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[PBSG] Representative Vincent Nicod Explains How ICRC Protects Civilians in Conflict (8 June 2013)

　Mr. Vincent Nicod, the Head of the Mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Tokyo, delivered on June 8 a lecture on the relevance of “Responsibility to Protect” and “Protection of Civilians” in field operation and explained the implications of the concepts for ICRC in their application in practice. The ICRC is the only institution explicitly named under international humanitarian law as an authority responsible for protecting civilians in conflict. The legal mandate of the ICRC stems from the four Geneva Conventions of 1949, as well as its own Statues. ICRC is an impartial, neutral and independent organization with its humanitarian mission to protect the lives and dignity of victims of war and internal violence and to provide them with assistance to sustain their life.　In his presentation, Nicod introduced how the notion of the law that regulates the conduct of armed conflicts had developed by mentioning two historical laws: the Law of Hague and the Law of Geneva. Nicod further touched upon the 1977 Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions. These additional protocols extended and strengthened the mandate for civilian protection in international and non-international armed conflict, for example by introducing the prohibition of direct attacks against civilians. A “civilian” is defined as “any person not belonging to the armed forces,” including non-nationals and refugees.　Four principles were said to be essential for protecting civilians. First, the principle of distinction, which protects civilian persons and civilian objects from military personnel and operations. Second, the principle of proportionality, which requires attacks on military objects must not cause loss of civilian life considered excessive in relation to the direct military advantage anticipated. Within this second principle, every feasible precaution must be taken by commanders to avoid civilian causalities. Third, the principle of humane treatment, which requires that civilians are treated humanely at all time. Fourth, the principle of non-discrimination, which requires that all protected persons should be treated with the same consideration by parties to the conflict, without distinction.　During the discussion that followed Nicod’s presentation, it was noted that the distinction and the proportionality contained several aspects to be considered including “collateral damage”. (Asami Ikeda)

2013-06-08

[Kurosawa seminar] The peace building in East-Timor, UNMISET (Professor Kurosawa) (6 June 2013)

　On 6 June 2013, Kurosawa seminar students discussed the prospectus of 2013 study tour.
　After that, two students Minako Ishikawa and Yasuki Uchiyama made presentation on Peace-building operation in East-Timor called UNMISET (United Nations Mission of Support in East-Timor). They explained processes from the establishment of UNMISET to the end and some problems of this mission.
　After two students’ presentation, Professor Kurosawa lectured UNPKO in Somalia, Cambodia and Rwanda. He explained contents of each activity and some problems of the traditional peacekeeping operation through the movie such as “Shooting Dogs”. (Mai Uchida)

2013-06-06

[Kurosawa seminar] The peace-building in East Timor, UNTAET and Brahimi Report (30 May 2013)

　On 30 May 2013, during the 4th period class, Sayaka Yatabe and Keiki Takemasa made presentations on the peace operations in East Timor, especially focusing on UNTAET. First, Keiki Takemasa explained differences between UNTAET and other previous PKO and 20 achievements made by UNTAET. Then, Sayaka Yatabe pointed out three issues of UNTAET: (1) inadequate preparations of establishment, (2) security problem, (3) lack of personnel and equipment to enforce a law. Finally, Keiki Takemasa mentioned the necessity of role-sharing to make good governance. He also referred to the lessons learned from UNTAET.
　In the 5th period, Yasuki Uchiyama made presentations on Brahimi Report. First, he introduced Lakhadar Brahimi and overview of Brahimi Report. Secondly, he mentioned comprehensive peacekeeping operations and emphasized that peace building and peacekeeping need to be performed at the same time. Finally he explained the change of the concept of peace operations. (Risa Kato)

2013-05-30

Hasegawa Briefs Defense Ministry Officers (27 May 2013)

