Introduction
- The recent developments in West Asia have once again highlighted the critical role of UN Peacekeeping missions.
- A notable event was the statement by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), accusing the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of deliberately damaging an observation tower and perimeter fence at a UN post in Marwahin.
What Are UN Peacekeeping Missions?
- Definition: UN peacekeeping missions are deployed to assist countries in transitioning from conflict to peace by providing security, political, and peacebuilding support.
- These missions include military, police, and civilian personnel working to stabilize regions facing conflict or political instability.
- Foundation of UN Peacekeeping: The UN Charter assigns the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) the primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. The UNSC has the authority to establish peacekeeping missions to fulfill this role, demonstrating the global commitment to peace.
Core Principles of UN Peacekeeping Operations
- Outlined in the Capstone Doctrine, UN peacekeeping operations adhere to three fundamental principles:
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- Consent of the Parties: Missions must have the consent of the main conflicting parties.
- Impartiality: Peacekeepers must remain neutral to maintain credibility.
- Non-use of Force: Force is only used in self-defense or to defend the mission’s mandate.
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Functions of UN Peacekeeping Forces
- Monitoring Peace Processes: Peacekeepers monitor and support the implementation of peace agreements and help reintegrate ex-combatants.
- Confidence-Building Measures: They build trust between conflicting parties through power-sharing arrangements and election support.
- Rule of Law and Human Rights: Missions work to strengthen legal systems and promote human rights.
- Support for Democratic Processes: Peacekeepers assist in organizing elections, helping uphold democratic norms.
- Civilian Protection: Peacekeeping missions are tasked with safeguarding civilians and preventing violence in conflict zones.
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Historical Overview and Current Deployments
- First Mission: The first UN peacekeeping mission, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), was established in May 1948 to monitor the armistice between Israel and its Arab neighbors.
- Current Deployments: Currently, 11 UN peacekeeping operations are active across three continents, operating in complex and often high-risk environments.
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- United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA): Operating in Mali, this mission faces severe security risks due to frequent attacks from militant groups.
- United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS): Deployed in South Sudan, this mission focuses on protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian aid, and supporting the peace process.
- United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL): This mission is deployed in Lebanon, tasked with monitoring the cessation of hostilities and ensuring humanitarian access.
- United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC/MONUSCO): Operating in the DRC, this mission supports peacekeeping, stabilization, and protection of civilians.
- United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA): Deployed in the Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan, this mission aims to protect civilians and facilitate peace.
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Successes of UN Peacekeeping Missions
- Resolving Conflicts: Since its establishment, the UN has been pivotal in ending conflicts and fostering peace in various countries:
- Cambodia: The United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) successfully oversaw the 1993 elections and helped rebuild the nation after years of conflict under the Khmer Rouge regime.
- Mozambique: The UN Operation in Mozambique (ONUMOZ) played a crucial role in the peace process following the civil war by monitoring the ceasefire, overseeing the demobilization of troops, and facilitating democratic elections in 1994.
- Namibia: The United Nations Transition Assistance Group (UNTAG) was instrumental in Namibia’s transition to independence in 1990, ensuring free and fair elections and supporting the establishment of a stable government.
- El Salvador: The United Nations Observer Mission in El Salvador (ONUSAL) successfully monitored the implementation of peace agreements between the government and the Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN), leading to the end of a 12-year civil war.
- Guatemala: The United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala (MINUGUA) supported the peace process following decades of civil conflict, verifying compliance with peace accords and facilitating post-conflict reconstruction.
- Tajikistan: The United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT) monitored the ceasefire and supported peace agreements, contributing to stability after the civil war in the 1990s.
- Stabilization and Democratic Progress: UN peacekeeping missions have been essential in restoring stability, aiding democratic transitions, and promoting post-conflict development:
- Sierra Leone: The United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) supported disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration efforts, contributing to the end of a decade-long civil war and facilitating democratic elections in 2002.
- Liberia: The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) played a vital role in stabilizing the country after its civil war, supporting democratic governance, and ensuring the successful 2005 elections.
