9.5 Peacekeeping and peacebuilding
10 min read•august 20, 2024
Peacekeeping and peacebuilding are vital strategies for promoting stability in conflict-ridden regions. Peacekeeping focuses on maintaining security, while peacebuilding addresses root causes of conflict. Both require collaboration between international organizations, regional bodies, and local stakeholders.
These approaches face challenges like inadequate resources, lack of political will, and safety threats to personnel. Successful missions have ended civil wars and supported transitions to democracy, while others struggled to protect civilians. Lessons learned inform future operations to enhance effectiveness.
Defining peacekeeping and peacebuilding
- Peacekeeping and peacebuilding are two key strategies employed by the international community to promote stability and resolve conflicts in regions experiencing political instability or violence
- Peacekeeping focuses on maintaining security and preventing the resumption of hostilities, while peacebuilding aims to address the root causes of conflict and foster
- Both approaches require the involvement of various actors, including the United Nations, regional organizations, and local stakeholders, working together to create conditions conducive to lasting peace
UN peacekeeping vs peacebuilding
Top images from around the web for UN peacekeeping vs peacebuilding
SDG16 Peace justice and strong institutions - Appropedia: The sustainability wiki View original
Is this image relevant?
Infographics: the 4 pillars of community policing — EUAM Ukraine View original
Is this image relevant?
La Peacekeeping Intelligence nelle missioni multidimensionali dell’ONU | SERVIZI SEGRETI View original
Is this image relevant?
SDG16 Peace justice and strong institutions - Appropedia: The sustainability wiki View original
Is this image relevant?
Infographics: the 4 pillars of community policing — EUAM Ukraine View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
Top images from around the web for UN peacekeeping vs peacebuilding
SDG16 Peace justice and strong institutions - Appropedia: The sustainability wiki View original
Is this image relevant?
Infographics: the 4 pillars of community policing — EUAM Ukraine View original
Is this image relevant?
La Peacekeeping Intelligence nelle missioni multidimensionali dell’ONU | SERVIZI SEGRETI View original
Is this image relevant?
SDG16 Peace justice and strong institutions - Appropedia: The sustainability wiki View original
Is this image relevant?
Infographics: the 4 pillars of community policing — EUAM Ukraine View original
Is this image relevant?
1 of 3
- UN peacekeeping involves the deployment of military, police, and civilian personnel to maintain or restore international peace and security
- Peacekeeping missions are mandated by the UN Security Council and operate based on the principles of consent, , and non-use of force except in self-defense or defense of the
- Peacebuilding, on the other hand, encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at strengthening the capacity of societies to manage conflicts peacefully and lay the foundations for sustainable peace
- Peacebuilding efforts often include post-conflict reconstruction, institutional reforms, and processes
Role of international organizations
- International organizations, particularly the United Nations, play a central role in peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts worldwide
- The UN Security Council is responsible for authorizing peacekeeping missions and determining their mandates and scope
- Other international and regional organizations, such as the , , and , also contribute to peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts in their respective regions
- These organizations provide financial, logistical, and human resources to support peacekeeping operations and peacebuilding initiatives
Key principles of peacekeeping
- : Peacekeeping missions require the consent of the main parties to the conflict to operate effectively
- Impartiality: Peacekeepers must maintain impartiality and not take sides in the conflict, treating all parties equally
- Non-use of force except in self-defense or defense of the mandate: Peacekeepers are authorized to use force only when necessary to protect themselves, civilians, or the mission's mandate
- Respect for sovereignty: Peacekeeping missions must respect the sovereignty of the host country and not interfere in its internal affairs
Peacekeeping operations
- Peacekeeping operations are designed to help countries torn by conflict create conditions for lasting peace
- These operations are deployed in various contexts, including civil wars, inter-state conflicts, and post-conflict situations
- Peacekeeping missions have evolved over time, from traditional monitoring of ceasefires to multidimensional operations that address a wide range of security, political, and humanitarian challenges
Mandates and objectives
- The mandates of peacekeeping operations are determined by the UN Security Council and tailored to the specific needs of each conflict situation
- Common objectives of peacekeeping missions include:
- Monitoring and enforcing ceasefires
- Facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance
- Supporting the implementation of peace agreements
- Protecting civilians from violence
- Assisting in the , demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of former combatants
- Mandates may also include tasks such as electoral assistance, human rights monitoring, and the promotion of the rule of law