　On 27 April 2013, Professor Sukehiro Hasegawa spoke to 60 officers of the Ministry of Defense as well as the Cabinet Peace Cooperation Headquarters about the peacekeeping and peacebuilding issues. He presented his analysis of such events as the security incidents resulting in death of UN volunteer electoral supervisor Atsuhito Nakata and Japanese police officer Haruyuki Takada in Cambodia in 1993, the Battle of Mogadishu in 1994, and the Kibeho Tragedy in Rwanda in 1995. He also stressed the need to achieve overall positive results through coordination and integration of security, humanitarian and development assistance provided by UN and other organizations in conflict-prone and post-conflict countries, bearing in mind the need to balance national and human security concerns. (Shogo Yoshida)

2013-05-27

[Kurosawa seminar] Enforcement of PKO: Effort and Historical Background of East Timor (Professor Kurosawa) (23 May 2013)

　On 23 May 2013, during 4th period class, presentation on the chapter 3 and 4 of the book “UN PKO missions and Peace buildings” was given by Moe Kurisu, Kohei Yokota and Yuko Honda. First, Moe Kurisu explained the issue of ownership under the UN missions and the key to nation building after conflict. Most important thing to build nation is making confidence between the local people and international organization. By doing so, we can continue to sustainable development.
　Secondly Kohei Yokota and Yuko Honda made presentations about East Timor. They referred the history of East Timor include of territorial dispute, election problem, international society supports and UN missions.
　Finally Professor Kurosawa gave us lecture about the summary of peace building supports. He mainly delivered the conflict factor and the point of peace building. JICA also support nation buildings from 4 fields. Students asked various questions to professor and got answer. (Yuhi Kawase)

2013-05-23

[Kurosawa seminar] The Ambassador of Russian Federation to Japan holds Dialogue with Hosei students (16 May 2013)

　On 16 May 2013, His Excellency Ambassador Evgeny Vladimirovich Afanasiev of Russian Federation to Japan visited Hosei University and held a dialogue with professors and students. The ambassador explained the Russian foreign policy towards East Asia.
　After opening remarks made by Mr. Fukuda, Ambassador Afanasiev mentioned the historical, cultural, political and economic relationship between Japan and Russia. In his speech, he emphasized the significance of cooperating each other for the prosperity of each society. He regarded the recent relationship between both countries as of optimum importance, and put an emphasis on improving the understanding and cooperation between each other. Ambassador Afanasiev also made a reference to the negotiation of peace treaty between Russia and Japan, and he referred to a progress to be made by the leaders of both countries as the significant goal for the development of relationship of two countries.
　At the end of the symposium, we had a comments and questions session moderated by Professor Sukehiro Hasegawa, in which three professors commented, Professors Nobuto Shimotomai, Andrei Ivanovich Kravtsevich and Satoru Kurosawa. As a conclusion, Professor Hasegawa referred to the importance of appreciating various cognitions held by those concerned when it comes to solving territorial disputes. He introduced three indispensable ways to solve some territorial problems through (1) the role of ICJ; (2) a shelving of the determination and (3) the settlement of issues through dividing the territories equally as referred to by President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. In addition, Professor Hasegawa pointed out the importance of grasping different opinions held by both sides on territorial disputes. (Keiki Takemasa)

2013-05-16

[Kurosawa seminar] Peace Keeping Operations and Peacebuilding frameworks (Professor Kurosawa) (16 May 2013)

　On 16 May 2013, two students, Mai Uchida and Yuhi Kawase, made presentations on PKO (Peace Keeping Operation). Mai Uchida explained, firstly, the connection between PKO and national interests. She mainly mentioned reasons why small states send a number of troops to other countries as PKF (Peace Keeping Forces). She reiterated that there were external and domestic reasons. As a conclusion, she pointed out that small states participate in PKO for not only altruism but also national profits.
　After presentation made by Mai Uchida, Yuhi Kawase explained the legitimacy and concept of Peace Keeping Operation. In his presentation, he mentioned the progress of peacebuilding, in which there are four stages, preventive diplomacy, peacemaking, peacekeeping and peacebuilding. He finally defined peacebuilding as the activity which establishes suitable peace and protects states from reoccurrence of conflicts through state-building in various countries.
　Professor Kurosawa lectured how to write an official letter in English. Then, he explained, firstly, peacebuilding frameworks, which are divided into three pillars i.e. military, political and economic and social framework. In addition to that, he pointed out that the conflict sensitive approach played a significant role in peacebuilding. Finally he introduced recent and past deployments of PKO in the world. The number of PKO activities is 67 in 2012 and 119.154 participants are deployed in the current PKO activities. (Keiki Takemasa)

