Peacekeeping now has evolved from what it used to be
The three basic principles of peacekeeping are:
1. Consent of the parties
Currently, there are 16 UN peacekeeping operations occurring:
Now, it is often seen that the three principles are not applicable.
International conflicts have become increasingly complicated and violent, and it is difficult for peacekeeping to be relevant when there is no peace to keep. Peacekeeping is by far the most expensive UN department. To maintain current operations, it will cost the UN almost $9 Billion USD. Operations have started to cause disagreements between the UN and governments, which results in further conflict. Peacekeeping troops have also started to act unethically, and the UN is dealing with persistent accusations of rape and sexual exploitation by its peacekeepers.
The number of conflicts has significantly increased since peacekeeping began, and the concept of monitoring peace is now much less applicable. Peacemaking and peacebuilding has become a more relevant source of support than the traditional peacekeeping operation.
The three basic principles of peacekeeping are:
1. Consent of the parties
- must have consent from the main parties of the conflict, including a commitment to the political process
- without consent, the operation risks contributing to the conflict and using force
- consent must come from the countries, but that does not imply consent on a local level which could cause issues for troops throughout the operation
- peacekeepers must be impartial in their dealings with those involved in the conflict
- peacekeeping operations are NOT an enforcement tool
- may only use force for self defence or defence of the mandate, must be authorized by the Security Council
- rarely are officers given authorization to "use all necessary means"
- prevent forceful attempts to harm political advancement
- protect civilians that are at serious risk of physical attack
- assist national authorities in maintaining law and order
- force is a last resort
- must consider mission capability, public perceptions, humanitarian impact, force protection, safety and security of citizens, and mission consent
Currently, there are 16 UN peacekeeping operations occurring:
- Haiti
- Western Sahara
- Liberia
- Mali
- Ivory Coast
- Democratic Rebulic of Congo
- Central African Republic
- Darfur
- South Sudan
- Abyei
- Kosovo
- Cyprus
- Lebanon
- Middle East
- Syria
- India and Pakistan
Now, it is often seen that the three principles are not applicable.
- it is unclear when it is okay to use force and when it is against the rules, and recently, the UN has used more force during its operations
- seen in Sarajevo airstrikes
- lack of consent from the parties becomes an increasing issue (also, Sarajevo is an example)
- not always impartial
International conflicts have become increasingly complicated and violent, and it is difficult for peacekeeping to be relevant when there is no peace to keep. Peacekeeping is by far the most expensive UN department. To maintain current operations, it will cost the UN almost $9 Billion USD. Operations have started to cause disagreements between the UN and governments, which results in further conflict. Peacekeeping troops have also started to act unethically, and the UN is dealing with persistent accusations of rape and sexual exploitation by its peacekeepers.
The number of conflicts has significantly increased since peacekeeping began, and the concept of monitoring peace is now much less applicable. Peacemaking and peacebuilding has become a more relevant source of support than the traditional peacekeeping operation.