Military vs civilian components
- Peacekeeping operations typically consist of both military and civilian components working together to achieve the mission's objectives
- The military component is responsible for providing security, monitoring ceasefires, and creating a safe environment for civilians and humanitarian actors
- Civilian components include police officers, human rights experts, political affairs officers, and development specialists who support the mission's peacebuilding efforts
- Civilian personnel work on tasks such as strengthening governance institutions, promoting human rights, and facilitating dialogue and reconciliation among conflicting parties
Challenges faced by peacekeepers
- Peacekeepers often operate in complex and dangerous environments, facing various challenges that can hinder their effectiveness
- Some of the key challenges include:
- Inadequate resources and funding, which can limit the mission's capacity to fulfill its mandate
- Lack of political will and support from the international community and host country
- Difficult terrain and harsh living conditions that can impact the well-being and performance of peacekeepers
- Threats to the safety and security of peacekeepers, including attacks by armed groups and exposure to infectious diseases
- Cultural and language barriers that can complicate communication and trust-building with local populations
Peacebuilding strategies
- Peacebuilding strategies aim to address the root causes of conflict and create conditions for sustainable peace in post-conflict societies
- These strategies involve a wide range of activities and initiatives that target different aspects of the conflict and its aftermath
- Effective peacebuilding requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach that engages various stakeholders, including governments, civil society organizations, and local communities
Post-conflict reconstruction
- Post-conflict reconstruction focuses on rebuilding the physical, social, and economic infrastructure of war-torn societies
- Key areas of post-conflict reconstruction include:
- Restoration of basic services, such as healthcare, education, and water and sanitation
- Rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and power grids
- Support for livelihoods and economic recovery, including job creation and skills training
- Strengthening of governance institutions and public administration
- Post-conflict reconstruction efforts aim to create a stable and secure environment that enables the transition from conflict to sustainable peace
Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR)
- DDR programs are a critical component of peacebuilding efforts in post-conflict societies
- Disarmament involves the collection, documentation, and disposal of weapons and ammunition from combatants
- Demobilization is the process of formally disbanding armed groups and releasing combatants from their military obligations
- Reintegration supports the transition of former combatants into civilian life through education, vocational training, and job placement assistance
- Successful DDR programs help to reduce the risk of renewed violence and promote reconciliation and social cohesion
Transitional justice mechanisms
- refers to the processes and mechanisms used to address past human rights abuses and promote accountability, reconciliation, and the rule of law in post-conflict societies
- Common transitional justice mechanisms include:
- Truth commissions, which investigate and document past abuses and provide a platform for victims to share their experiences
- Criminal prosecutions of individuals responsible for serious human rights violations and war crimes
- Reparations programs that provide compensation and support to victims and their families
- Institutional reforms aimed at preventing future abuses and strengthening the rule of law
- Transitional justice mechanisms help societies come to terms with their past and lay the foundations for a more just and peaceful future
Strengthening governance and rule of law
- Building strong and accountable governance institutions is essential for sustainable peacebuilding
- Peacebuilding efforts often focus on strengthening the capacity of state institutions, such as the judiciary, police, and public administration
- Key areas of governance support include:
- Promoting transparency and accountability in public decision-making
- Enhancing the independence and effectiveness of the judiciary
- Reforming the security sector to ensure it operates under civilian control and respects human rights
- Supporting decentralization and local governance to promote inclusive and participatory decision-making
- Strengthening the rule of law helps to create a stable and predictable environment that enables economic growth and social development
Case studies of peacekeeping missions
- Examining specific peacekeeping missions provides valuable insights into the challenges, successes, and lessons learned from these operations
- Case studies help to illustrate the complex dynamics of peacekeeping and peacebuilding in different contexts and highlight the factors that contribute to the success or failure of these efforts
Successes and failures
- Some peacekeeping missions have been successful in maintaining security and facilitating the transition to sustainable peace
- The United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) played a key role in ending the country's civil war and supporting the transition to democratic rule in the early 1990s