2013-05-16

[PBSG] 2nd Study Meeting on R2P and POC (11 May 2013)

　On 11th May 2013, the 2nd study meeting of the Peacebuilding Study Group was held in a conference room in the 80-nenkan building at Hosei University. In this meeting, three of the eight participants made presentations on the “Responsibility to Protect” (R2P) and the “Protection of Civilians” (POC), based on the UNU book “Norms of Protection: Responsibility to Protect, Protection of Civilians and Their Interaction.” First, Mr. Taichiro Fujino, who is a graduate student at Hitotsubashi University, made a presentation about the Chapter 1, entitled “Game Change and Regime Change.” He introduced the history of and arguments for and against R2P. Next, Mr. Shogo Yoshida, who is an undergraduate student at Hosei University, discussed Chapter 2, “The Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict: Four Concepts,” and Chapter 3, “The Responsibility to Protect and the Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict: Overlap and Contrast.” He explained the four types of POC: Combatant POC, Peacekeeping POC, Security Council POC, and Humanitarian POC. He also compared POC with R2P in terms of their similarities, interactions, and differences. Finally, Mr. Jason Pratt, who is a graduate student at Hosei University, spoke on the conclusion of the book and analyzed R2P and POC as they apply to the modern situation in Afghanistan. (Shogo Yoshida)

2013-05-11

[Kurosawa seminar] UNPKO and national interests (Professor Kurosawa) (9 May 2013)

　On 9 May 2013, Risa Kato made a presentation on various reasons why countries contribute to UN peacekeeping operation (PKO) on the basis of the text book, referring to the chapter 2 of the “UN PKO and peace building.” She explained the reasons from international factors. Contributing countries consider their own national interests. PKO policy of great power countries is just one of the foreign policies. Small countries expect direct profit from PKO. Keiki Takemasa made presentations on dispatching the Self-defense force to Haiti and Cambodia. Kohei Yokota explained United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS).
　In the latter half of our class, Professor Kurosawa gave a lecture about English grammar. In addition, he made a presentation on democratization and governance. He explained the United Nations, focusing on the UN Chapters, the Security Council and the right of veto. Then he referred to the framework of peace building support. (Yuko Honda)

2013-05-09

Announcement for PSG Meeting on May 11, 2013 (closed)

　On 11th May 2013 from 13:30 to 16:40, the 2nd study-meeting of Peacebuilding Study Group (PBSG) will be held at the conference room in 7th floor of 80-nenkan-building, Ichigaya campus, Hosei University, Tokyo. In this meeting, we will discuss the two concepts, differences and gaps between Responsibility to Protect (R2P) and Protection of Civilians (POC). In order to understand them efficiently, we will read carefully and debate the book “Norms of Protection: Responsibility to Protect, Protection of Civilians and Their Interaction” (published by UNU press), especially Chapter 1, 2, 3 and 14.　This study group is open to anybody such as undergraduate students, graduate students, businessmen and researchers. If you would like to know the details of this conference, please click and check this article. (**This seminar on 11th May 2013 ended successfully, thank you.) (Shogo Yoshida)

2013-05-01

Heiwa Kochiku Kenkyuu Kai (H3K) (20 April 2013)

