A South Sudanese perspective Three professors from South Sudan will provide their reflections on the current intricacies of South Sudan’s security sector in the context of an unpredictable peace agreement. After six years of conflict, the young nation is poised at a critical juncture, mid-way through the 100-day extension of a ceasefire agreement that hopes to lead to naming a unity government. While the internal borders and national identity of this nascent state are still being (violently) contested, processes of statebuilding, comprehensive security and nationbuilding are not simply abstract challenges. They are actual lived experiences for these visiting scholars, who are eager to share their research on: building an inclusive security sector; military economy of SSR in South Sudan; and the current peace process. This public event, sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Dutch Embassy in Juba, and the Knowledge Platform Security & Rule of Law, will provide an unparalleled view into how South Sudanese experts themselves are analyzing the current situation. Agenda: 15:30 -  Opening remarks Janet Alberda – The Dutch Ambassador to Juba 15:45 -  Addresses by three South Sudanese scholars Dr James Solomon Padiet – Scene setting: implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan  Dr Abraham Kuol Nyuon – Reflecting on the specific context of the military economy of Security Sector Reform in South Sudan Prof. Dr Samson Samuel Wassara – The complexities and domestic efforts of establishing an inclusive security sector in the context of polarized identities 16:45 – Moderated Q&A with the audience 17:30 – Borrel Registration  Registration is mandatory to attend this event, and spaces are limited. Please register by contacting info@kpsrl.org or clicking the button below. Date & Location The Panel will be held Thursday 23 January, in The Hague.  

How do refugee children deal with war related trauma? And in what way does the Dutch government add to this process through education? Join the discussion on 3 February to discuss whether these efforts contribute to security and stability in the Netherlands. Lebanon is an interesting case study to answer these questions, due to its geographical location and the refugee influx, as the country hosts around 1 million Syrian refugees. The Dutch government specifically focuses on ‘creating stability’ in the Middle East by investing around 30 million euros per year in education, and by cooperating with various (local) partners, to ensure a peaceful and secure future, locally and eventually internationally.  Funded by the Knowledge Management Fund, researchers Marije Luitjens and Laura Sofie van der Reijden have spent the last few months investigating this aim for stability through education, more specifically in relation to Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) – one of the other focal points of the Dutch government. The research focuses specifically on educational interventions, such as Basic Literacy and Numeracy (BLN) and psychosocial support (PSS), subsidised by the Netherlands in Lebanon. During the research, the importance of  psychosocial support (PSS) as part of the educational intervention has become apparent, which has been analyzed in relation to PVE. These results will be presented during this event.  During the panel discussion led by Jasper Wegman, both Marije Luitjens and Laura Sofie van der Reijden, a MFA representative and a mental health specialist will shed light on aspects regarding this important topic. Join us on the 3rd of February to discuss the future of mental health for refugee populations.  Program 19:00         Doors open for public event: Syrian coffee + sweets 19:15         Start of evening – Chaired by Jasper Wegman 19:30         International trauma-expert Drs. Anne van den Ouwelant on' trauma-processing for refugee children' 19:45         ‘The importance of educational practices for PVE’ by Renet van der Waals, senior specialist Mental Health Psychosocial Support (MFA) 20:00         Marije Luitjens and Laura van der Reijden – ‘Importance of PSS and education for PVE in Lebanon’ 20:30         Panel discussion, chaired by Jasper Wegman 20:45         Network opportunity: drinks + bites