- The United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) helped to end the country's decade-long civil war and supported the disarmament and reintegration of former combatants
- Other missions have faced significant challenges and have been less successful in achieving their objectives
- The United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC) struggled to protect civilians and prevent the escalation of violence in the country's complex and long-running conflict
- The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has faced criticism for its inability to prevent the outbreak of civil war and protect civilians from widespread violence and human rights abuses
Lessons learned for future operations
- Case studies of peacekeeping missions provide valuable lessons that can inform the design and implementation of future operations
- Some key lessons include:
- The importance of clear and achievable mandates that are tailored to the specific needs and challenges of each conflict situation
- The need for adequate resources and political support from the international community to enable missions to fulfill their mandates effectively
- The value of integrating peacebuilding strategies, such as DDR and transitional justice, into peacekeeping operations to promote sustainable peace
- The importance of engaging with local communities and stakeholders to build trust, legitimacy, and local ownership of peacebuilding processes
- Applying these lessons can help to enhance the effectiveness of future peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts
Critiques of peacekeeping and peacebuilding
- Despite their important role in promoting international peace and security, peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts have faced various critiques and challenges
- Examining these critiques can help to identify areas for improvement and reform in the design and implementation of these operations
Sovereignty vs intervention debate
- One of the main critiques of peacekeeping and peacebuilding is the tension between the principles of state sovereignty and the need for international intervention to protect civilians and promote peace
- Some argue that peacekeeping missions can undermine the sovereignty of host countries and create a culture of dependence on international support
- Others contend that the international community has a responsibility to intervene in situations of grave human rights abuses and threats to international peace and security
- Balancing these competing principles remains a key challenge for peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts
Unintended consequences of missions
- Peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions can sometimes have unintended consequences that undermine their effectiveness and legitimacy
- Some of these unintended consequences include:
- The potential for peacekeepers to become involved in corruption, sexual exploitation, and abuse of local populations
- The risk of missions inadvertently prolonging conflicts by providing a false sense of security or reducing incentives for conflicting parties to negotiate
- The possibility of missions creating economic distortions and exacerbating inequalities in host countries through their presence and activities
- Addressing these unintended consequences requires robust accountability mechanisms, training, and oversight of peacekeeping personnel
Reforms needed in peacekeeping approach
- Critics argue that the current approach to peacekeeping and peacebuilding needs to be reformed to address its limitations and enhance its effectiveness
- Some key areas for reform include:
- Improving the selection, training, and accountability of peacekeeping personnel to prevent abuses and ensure high standards of conduct
- Enhancing the flexibility and adaptability of missions to respond to changing conflict dynamics and emerging threats
- Strengthening the partnership between the UN and regional organizations to leverage their comparative advantages and promote local ownership of peacebuilding processes
- Increasing the participation of women and marginalized groups in peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts to promote inclusivity and address the specific needs of these populations
- Implementing these reforms can help to strengthen the legitimacy and impact of peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts
Future of peacekeeping and peacebuilding
- As the nature of conflicts and security threats continues to evolve, peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts must adapt to remain relevant and effective
- Looking ahead, several key challenges and opportunities will shape the future of these operations
Adapting to new security threats
- Peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions increasingly face new and complex security threats, such as terrorism, organized crime, and climate change-related conflicts
- Adapting to these threats requires:
- Developing new doctrines, training, and capabilities to address the specific challenges posed by these threats
- Enhancing intelligence-sharing and coordination among different actors involved in peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts
- Investing in early warning systems and preventive diplomacy to address potential conflicts before they escalate
- Failure to adapt to these new security threats could undermine the effectiveness and relevance of peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts
