Protection of Civilians Military Reference Guide
considerations into their planning and operations and to anticipate unintended consequences . These and other related tasks are discussed in Chapter 3 .
• Fundamental # 3 : Shape a Protective Environment . PoC requires more than the effective performance of military tasks that protect civilians in the short term . Lasting PoC also depends on the creation of a surrounding environment that supports civilian well-being , addresses the root causes of conflict , and mitigates grievances that could generate renewed fighting which threatens civilians . Nonmilitary actors will often have primary responsibility and capability for many of the tasks that support a protective environment , such as fostering good governance , the rule of law , social well-being , and a sustainable economy . Military forces may support these efforts by contributing to a safe and secure environment that provides sufficient “ space ” for other actors . Military forces must coordinate effectively with these other actors , key leaders , and the local population , with information activities that support these efforts and advance the protection of civilians . Military forces may also be involved in essential programs such as security sector reform ( SSR ), disarmament , demobilization , and reintegration ( DDR ), and other capacity-building efforts to build host-state capacity and improve the environment so that lasting PoC can be achieved .
In Chapters 2 through 4 , the PoC Military Reference Guide discusses 45 relevant tasks that support the three overarching PoC fundamentals . When conducting an operation in which PoC is a major consideration , commanders should analyze whether the tasks are applicable to the situation and , if so , whether they are being addressed adequately . Military forces play a major role in most of the tasks . For some critical PoC tasks , however , the military will likely act in a supporting role to other actors . Each of the 45 tasks in the PoC Military Reference Guide includes a discussion of the following elements :
• Task Description .
• Task Relevance to PoC .
• How the Task is Accomplished .
• Task Challenges .
While many of the 45 tasks are not limited to PoC situations , insufficient attention to any of them could result in a failure to protect civilians effectively . The nature and relevance of a particular task will depend on the context and objectives of the mission ( for example , whether the military is engaged in armed conflict or peace operations ). The military may , at most , play a marginal or supporting role for eleven of the tasks , such as those related to governance , rule of law , social well-being , and humanitarian assistance ( although in extreme situations the military may be a provider of “ last resort ”). In many situations , the military can assist nonmilitary efforts in these areas ; in any case , the military must be aware that such tasks are often critical and ensure that units avoid undermining these efforts . The 45 tasks are largely mutually supporting , in that success ( or setbacks ) in one task can have an effect on other tasks as well . Commanders and staffs should carefully analyze the tasks for applicability to their particular situations ; it may be appropriate to refine some tasks , delete some , or add others .
Chapter 5 concludes with a discussion of the significant PoC tradeoffs , challenges , and risks that military leaders are likely to confront . Some of these tradeoffs include the roles of host-state
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