Promoting the Vancouver Principles in Sub-Saharan Africa (PVPSSA)

About the Project

This project supports the implementation of the Vancouver Principles (VPs) to increase the protection of children (boys and girls) from grave violations and their rights, in armed violence in seven sub-Saharan African countries over a five-year period.

The countries include:

· Cameroon

· Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

· Ghana

· Mozambique

· Nigeria

· Rwanda

· South Sudan

Overall, the promotion of the Vancouver Principles in Sub-Saharan Africa is a multi-faceted effort involving international cooperation, funding, capacity building, and integration into existing peacekeeping structures.

Additional Information

The Vancouver Principles are a set of policy commitments focused on protecting children and preventing their recruitment and use by armed forces and non-state armed groups. They are particularly relevant to UN peacekeeping missions, aiming to make them more effective in this area.

· More information about the Vancouver Principles

The six grave violations against children in armed conflict were identified and categorized by the United Nations Security Council as the most serious abuses committed against children during armed conflict. These violations are monitored and reported under the UN's Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism (MRM) and form the core of the Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) agenda.

· More information about the Six Grave Violations Against Children

Grant Amount and Timeframe

Canada is a key supporter of the Vancouver Principles and has pledged $20 million over five years in funding, administered by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), from December 2023 – August 2029, to work with the Dallaire Institute to integrate the VPs into UN policy and training frameworks for peace.

About Global Affairs Canada (GAC)

Global Affairs Canada defines, shapes and advances Canada’s interests and values in a complex global environment. They manage diplomatic relations, promote international trade and provide consular assistance. They lead international development, humanitarian, and peace and security assistance efforts. GAC also contributes to national security and the development of international law.

Multistakeholder Involvement

Efforts involve policymakers, security sector actors, civil society organizations, government bodies, and international organizations, including:

· Government of Canada/Foreign Affairs

· Trade and Development Canada

· Dalhousie University International Research and Development

Project Activities

The activities being executed under the PVPSSA are aligned with the Dallaire Institute’s Strategic Priorities on Advocacy, Operational Capacity Building, and Integrating Community Perspectives.

The activities include:

· conducting pre-deployment trainings of peacekeepers

· advocacy around the VPs

· community engagement

· national and regional roundtables

The aim of these activities is to strengthen the capacity of policymakers, security sector institutions, and local civil society organizations, such as women's and youth groups, to prevent the recruitment and use of children in armed violence.