Enhancing effectiveness through partnerships
- Strengthening partnerships among the various actors involved in peacekeeping and peacebuilding is critical for enhancing the effectiveness of these efforts
- Key areas for partnership include:
- Improving coordination and collaboration between the UN, regional organizations, and local stakeholders to ensure a coherent and complementary approach
- Engaging with civil society organizations and local communities to promote local ownership and sustainability of peacebuilding efforts
- Partnering with the private sector to leverage their expertise and resources in support of post-conflict reconstruction and economic recovery
- Effective partnerships can help to pool resources, share knowledge, and promote a more comprehensive and sustainable approach to peacekeeping and peacebuilding
Sustainable funding for missions
- Ensuring sustainable and predictable funding for peacekeeping and peacebuilding missions is essential for their success and long-term impact
- Current challenges related to funding include:
- The reliance on voluntary contributions from member states, which can be unpredictable and insufficient to meet the growing demands of missions
- The need to balance the costs of peacekeeping and peacebuilding with other competing priorities and financial constraints faced by member states
- The importance of ensuring that funding is allocated efficiently and effectively to maximize the impact of missions
- Addressing these funding challenges requires innovative approaches, such as:
- Exploring new funding mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships and dedicated funding streams for peacebuilding
- Improving the transparency and accountability of funding allocation and expenditure to build trust and support among member states and donors
- Investing in prevention and early warning systems to reduce the overall costs of peacekeeping and peacebuilding in the long run
- Sustainable and predictable funding is critical for ensuring the continuity and effectiveness of peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts in the future
Key Terms to Review (19)
African Union: The African Union (AU) is a continental organization established in 2001 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to promote unity and cooperation among African nations. It aims to address various issues, including political stability, economic development, and human rights, while also facilitating collaboration on border disputes, geopolitical codes, peacekeeping efforts, and humanitarian interventions across the continent.
Camp David Accords: The Camp David Accords were a series of agreements reached in 1978 between Israel and Egypt, facilitated by U.S. President Jimmy Carter. These accords marked the first time that an Arab country formally recognized Israel, paving the way for peace in the region and establishing a framework for future negotiations between Israel and its neighbors. They are significant in the context of peacekeeping and peacebuilding as they demonstrate the role of diplomacy in resolving long-standing conflicts.
Community-based reconciliation: Community-based reconciliation refers to localized efforts aimed at fostering peace and rebuilding relationships within communities affected by conflict or violence. This process emphasizes collaboration among community members, often engaging various stakeholders to address grievances, restore trust, and promote healing. By focusing on the specific needs and contexts of the community, this approach is integral to effective peacebuilding and can lead to sustainable social cohesion.
Conflict resolution: Conflict resolution is the process of resolving a dispute or a conflict by addressing the underlying issues and finding mutually acceptable solutions. This term involves negotiation, mediation, and dialogue among conflicting parties, aiming to reach a peaceful agreement and restore relationships. Effective conflict resolution is crucial in peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts, as it helps to prevent further violence and promotes long-term stability.
Consent of the parties: Consent of the parties refers to the agreement and approval given by all involved entities in a particular situation, particularly in peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts. This principle is crucial because it ensures that interventions are legitimate, recognized, and supported by the affected communities. Without the consent of the parties, peacekeeping missions may face resistance and lack the necessary cooperation to be effective.
Dayton Agreement: The Dayton Agreement, formally known as the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina, was a peace accord signed in 1995 that ended the Bosnian War. This agreement established a framework for political and territorial organization in Bosnia, addressing the complex ethnic divisions and laying the groundwork for peacekeeping and rebuilding efforts in the region.
Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR): Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) refers to the process aimed at disbanding armed forces or groups and assisting former combatants in transitioning back into civilian life. This approach is crucial for establishing lasting peace and stability after conflicts, as it focuses on the social, economic, and psychological aspects of reintegration to prevent the resurgence of violence and support sustainable development.
