians in
conflict zones for more than a decade and protection of civilians remains a
critical consideration in the Middle East, Africa and in places such as Timor-
Leste where Australia continues to support governments recovering from
conflict,” Dr Mike Kelly said.
“Peace operations and peacekeeping are critical to international peace and
security. We recognise the need to protect women and children, the aged,
internally displaced persons, refugees and other vulnerable groups in
communities affected by violence.
“By hosting and providing expertise to the Working Group, the Asia Pacific
Civil-Military Centre of Excellence is able to directly assist the African Union to
draft guidelines for African integrated missions consistent with international
humanitarian law.”
The Centre, an initiative of the Australian Government, supports the
development of national civil-military capabilities to prevent, prepare for, and
respond more effectively to conflicts and disasters overseas through effective
civilian, military and police interaction. The Centre’s support to the African
Union is part of the Government’s commitment to enhancing peace, security
and development in Africa.
Media Note:
Executive Director of the Asia Pacific Civil-Military Centre of Excellence,
Michael G. Smith, is available for interview.
Media contacts:
Mark Sjolander (Dr Mike Kelly):
02 6277 4840 or 0407 102 220
Michael G. Smith
0439 490 297
Barbara Butler
02 6160 2219
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
