12.1 Evolution and Types of Peacekeeping Operations
3 min read•august 7, 2024
Peacekeeping has evolved from simple ceasefire monitoring to complex missions addressing modern conflicts. focuses on observation, while multidimensional operations tackle broader issues like disarmament and civilian protection. allows for more forceful action when necessary.
The UN Charter provides the framework for peacekeeping, with Chapter VI focusing on peaceful dispute resolution and Chapter VII allowing force in certain situations. Key principles like and guide , though these can be challenged in complex conflicts.
Types of Peacekeeping
Traditional Peacekeeping
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- Involves monitoring ceasefires and maintaining buffer zones between conflicting parties (Cyprus)
- Typically deployed after a peace agreement has been reached to help maintain stability
- Characterized by the , impartiality, and the non-use of force except in self-defense
- Peacekeepers are usually lightly armed and primarily serve as and mediators
- Examples include the () in the Middle East and the ()
Multidimensional Peacekeeping
- Addresses the complex nature of modern conflicts by combining military, police, and civilian components (Kosovo)
- Aims to support the implementation of comprehensive peace agreements and assist in building sustainable peace
- Focuses on tasks such as disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) of former combatants, security sector reform, and the protection of civilians
- Promotes human rights, the rule of law, and the restoration of state authority
- Examples include the () and the ()
Robust Peacekeeping and Rules of Engagement
- Involves the use of force at the tactical level with the authorization of the Security Council to defend the mandate and protect civilians (Democratic Republic of the Congo)
- Peacekeepers are equipped and authorized to use force beyond self-defense to deter attempts to disrupt the political process, protect civilians under imminent threat, and assist national authorities in maintaining law and order
- The mandate outlines the specific tasks and responsibilities of the peacekeeping mission, as well as its scope and duration
- Rules of engagement (ROE) define the circumstances, conditions, degree, and manner in which force may be applied by peacekeepers
- Examples include the ###United_Nations_Organization_Stabilization_Mission_in_the_Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo_()_0### and the ()
UN Peacekeeping Framework
UN Charter Chapters VI and VII
- focuses on the peaceful settlement of disputes through negotiation, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, and judicial settlement
- Peacekeeping operations under Chapter VI are based on the consent of the parties and do not involve the use of force beyond self-defense
- addresses threats to peace, breaches of peace, and acts of aggression
- Under Chapter VII, the Security Council can authorize the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security
- Peacekeeping operations under Chapter VII may involve the use of force beyond self-defense to protect civilians and support the implementation of the mandate
Key Reports and Troop Contributions
- The (2000) provided a comprehensive review of UN peace operations and made recommendations for improving their effectiveness, including the need for clear, credible, and achievable mandates, and the importance of rapid deployment and adequate resources
- Troop-contributing countries (TCCs) provide military and police personnel for peacekeeping operations
- TCCs are responsible for training, equipping, and disciplining their personnel in accordance with UN standards
- The United Nations reimburses TCCs for their contributions based on a standard rate per peacekeeper
- The five largest troop-contributing countries as of 2021 are Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Rwanda, and Pakistan
Principles of Peacekeeping
- Neutrality requires peacekeepers to maintain an unbiased stance towards the parties to the conflict and avoid taking sides
- Impartiality involves treating all parties equally and fairly, without favoring one side over another
- These principles are essential for maintaining the trust and cooperation of the parties and ensuring the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations
- However, the principles of neutrality and impartiality may be challenged in situations where one party is clearly violating human rights or breaching the peace agreement
- In such cases, peacekeepers may be required to take action to protect civilians or support the implementation of the mandate, even if it is perceived as favoring one side over another
Key Terms to Review (27)
Brahimi Report: The Brahimi Report is a comprehensive document produced in 2000 by the United Nations, formally known as the 'Report of the Panel on United Nations Peace Operations.' It addresses the challenges and shortcomings of UN peacekeeping missions and provides recommendations for improving their effectiveness in maintaining peace and security in conflict-affected areas.
Chapter VI of the UN Charter: Chapter VI of the UN Charter outlines the procedures for the peaceful resolution of disputes between states. It emphasizes negotiation, mediation, and other peaceful means to settle conflicts, aiming to prevent escalation into armed conflict. This chapter is crucial for understanding the role of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security by promoting dialogue over military intervention.