- East Timor (Timor-Leste): The United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) was pivotal in guiding the country to independence from Indonesia in 2002 and assisting in building institutions for self-governance and democracy.
- Kosovo: The United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) has been crucial in maintaining stability and supporting the development of democratic institutions since 1999.
- Global Recognition: UN Peacekeeping Forces have been acknowledged globally for their efforts to promote peace and stability:
- Nobel Peace Prize 1988: The UN Peacekeeping Forces were collectively awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their dedication and contributions to peacekeeping operations worldwide. This recognition came as a testament to their work in regions like the Middle East, where peacekeeping forces monitored ceasefires and maintained stability despite the ongoing conflicts.
- Cambodia’s UNTAC and Namibia’s UNTAG: Both missions were lauded for their comprehensive efforts in facilitating peace and setting an example for future operations. UNTAC was noted for being one of the largest and most complex peacekeeping operations of its time, while UNTAG effectively oversaw Namibia’s peaceful transition to independence.
Failures of UN Peacekeeping Missions
- Rwanda and Bosnia Genocides: The UN’s failure to protect civilians during the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the 1995 Srebrenica massacre in Bosnia remains a profound blemish, with mass casualties resulting from the inaction.
- Limited Response in Recent Conflicts: The UN has been criticized for insufficient action in conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza. Despite a global presence of nearly 100,000 peacekeepers, their redeployment has not been effective in preventing widespread civilian casualties.
Challenges Facing UN Peacekeeping
- Unclear Mandates: Many missions are launched with vague or shifting objectives, making them difficult to execute effectively. For instance, the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) transitioned from peace monitoring to active combat against armed groups.
- Inadequate Funding and Resources: Missions such as the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have struggled due to limited funding, affecting their ability to protect civilians.
- Local Hostility: Peacekeepers often face distrust and hostility from local populations and governments. In Haiti, the UN Stabilization Mission (MINUSTAH) encountered severe opposition after being linked to a cholera outbreak.
- Security Threats: The UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) has been particularly dangerous, with peacekeepers frequently targeted by militant attacks.
- Misconduct: Allegations of misconduct, including sexual exploitation by peacekeepers in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), have severely damaged the credibility of UN peacekeeping efforts.
- Dependence on Member States: Peacekeeping operations often face delays and inefficiencies due to their reliance on member states for troop contributions, as seen in the UN mission in Darfur (UNAMID).
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India’s Role in UN Peacekeeping Missions
Historical Contributions:
- India has been involved in UN peacekeeping since 1950, contributing medical personnel and troops to the UN Repatriation Commission in Korea.
Current Contributions:
- India is the fifth-largest contributor to UN peacekeeping forces, with 5,424 personnel across nine missions.
- Approximately 80% of Indian peacekeepers are stationed in high-risk areas like South Sudan and the Central African Republic.
- India also deployed a platoon of women peacekeepers as part of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).
Achievements:
- Indian peacekeepers serving in UNMISS have been recognized with medals for their dedicated service.
- Major Radhika Sen was awarded the ‘Military Gender Advocate of the Year 2023’ by the UN Headquarters.
Way Forward
- Clear, Realistic Mandates: UN peacekeeping missions must have specific, achievable mandates that align with the realities on the ground. This ensures that the missions can operate efficiently and focus on objectives such as the protection of civilians in designated safe zones.
- Sustainable Funding and Resources: Establishing predictable funding mechanisms is essential for effective peacekeeping. Enhanced funding would allow missions like MINUSMA to use better surveillance tools and secure transportation for improved safety and mobility.
- Building Local Trust: Peacekeepers must engage with local communities through programs that address immediate needs such as healthcare and education. This can position them as allies rather than foreign entities.
- Use of Advanced Technology: Integrating data analytics, artificial intelligence, and surveillance tools can help peacekeepers anticipate risks and better protect civilians and themselves. Advanced technology can identify conflict hotspots and prevent potential violence.
- Addressing Misconduct: Ensuring accountability and enforcing strict measures against misconduct can restore trust in peacekeeping missions and strengthen their legitimacy.
