Peace-Building and Reconstruction Missions

Côte d'Ivoire

In April, 2005, the United Nations (UN) asked Canada to identify a Corrections Training and Development Officer in support of the United Nations Mission in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) for a one-year deployment.

"UNOCI is mandated to assist the interim government in re-establishing the authority of the judiciary and the rule of law throughout Côte d'Ivoire. Having a functioning corrections system in place has been identified as a crucial factor in fulfilling this mandate. The corrections pillar of UNOCI will work in close coordination with the mission's civilian police component, to which Canada has deployed ten police officers [.]. The deployment of a Canadian corrections officer in this mission would be supported by and would serve to reinforce Canada's rule of law engagement in UNOCI. "
Human Security Program, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT).

A correctional manager was selected and sent to Côte d'Ivoire in August, 2005. The officer is there to provide training and development guidance to the national prison management personnel, and to conduct a needs analyses and develop plans to contribute to a national training and development strategy in Côte d'Ivoire's corrections sector. The officer is also key to the development and strengthening of the national corrections staff capacity to design, develop, deliver and evaluate their own training programs. The officer works within the UN system, in collaboration with police and military components of UNOCI. She also works together with government officials, national prison professionals, international prison training agencies and bilateral/multilateral donors. This collaborative approach allows for achievements in the corrections system to be well-integrated and complementary to other areas of security sector reform. The one year deployment has been extended until February 2007.