UN Peacekeeping

UN Peacekeeping

  • Focuses on global justice in the 21st century.

Learning Objectives

  • E5: Explain ways UN Peacekeeping is successful.

  • E7: Discuss the role of the UN in regulating war and conflict.

Origins of Peacekeeping

  • Rooted in the UN Charter.

  • Security Council's Role: Responsible for maintaining peace and security.

  • Countries seek the Security Council's assistance for implementing peace agreements.

  • Definition: UN operations involve deploying UN-sponsored troops in post-conflict environments to maintain peace and enforce settlements.

Current Peacekeeping Operations

  • 12 active operations led by the Department of Peace Operations (DPO).

  • Started in 1948 with:

    • UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO)

    • UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP).

  • Prior to the late 1980s, operations were under the UN Office of Special Political Affairs.

  • The DPO was formally established in 1992.

Principles of Peacekeeping

  1. Preventive Diplomacy

    • Diplomatic efforts to prevent conflicts.

    • Involves brokering agreements between conflicting parties.

    • Multinational forces act as a buffer; identified by their blue helmets.

  2. Consent of the Parties

    • Requires consent from the main conflict parties.

    • Essential for political engagement and operational freedom.

    • Lack of consent can lead to becoming entrenched in conflict.

  3. Impartiality

    • Essential for maintaining cooperation among conflict parties.

    • Peacekeepers must not condone violations of peace processes or international norms.

  4. Non-use of Force

    • No enforcement capability unless in self-defense or required by mandate.

    • Force can be authorized by the Security Council in specific situations.

    • Force should be a last resort and only used to maintain peace.

Roles and Tasks of Peacekeepers

  • Facilitate environments for lasting peace agreements.

  • Aid in implementing peace agreements.

  • Teach governance based on democratic principles and promote economic development.

Peacebuilding Activities

  • Catalytic Role: Peacekeepers engage in:

    • Disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of ex-combatants.

    • Mine action and security sector reform.

    • Human rights protection and electoral assistance.

    • Restoration of state authority and social/economic recovery.

  • Reflecting on the Fragile States Index for context on benefiting nations.

Factors for Success

  • Adherence to core principles: consent, impartiality, non-use of force.

  • Must be perceived as legitimate and credible.

  • Promoting local ownership of the peace process.

  • Other critical success factors include:

    • Clear and achievable mandates with adequate resources.

    • Unity within the Security Council and host country support.

    • Coordination with local actors and maintaining high professional standards.

Case Study: Côte d'Ivoire

  • Mission successfully closed on 30th June 2017.

  • Achievements included improved security, state authority, public service deployment, democratic strengthening, and economic development.

Facts & Figures about UN Peacekeeping

  • Over €124 billion budget.

  • Contributions cover more than 100,000 troops, police, and personnel.

  • Operate in 11 zones in 144 missions worldwide.

  • 22,492 troops authorized in the largest mission in DR Congo (MONUSCO).

  • 2.4 million remnants of war and landmines destroyed over five years.

  • 324,700 is the approved budget from 2017-2018 for peacekeeping operations.

  • Visit peacekeeping.un.org for the latest information and updates.