ADMM-Plus EWG PKO Takes Place in Wellington, New Zealand

The 1st ADMM-Plus Experts Working Group Meeting on Peacekeeping Operations (ADMM-Plus EWG PKO) was held in Wellington, New Zealand. The meeting was co-chaired by Brigadier Kevin Riordan, Director-General of Defence Legal Services, New Zealand Defence Force and Colonel Claro C Casis, Commanding Officer of Peacekeeping Operations Center, Armed Forces of the Philippines.

This first formal meeting of the ADMM-Plus EWG PKO featured a seminar on the legal aspects of peacekeeping operations. The objective of the seminar was to introduce legal officers to the expertise and skills necessary for peacekeeping, thereby increasing the capacity of ADMM-Plus member states to contribute to Peacekeeping Operations (PKOs). Participants were exposed to the legal procedures, models and mechanisms that have been adopted by armed forces experienced in PKOs. Among the topics covered were international and national legal regimes applicable to PKOs; perspectives from legal officers on operating in the field; national perspectives on Status of Forces Arrangements/Agreements (SOFA); Laws of Armed Conflict (LOAC) during PKOs; military and police interactions in peace operations; UN Personnel’s privileges and immunities under the UN Model SOFA; discipline, jurisdiction and peacekeeper misconduct during PKOs and challenges and opportunities for ASEAN and ADMM-Plus in PKOs.

The inaugural meeting was attended by the ADMM-Plus countries and representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat. Brunei Darussalam was represented by one senior military officer from the Military Legal Unit and civilian officers from the Directorate of Defence Policy and Legal Unit, Ministry of Defence.

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Naval Today Staff , November 28, 2011; Image: mindef