How can community engagement be defined in relation to PoC?

Community engagement in the context of the Protection of Civilians (PoC) is fundamentally about building trust and fostering effectiveness through local involvement. This involves actively including the local population in discussions about their safety and security, recognizing their needs, and considering their perspectives in decision-making processes. Engaging communities enhances the effectiveness of protection measures, as it encourages cooperation and can help to identify potential threats and actual needs on the ground. It demonstrates respect for the agency of civilians and acknowledges their crucial role in peace-building and conflict resolution.

The other options do not align with the goals of community engagement in PoC. Limiting civilian participation would undermine their ability to contribute to their own protection, while a focus solely on international dominance overlooks the essential local perspectives and insights that inform better responses to security challenges. A system merely enforcing laws would lack the crucial component of community buy-in and support necessary for effective protection and resilience in conflict-affected areas.