Chapter VII of the UN Charter: Chapter VII of the UN Charter outlines the powers and responsibilities of the United Nations Security Council in addressing threats to international peace and security. It provides the legal framework for the use of force and peacekeeping operations in situations where there is a threat of aggression or a breach of peace, enabling the Council to take measures ranging from sanctions to military action.
Consent of the parties: Consent of the parties refers to the agreement and willingness of involved parties to accept the presence and actions of peacekeeping forces in a conflict zone. This principle is essential for legitimizing peacekeeping operations, as it ensures that the parties involved have given their approval for external intervention, maintaining their sovereignty and facilitating cooperation.
Impartiality: Impartiality refers to the principle of not taking sides in a conflict, ensuring that all parties are treated fairly and equitably. This concept is vital in conflict resolution processes, as it fosters trust and encourages open dialogue among disputing parties. In various scenarios, such as mediation and peacekeeping operations, maintaining impartiality can help reduce tensions and facilitate a more constructive approach towards conflict resolution.
MINUSMA: MINUSMA, or the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, is a peacekeeping operation established in 2013 to support political processes in Mali and to help stabilize the country in the aftermath of conflict. This mission exemplifies the evolving nature of peacekeeping operations, focusing not only on military presence but also on fostering political dialogue and implementing security measures to reduce violence and promote human rights.
MONUSCO: MONUSCO, or the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a peacekeeping mission established to support stabilization efforts in the DRC, focusing on protecting civilians and supporting the Congolese government. It represents a significant evolution in peacekeeping operations, as it incorporates not just military components but also humanitarian and developmental aspects to address the complex needs of the country.
Multidimensional peacekeeping: Multidimensional peacekeeping refers to a comprehensive approach to maintaining peace and security in post-conflict environments, integrating military, police, and civilian components to address the complex needs of a society recovering from conflict. This type of peacekeeping goes beyond traditional military functions, emphasizing the importance of political, humanitarian, and developmental efforts in order to create a sustainable and lasting peace.
Neutrality: Neutrality is the principle of not taking sides in a conflict or dispute, allowing a state or organization to maintain an impartial stance. This concept is crucial in international relations, particularly concerning peacekeeping operations, as it enables the neutral entity to engage in mediation and facilitate dialogue without bias or favoritism towards any party involved in the conflict.
Observers: Observers are neutral parties deployed to monitor and report on the activities of conflicting groups or nations during peacekeeping operations. They play a vital role in ensuring transparency, gathering information, and facilitating communication between conflicting sides to help maintain or establish peace.
Peacekeepers: Peacekeepers are personnel, often from military or police backgrounds, who are deployed to conflict zones with the aim of maintaining peace and security, facilitating humanitarian assistance, and supporting the implementation of peace agreements. They play a crucial role in stabilizing areas affected by conflict and can operate under various mandates, including those from the United Nations and regional organizations, adapting to the evolving nature of peacekeeping operations over time.
Post-conflict reconstruction: Post-conflict reconstruction refers to the processes and efforts aimed at rebuilding a society after a conflict has ended, focusing on restoring infrastructure, governance, and social cohesion. This term encompasses the multifaceted challenges of healing war-torn societies, ensuring stability, and preventing the resurgence of violence while promoting development and democratic governance.
Pre-deployment: Pre-deployment refers to the phase that occurs before peacekeeping forces are sent to a conflict zone, encompassing essential preparations, training, and coordination efforts. This stage is crucial for ensuring that troops are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively operate in potentially volatile environments. Additionally, pre-deployment activities involve logistical planning, assessing the political and security context of the mission, and establishing communication with relevant stakeholders.
Responsibility to Protect (R2P): Responsibility to Protect (R2P) is a global political commitment to prevent genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity. It emphasizes that sovereignty is not a privilege but a responsibility, where states must protect their populations from these atrocities, and if they fail, the international community has an obligation to intervene. This concept is closely tied to the evolution of peacekeeping operations, as it necessitates the deployment of international forces to safeguard vulnerable populations.
Robust Peacekeeping: Robust peacekeeping refers to a type of peacekeeping operation that not only monitors and maintains peace but also has the authority to use force to protect civilians and uphold the peace process actively. This approach is typically employed in situations where there is a significant threat to peace and security, requiring a more assertive stance from peacekeeping forces to deter violence and stabilize conflict areas.
