ATLAS promotes good military practices
The four-year project ATLAS (Armed Conflicts, Peacekeeping, Transitional Justice: Law As Solution) was funded by the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Commission and involved 45 researchers from eight institutions from Spain, UK, France and Romania. The partners, coordinated by the Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, analyzed over 30 peace operations and national reconciliation procedures, in Cambodia, the former Yugoslavia (Bosnia and Kosovo), Haiti and Sierra Leone. One of the most important outputs is the Code of Conduct for CSDP Operations Personnel. The manual includes intercultural information as well as the human rights and laws applicable in every situation. "There is such a document for United Nations missions but not for the EU Member States operations," says Susana Sanz Caballero, professor of Public International Law, University CEU Cardenal Herrera (Spain). The second remarkable result is the compilation of best practices on the integration of human rights and humanitarian law. This document aimed at senior policy-makers of EU Member States addresses issues such as the treatment of prisoners and civilians, the most appropriate behaviour in combat and conflict areas, and the punishment of abuses. According to Susana Sanz, third-State citizens in general have good memories of Spanish soldiers deployed in their region. However, this is the first comparative study of international legal rules with the practice of both EU Member States and third States. This has not been easy because, as the researcher points out: “It is difficult to access this information. Commanders allege safety reasons but the truth is that, at least in the case of the Spanish contingent, they have always been praised by the local population for their exquisite behaviour." Peace operations are considered fundamental and the results of ATLAS are expected to support policy-making, improve soldier training and prevent individual erroneous actions that may tarnish the image of the whole. "The Balkans would probably still be at war if it were not for the peace operations in the area. These operations take place before, during and after armed conflicts, and often prevent human rights abuses, achieve disarmament or stand between warring factions." The Spanish researchers from the Universities of Valencia, Jaume I and CEU Cardenal Herrera have created the Centre for the Study of Law and International Relations (CEDRI), a centre to strengthen relationships and deepen understanding in common issues such as peacekeeping and international security, and international protection of human rights. From the findings of ATLAS another national initiative has emerged, led by Susana Sanz. "In this case we intend to analyze the treatment of vulnerable groups such as children, refugees and prisoners by personnel of EU peacekeeping operations deployed in unstable areas." The results of this new initiative are intended to be very practical. The University CEU Cardenal Herrera is designing with the Valencia Army headquarters training sessions for autumn on a comprehensive approach to peace operations. Personnel deployed in peacekeeping missions of the UN, NATO and the EU will be invited as speakers.
Countries
Spain