What, then, is a peacekeeping operation? Peacekeeping has traditionally been defined as the use of multinational forces, under UN command, to help control and resolve conflicts between countries. Peacekeeping operations fulfill the role of a neutral third party to help create and maintain a ceasefire and form a buffer zone between warring parties. They also provide electoral assistance and help in clearing deadly landmines. As peacekeepers maintain peace on the ground, mediators from the United Nations meet with leaders from the disputing parties or countries and try to reach a peaceful solution. There are two types of peacekeeping operations: observer missions and peacekeeping forces. Observers are not armed. Soldiers of UN peacekeeping forces carry light weapons, which they may use only in self-defence. The UN peacekeepers are easily identifiable by the UN insignia and the blue beret they wear when on duty. The blue helmet, which has become the symbol of UN peacekeepers, is carried during all operations and is worn when there is danger. Peacekeepers wear their own national uniforms. Governments that volunteer personnel retain ultimate control over their own military forces serving under the UN flag.
Why does the UN have so many peacekeeping operations? Peacekeeping operations are created in response to serious military or humanitarian crises. In the past, peacekeepers were mainly involved in keeping peace between warring nations. But now many nations are at war with themselves. Due to civil strife and ethnic conflicts, some governments are unable to exercise authority over their own territory, causing great human suffering. In such situations, the United Nations is often asked, on the one hand, to negotiate a settlement and, on the other, to provide emergency relief to the people affected by the conflict. Working under difficult conditions, the United Nations integrates humanitarian assistance with efforts to resolve the crisis.
What are some recent United Nations peacekeeping operations? In the first 40 years of its history (1945-1985); the United Nations set up only 13 peacekeeping operations. In the 20 years since then (1986-2006), 47 peacekeeping missions were deployed.
United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) A joint African Union/United Nations Hybrid operation in Darfur was authorized by the Security Council on 31 July 2007. The Council, acting under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter, authorized UNAMID to take necessary action to support the implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement, as well as to protect its personnel and civilians, without “prejudice to the responsibility of the Government of Sudan”. The Council decided that UNAMID would start implementing its mandated tasks no later than 31 December 2007.
United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT)
Sudanese refugees in Iridimi Camp in Chad.
On 25 September 2007, the Security Council approved the establishment in Chad and the Central African Republic, in concert with the European Union, of a multi-dimensional presence intended to help create the security conditions conducive to a voluntary, secure and sustainable return of refugees and displaced persons. The Council decided that the multidimensional presence would include a United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad.
The United Nations works for international peace and security
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