Myanmar adopts UNODC counter-terrorism training package and plan
Nay Pyi Taw (Myanmar), 24 October 2016 - Myanmar today adopted a comprehensive counter-terrorism training package and plan developed by UNODC, emphasising its commitment to implementing a whole-of-nation approach to counter-terrorism. The package will be integrated into the Myanmar Police Force (MPF) Training curriculum, and as a result, will provide essential knowledge and skills to officials across the entire country.
In 2014, the Government of Myanmar established the Central Committee for Counter Terrorism to identify the best pathway in implementing a whole-of-nation approach to countering terrorism. Consisting of twenty-one ministries and agencies, the Central Committee earmarked the need to improve inter-agency cooperation, and a lack of training on how to approach this effectively, as areas that needed to be addressed urgently.
In response, the training course on "Inter-Agency Collaboration for Effective Prevention of Terrorism" was subsequently developed by UNODC in close collaboration with the Central Committee.
"Terrorism is threatening our country and in the near future, all relevant agencies will be very busy [addressing the threat], said Brigadier General Myint Htoo, Head of Division Against Transnational Organised Crime, Myanmar Police Force. "Therefore, it is encouraged that all agencies work hard to cooperate together. To prevent terrorism we need to work together; these manuals and trainings, by UNODC, will help us to achieve this."
The training course will establish a pool of national trainers, who will in turn provide training to national officials and officers working in the field of counter-terrorism. Importantly, this will enhance the long term application and Myanmar's ownership of the trainings.
"Terrorism is a scourge of modern society and can be a complex web of various criminal acts, such as violent attacks, online propaganda, financing of terrorists, and the travel of foreign terrorist fighters", said Mr. Soe Myaing, from UNODC's Myanmar Country Office. "It is therefore clear that this phenomenon cannot be countered by one agency alone; it requires a strong whole-of-nation approach. UNODC has closely collaborated with Myanmar's Central Committee for Counter Terrorism to develop these five training manuals. Today, we are proud to present the fruits of this close collaboration."
Following comprehensive consultations, five training manuals have been developed as comprehensive reference points for counter-terrorism related officials. The training of policy level officials and national trainers will commence in early 2017. Policy level officials will be the first to undergo the programme to ensure that the substantive knowledge of the curriculum is embedded and can be passed on sustainably.
"These training manuals have been systematically compiled by experts from UNODC", said Police Lieutenant Colonel Moe Zaw Lin, from the Counter Terrorism Unit of the Myanmar Police Force Special Branch. "They are in line with Myanmar Laws and international norms and standards; [and] they will be very beneficial for the Myanmar Police Force."
At the endorsement ceremony, the manuals were handed over to Police Lieutenant Colonel Aung San Myint, Representative of Police Training, Myanmar Police Force (MPF).
Click
here to learn more about Terrorism Prevention.
