The Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) recently published a report entitled ‘Data-Driven Protection: Linking Threat Analysis to Planning in UN Peacekeeping Operations’. This report includes reflections on how the identification and response to threats affecting civilians could be improved in peacekeeping missions through a better link between analysis and planning. Few things are more important to a peacekeeping mission than its ability to maintain a strong understanding of its operating environment and the threats which civilians face. In this context, having a clear and comprehensive picture of threats enables peacekeeping missions to achieve their mandated goals, including the protection of civilians.

The report reviews a number of challenges which the peacekeeping missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South Sudan face in achieving strong situational awareness and in ensuring that threat analysis forms the basis of integrated planning. It also reviews the innovative strategies which those missions are using to overcome obstacles.

Lauren Spink, who authored the report, is Senior Peacekeeping Researcher at CIVIC, an international organisation dedicated to promoting the protection of civilians caught in conflict. In this Brown Bag Lunch, she will present the report’s findings and discuss its recommendations for international actors involved in or supporting peacekeeping missions.

The presentation will be followed by an informal discussion with participants.

Participants are welcome to bring their own lunch and EPLO will provide tea and coffee.

Please note that seats are limited and registration is mandatory. Please contact Lorenzo Conti if you would like to participate.