Home  Publications MERCY Malaysia benefits from Humanitarian Negotiators Training Course |
 Under The Patronage of
His Royal Highness Sultan Azlan Shah
The Sultan of Perak Darul Ridzuan
19 February 2009
PRESS RELEASE
Participants from 20 countries at Penang Medical College course
32 Humanitarian Negotiators from 20 countries are taking part in a course at Penang Medical College (PMC) this week (15-21 February). The training course is organised by The Center for International Humanitarian Cooperation (CIHC), through its Institute based at Fordham University, New York.
The objective of the course is to equip the participants with skills needed to deal with the practical problems encountered in such tasks as negotiating access to prisoners, refugees, and internally displaced persons. Problems faced by aid workers in negotiating in hostile and dangerous environments for the delivery of food, medicine, and personnel are also addressed.
During the course, participants study the framework and fundamentals of negotiation, the legal tools, and the knowledge of its practical aspects. They also take part in negotiating workshops and in simulated exercises.
Participants in the PMC course come from Australia, Cambodia, Canada, Indonesia, India, Ireland, Finland, Lebanon, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Thailand, Timor Leste, Uganda, United Kingdom and the USA.
Most of the Malaysian participants are from MERCY Malaysia, the non-profit organization medical organization that provides humanitarian aid in crisis and non-crisis situations. MERCY Malaysia is active internationally and has sent relief missions to Kosovo, Cambodia, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Turkey, Iraq, Sri Lanka, Iran, Sudan, North Korea, Pakistan, Maldives and Lebanon. Dr Jemilah Mahmood, President of Mercy Malaysia, said of the PMC conference
“The training programme is not only valuable, but essential for humanitarian workers who are faced with challenges that require proficient negotiation skills. PMC has provided an excellent opportunity for the MERCY MALAYSIA staff who routinely work in difficult circumstances.”
Two other Malaysians - from CARE International and Health Alliance International work in Timor Leste. One Malaysian works for the Federation of Family Planning Associations.
The organiser of the course, the Center for International Humanitarian Cooperation (CIHC) was founded in 1992 to promote healing and peace in countries shattered by natural disasters, armed conflicts, and ethnic violence. The Center employs its resources and unique personal contacts to stimulate interest in humanitarian issues and to promote innovative educational programs and training models. Its extensive list of publications and regular symposia address both the basic issues and the emerging challenges of humanitarian assistance. Brendan Cahill, Administrative Director of the Center for International Humanitarian Cooperation, said of his visit to Penang
“I am delighted that Penang Medical College has joined the Center for International Humanitarian Cooperation in hosting this course for Humanitarian Negotiators. It is our first course in Asia and it enables to reach out to and work with humanitarian workers on this continent. Skills in Humanitarian Negotiation are just as much needed in areas of conflict and distress in Asia as they are elsewhere.
Penang Medical College has provided an excellent intellectual environment for our course and the wonderful melting pot that is Penang has been an amazing backdrop to our discussions. I look forward to holding courses here again.”
The course is funded by the Helen Hamlyn Trust of the United Kingdom.
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