The Netherlands Defence organisation provides training courses for international United Nations Observers and tailored training courses for civilians who are going to work in high risk areas, including members of staff at the International Crime Court and the Netherlands Ministry of Justice/ National Police.
These courses are conducted by the Netherlands School for Peace Operations (SPO, School voor Vredesmissies, SVV). This school is also responsible for the mission-orientation training program (missie orientatie, MO) for military and civilian personnel going on missions abroad.
Exchanges
The school works closely together with other countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland in Fo(u)r Peace Central Europe (4 PCE). There are regular instructor exchanges with these countries as well as with other Peacekeeping Training Centres.
Training courses in 2023
UNMO (United Nations Military Observers)
For military personnel with the rank of Captain, Major or Lieutenant Colonel who will be deployed as military observer, military advisor or military liaison officer on a UN or EU mission (includes the mission-specific training programme).
- UNMO 2023-1: 5 June – 30 June 2023, a total of 10 places.
- UNMO 2023-2: 20 November – 15 December 2023, a total of 15 places.
Course director: Captain Kim Blok, e-mail: otcman.svv.unspo@mindef.nl
UNPOL (United Nations Police)
For members of civilian and military police and Gendarmerie forces who will be working as Individual Police Officer on a UN or EU mission. (Includes the mission-specific training programme.)
- UNPOL 2023-1: 20 March – 7 April 2023, a total of 15 places.
- UNPOL 2023-2: 2 October - 20 October 2023, a total of 15 places.
Course director: Captain Kim Blok, e-mail: otcman.svv.unspo@mindef.nl
Free E-Learning
The SPO offers in cooperation with Peace Operations Training lnstitute free e-learning on peacekeeping, security and humanitarian relief operations. How to sign in?
- Go to: https://www.peaceopstraining.org/programs/ntcelp/spo/.
- Click Sign Up.
- Insert SPO into the programme eligibility code box when you create your student profile.
COVID-19 measures
Due to COVID-19 measures, some courses could be cancelled on short notice. For actual infomation, please contact: otcman.bur.penp.svv@mindef.nl.
Contact details
For questions or additional information, please contact the Planning & Programming Office: OTCMAN.BUR.PenP.SVV@mindef.nl.
Visiting address
Generaal Winkelman Barracks
Otterloseweg 5
6732 BR Harskamp
The Netherlands
Postal address
School for Peace Operations
PO Box 9
6732 ZG Harskamp
The Netherlands