Traditional peacekeeping: Traditional peacekeeping refers to the deployment of international forces, typically under the auspices of the United Nations, to monitor and maintain ceasefires and peace agreements between conflicting parties. This approach is characterized by a non-intrusive mandate, with peacekeepers primarily focused on creating a buffer zone to prevent further hostilities and protecting civilians. Traditional peacekeeping operations evolved from early missions in the mid-20th century and laid the groundwork for more complex modern peacekeeping efforts.
UN Security Council Resolutions: UN Security Council Resolutions are formal decisions or recommendations made by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to address international conflicts, threats to peace, or breaches of peace. These resolutions are binding for UN member states and often outline measures to restore peace, impose sanctions, or authorize peacekeeping missions, thus playing a vital role in the evolution and types of peacekeeping operations.
UNAMSIL: The United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) was a peacekeeping operation established in 1999 to help stabilize the country during and after its brutal civil war. This mission aimed to disarm rebel groups, assist in the implementation of peace agreements, and support the rebuilding of national institutions. UNAMSIL is significant as it marked a shift towards more robust and multidimensional peacekeeping operations within the UN framework.
UNFICYP: The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) is a United Nations peacekeeping mission established in 1964 to prevent further fighting between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. It was created to maintain stability and peace in the region, following intercommunal violence, and has evolved over the years to address ongoing tensions and facilitate negotiations between the conflicting parties.
United Nations Mission in Liberia: The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) was a peacekeeping operation established by the United Nations in 2003 to support the implementation of the peace agreement that ended the Second Liberian Civil War. UNMIL aimed to help stabilize the country, protect civilians, and assist in the rebuilding of Liberia's institutions and infrastructure, reflecting the evolution of peacekeeping operations into more complex, multidimensional missions.
United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone: The United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) was a peacekeeping operation established by the United Nations in 1999 to help stabilize the country after a brutal civil war that lasted nearly a decade. Its primary goals included disarming combatants, supporting the peace process, and helping to restore order and governance in a nation ravaged by conflict. UNAMSIL was significant as it exemplified the evolution of peacekeeping operations, particularly in the context of robust mandates and multidimensional strategies aimed at addressing the root causes of conflicts.
United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali: The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) is a peacekeeping operation established by the UN in 2013 to support the political process in Mali, protect civilians, and help stabilize the country after a coup and subsequent conflict. This mission is characterized by its multidimensional approach, integrating military, police, and civilian components to address the complex challenges of insecurity, human rights violations, and humanitarian needs in Mali.
United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO): The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) is a multidimensional peacekeeping operation established by the UN Security Council in 2010. Its primary purpose is to protect civilians, support humanitarian assistance, and stabilize the region following decades of conflict and instability. MONUSCO represents an evolution in peacekeeping efforts by combining military and civilian components to address complex crises effectively.
United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus: The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) is a mission established by the United Nations in 1964 to prevent further fighting between the Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots on the island of Cyprus. This peacekeeping operation has played a vital role in maintaining a buffer zone and facilitating dialogue between the two communities, reflecting the evolution of peacekeeping operations from traditional military engagement to more complex, multidimensional missions aimed at conflict resolution.
United Nations Truce Supervision Organization: The United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) is the first-ever peacekeeping mission established by the United Nations, created in 1948 to monitor ceasefires and assist in maintaining peace between Israel and its Arab neighbors. This organization represents an evolution in peacekeeping operations, marking a shift from traditional military interventions to more complex missions aimed at conflict resolution and stability.
UNMIL: UNMIL, or the United Nations Mission in Liberia, was a peacekeeping operation established by the United Nations in 2003 following the end of Liberia's civil war. It aimed to support the implementation of a peace agreement, protect civilians, and assist in the country's transition to stability and democracy. UNMIL played a crucial role in disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of former combatants, reflecting the evolving approach of peacekeeping operations towards more integrated and complex mandates.
UNTSO: UNTSO, or the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization, is the first-ever peacekeeping mission established by the United Nations in 1948. It was created to monitor ceasefires and help maintain peace in areas affected by conflict, primarily in the Middle East, following the Arab-Israeli War. UNTSO plays a crucial role in providing a framework for peacekeeping and has evolved alongside other peacekeeping operations over time.