　The inaugural session of the Heiwa Kochiku Kenkyu Kai (H3K – Peacebuilding Research Group) was held at Hosei University on April 20th. The group is led under the direction of Special Advisor to the President of Timor-Leste, Professor Sukehiro Hasegawa, and managed by students and professionals in and around the Tokyo area. Aiming to broaden their own understandings of peacebuilding and share their learning with the wider world, the group has decided to hold both study sessions led by students and seminars with prominent guest speakers. The first session held on 20 April was divided into two subjects. In the first, Professor Yasunobu Sato of Tokyo University’s Graduate School spoke on the issue of human security. Mr. Sato explained the multifaceted nature of the field, which encompasses a vast range of issues from protection from diseases to disasters. Mr. Shogo Yoshida, who serves as the group’s Secretary General, also spoke on the writings of scholars in this important field. In the second session, Mr. Hideki Hayashi of the Japan Peacekeeping Training&Research Center of the Joint Staff College, and Associate Professor Yuji Uesugi of Waseda University shared their perspectives on the protection of civilians within United Nations peacekeeping missions. Both sessions allowed for members to present questions and engage in discussion. (Jason Pratt)

2013-04-20

[Kurosawa seminar] The Support to Mine Countermeasures in Cambodia (Professor Kurosawa) (18 April 2013)

　On 18 April, Kurosawa seminar students discussed the 2013 study tour and decided to visit Cambodia this summer. Professor Kurosawa gave a lecture on the support to demining programmes in Cambodia, referring to the survey conducted by JICA in 2009. Firstly, he talked about the situation of damage caused by landmines in Cambodia. In Cambodia, there still remain landmines and UXOs dropped during the Vietnam War. In 1992, UNTAC founded Cambodia Mine Action Center (CMAC). Thanks to extensive demining activities and Mine Awareness Program, the number of victims of landmines has reduced. About 46 percent of the whole area of Cambodia, however, is still contaminated by landmines and UXOs. Secondly, he mentioned the process and various projects of demining. At the time of mine clearance, it is important to choose the area fairly. CMAC introduced a successful project of Community Based Demining Platoons (CBDP), which contributes to poverty reduction by employing many villagers from poor family. USA implements Exposing Harvest Project and reuses gunpowder from landmines. Japan has four programmes to address the landmine issues in Cambodia; i.e. support for mine clearance, support for victims, rehabilitation and vocational training, and Mine Awareness Program. (Sayaka Yatabe)

2013-04-18

[Kurosawa seminar] Kurosawa Seminar starts its studies and activities (Professor Kurosawa) (11 April 2013)

　On 11 April 2013, Kurosawa Seminar was held for the first time FY2013. Mr. Yasuki Uchiyama is leader and Ms. Minako Ishikawa is vice leader in Kurosawa Seminar.
　In the fourth period, an orientation was held for new Kurosawa Seminar students. Then, students reviewed procedures for printing, an accounting report and programmes for the seminar. Later they tried to decide a country to visit as study tour in this summer. However, it was difficult to choose only one country because countries students wanted to go were deferent.
　In the fifth period, Professor Kurosawa taught them how to write proper English, referring to some sentences with mistakes. (Kohei Yokota)

2013-04-11

Professor Hasegawa Appointed Special Adviser to Prime Minister of Timor-Leste (11 April 2013)

　According to the press release made by the Government of Timor-Leste, the Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, H.E. Mr. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, has appointed Professor Sukehiro Hasegawa, former Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General as his Special Adviser on Good Governance and Development. Please refer to the Government’s website: http://timor-leste.gov.tl/?p=7975&lang=en&n=1 for details of the announcement. (Shogo Yoshida)

2013-04-11

Geneva Training Seminar for Graduate Students (1 to 5 April 2013)

　From 1st to 5th of April, Japanese students attending graduate schools in the United Kingdom and other European universities participated in the training program on the path to become UN professional staff and the competencies required for the entry to UN organizations. This program, which was organized by the Matsumoto Kenshukai in Geneva, was assisted by many supporters and volunteers. It reflected the recognition of Japanese government and people about the need to increase Japanese staff presence in the UN and other international organizations commensurate with the share of Japanese financial contributions to the organizations. In this program, we visited several agencies such as UNCTAD, WHO, IOM, UNHCR and UNICEF and met current and former staff of the UN and other international organizations. All of the lectures were most helpful in providing us with not only relevant information but also lessons we should keep in mind for our studies and future career goals. On the first and third days of the seminar, Professor Hasegawa made informative talks on transformation of roles and policies of international organizations and the latest doctrines on norms of protection. He also advised us on the importance of knowing ourselves thoroughly in terms of our suitability to any specific career path we wish to pursue by using the Myers-Briggs personality type indicators. I am sure this training program will be a turning point for us in making decisions for our career paths. (Yuhei Shiratsuchi)

