Banda Aceh, 14 September 2024 – Supported by the Dutch Embassy, LaKaspia Institute in collaboration with Nonviolent Peaceforce held a Basics of Civilians Protection Training for students and youth organizations (OKP) in Banda Aceh and Aceh Besar. The event, which took place at UIN Ar-Raniry, aimed to provide knowledge on the state’s obligations to protect civilians and to raise awareness on the rights of ones.
Starting in the morning day, participants received knowledge from competent speakers, such as Mr. Afridal Darmi, SH., LL.M (former Chairman of the Aceh’s TRC), Ms. Riswati S.Pd.I., M.Si (Director of Flower Aceh), and Ms. Suraiya Kamaruzzaman, ST, MT (Board Member of NP Indonesia). They triggered discussion on various issues related to civilians protection from violence carried out by both the state and the non-state actors.
“Civilians protection is the responsibility of the state. The younger generation must understand this and should play active roles in maintaining security and peace in Aceh,” said Zulfikar Muhammad, SH., who acted as the facilitator for this training.
Participants seemed very enthusiastic in following the discussion. It is hoped that this training would grow greater awareness in regard with breaking up the chain of violence in Aceh, especially for those vulnerable such as women and children.
In his closing speech, Halik, Director of LaKaspia Institute, emphasized the importance of the role of OKP and students in continuing to develop understanding and concern for civil protection. “The young generation must actively articulate the rights of civilians protection, so that the state truly carries out its obligations to protect the people,” he said.
The training was closed in the afternoon after a plenary discussion where the workshop results were presented with the hope that Aceh will continue to emerge into a nonviolent and peaceful place for all citizens.@h ***