The Koumra Central Commissariat hosted a pivotal human rights sensitization campaign for Chad’s Defense and Security Forces (FDS) beginning May 21. The initiative targets military personnel, gendarmes, police officers, and members of the National and Nomadic Guard (GNNT) across multiple barracks in the region.

Building trust through accountability

Balancing law enforcement with unwavering respect for human dignity remains a persistent challenge. To address this, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have partnered in a joint effort to integrate human rights principles into judicial procedures within Chad’s security apparatus.

Transforming institutional culture

This training, part of the Human Rights Promotion and Protection Support Project, goes beyond theoretical instruction. Its core objectives include:

• Strengthening awareness of human rights protections among FDS personnel
• Addressing gender-based violence (GBV) through targeted sensitization
• Clarifying complex military justice texts to ensure procedural accuracy
• Imparting the Gendarmerie’s specific code of ethics to its members

The program’s ultimate goal is to foster a cultural shift, where every security agent becomes a proactive guardian of fundamental freedoms rather than merely enforcing the law.

Interactive learning for real-world impact

Over two days, UN experts and senior military officials engaged in intensive, dialogue-driven sessions with FDS personnel. The curriculum blends:

• Legal frameworks and human rights obligations
• Case-based discussions on ethical dilemmas
• Unrestricted debates on operational challenges

By equipping security forces with the tools to prevent abuses, Chad takes a decisive step toward cultivating a military that upholds human dignity. The next critical phase will involve translating these workshops into everyday practices that benefit all citizens.

By Boureima Amadou — Reporter