Disarmament: Disarmament refers to the reduction or elimination of a nation's military forces and weapons. It is often aimed at preventing war and promoting peace, making it a key element in peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts that focus on creating a stable and secure environment post-conflict. Effective disarmament can help build trust among nations, reduce the potential for violence, and support long-term peace agreements.
European Union: The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union of 27 member states located primarily in Europe, aimed at fostering integration, cooperation, and stability among its members. The EU represents a unique model of regional governance that balances collective decision-making with the respect for national sovereignty, influencing various aspects such as trade, security, and humanitarian efforts.
Impartiality: Impartiality refers to the principle of not favoring any side or group in a dispute, ensuring fair and unbiased treatment for all parties involved. This concept is crucial in peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts, as it helps maintain neutrality, fosters trust among conflicting parties, and facilitates effective conflict resolution. By adopting an impartial stance, peacekeepers and mediators can promote dialogue and understanding without being perceived as taking sides.
Just War Theory: Just War Theory is a philosophical framework that outlines the conditions under which war can be justified and the moral principles that should guide the conduct of war. It provides criteria for determining when it is permissible to engage in war (jus ad bellum) and how to conduct war ethically (jus in bello), emphasizing the need for justice, proportionality, and discrimination between combatants and non-combatants. This theory is crucial in evaluating both peacekeeping and humanitarian interventions, as it seeks to ensure that such actions are morally defensible and contribute to a greater good.
Mandate: A mandate refers to an official order or commission given to a person or group to carry out a specific task or duty, often related to governance or administration. In the context of peacekeeping and peacebuilding, mandates are crucial as they define the scope and authority of international missions aimed at maintaining peace, facilitating recovery, and supporting political processes in conflict-affected areas.
Nato intervention: NATO intervention refers to the military and political actions undertaken by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization to address conflicts, enforce peace, and provide humanitarian aid in various regions around the world. These interventions are typically conducted under the principles of collective defense and often involve multinational forces working together to stabilize conflict zones and protect civilians, linking closely to peacekeeping, peacebuilding, and humanitarian efforts.
Neutrality: Neutrality is the state of not supporting or helping either side in a conflict or disagreement, maintaining an impartial stance. This concept is crucial in international relations and often relates to the roles that states or organizations play during conflicts, especially in peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts where maintaining an unbiased position can facilitate dialogue and reconciliation.
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE): The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1975 that aims to promote peace, stability, and democracy across its member states, primarily in Europe. It plays a crucial role in peacekeeping and peacebuilding by addressing security concerns, facilitating conflict resolution, and promoting human rights within its diverse member nations.
Reconciliation: Reconciliation refers to the process of restoring harmony and resolving conflicts between individuals or groups who have experienced division or hostility. This concept is crucial in peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts, as it focuses on healing relationships, addressing grievances, and fostering coexistence in post-conflict societies. Effective reconciliation often involves dialogue, acknowledgment of past injustices, and the creation of frameworks that promote mutual understanding and respect.
Sustainable peace: Sustainable peace refers to a lasting state of tranquility that is established through cooperative efforts among diverse actors, addressing the root causes of conflict and fostering social, economic, and political stability. It emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, justice, and resilience in building communities that can withstand challenges without reverting to violence. Sustainable peace recognizes that true peace goes beyond merely ending hostilities; it involves creating conditions for long-term harmony and development.
Transitional justice: Transitional justice refers to the set of judicial and non-judicial measures implemented to address past human rights violations and promote accountability, truth, and reconciliation in societies transitioning from conflict or authoritarian rule. This process is essential for establishing a foundation for sustainable peace and rebuilding trust within communities that have experienced severe injustices.
United Nations Peacekeeping: United Nations Peacekeeping refers to the deployment of international forces under the UN's authority to help maintain or restore peace in conflict-affected regions. It combines military, police, and civilian personnel to support efforts in conflict resolution, stabilization, and the protection of civilians, often in situations where traditional military solutions are inadequate.