2013-04-05

Geneva Training Seminar for Entry to International Organizations (31 March 2013)

　We participated in a study trip to visit UN organizations in Geneva from March 25th to 29th. On our last day, we had a seminar by Mr. Alain Dick and Professor Hasegawa. They mainly presented about skills and knowledge necessary to work in the international organisations with their experiences in their UN careers and current attempts to develop the structure of international organisations. At the beginning, Mr. Dick explained two core important concepts to build UN career in terms of mind perspective; motivation and communication. In particularly, he strongly emphasized the importance of knowing and understanding “who I am”; in the other words, what I am eager to achieve in both short and long time periods. At the same time, he advised us to understand the aspirations of our partners and gave us examples of the impotence of communication with interviewers as they expect when we apply the international organisation and we move forward in our UN careers. (Ayaka Izu)

2013-03-31

長谷川ゼミ5期生、7名が卒業しました(30 March 2013)

　長谷川先生、式から日が経ってしまいましたが卒業式の報告をいたします。3月24日、5期生のうち7名(高橋、加藤、橋本、平田、光達、近藤、野田)が卒業いたしました。卒業式当日は、4期生の大山さん、山崎さんが式に駆けつけてくださりました。当日、国際政治学科では学位記が、菱田先生と萩谷先生から学生に渡されました。学位記を授与される際、大学4年間のこと、長谷川ゼミでの経験が走馬灯のごとく思い出されました。大きなセレモニーとはもっと形式的なものとこのときまで思っていましたが、直接経験すると、感慨深いものがあり、過去の思い出と、学位を授与された重みを感じました。また大山さんからは、「野田君をはじめ後輩のみんなが頑張ってきたからその学位記には重みがあるんだ」といった旨の言葉を頂きました。最後になりましたが、スイスからのゼミ生へのメッセージありがとうございました。春に、先生にお会い出来るのを楽しみにしております。(野田悠将)

2013-03-30

Full-blown Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo (29 March 2013)

　Dear Professor Hasegawa (Cc. All seminar students), thank you for your nice pictures of Swiss Alps Mountains, Professor Hasegawa. They are majestic but I felt freezing cold when I saw these photos. Yesterday, I walked on streets around Hosei University and enjoyed seeing full-blown cherry blossoms that were so beautiful. They showed me spring is coming here. Cherry blossom is a symbol of meeting people and parting them. When the cherry blossom ends and the new school year starts in April, we will start our own separate lives. You will no longer be with us in class, so I wish you and all seminar students a good start of your new lives. (Shogo Yoshida)

2013-03-29

Greetings from Top of Swiss Alps (28 March 2013)

　皆さん、お元気ですか。3月23日にスイス・アルプスの標高3020mのティルスという山の頂上までケーブルカーで家族と一緒に上ってきました。一年を通して氷の中にある山頂は素晴らしかったです。3月の後半というのに、スイスでは今日も雪が降りました。自宅の周りの雪かきに1時間ほどかかりました。早く春になってもらいたいです。(長谷川祐弘)

2013-03-28

Message from Geneva (18 March 2013)

　長谷川ゼミ生、OB/OGのみなさん、今、スイスに来ております。ジュネーブでは昨夜より雪が降り、真っ白の美しい世界となりました。まもなく、国際機関人材育成セミナーが2週間あり、講義をいたします。4月には東京に戻り、20日には平和構築研究会の第1回を法政大学で開催します。土曜日ですので、参加して下さい。今後も一緒に学んでいきましょう。 (長谷川祐弘)

2013-03-18

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