Peacekeeping

This report highlights the evolving nature of armed conflict and violence, examining seven major trends related to global peace and security today. It notes areas of progress and in which solutions are still wanting, as well as opportunities and persistent challenges faced by the international community. It subsequently serves as a contribution to the reflections that will take place during the 75th anniversary of the United Nations and throughout the Nelson Mandela Decade of Peace. In that regard, it also serves to honour the spirit and wisdom of one of the world’s great humanists. As Mr. Mandela himself declared, “peace is not just the absence of conflict; peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish, regardless of race, colour, creed, religion, gender, class, caste or any other social markers of difference”.

Peacekeeping is one of the most important tools available to the United Nations for promoting and maintaining international peace and security. UN peacekeepers are deployed to territories where fighting has been halted to aid in the difficult transition from conflict to peace, including the implementation of peace agreements. The United Nations has no standing army or police force of its own; instead, Member States are asked to contribute military and police personnel required for each mission. Since the first operation was deployed in 1948, more than 1 million women and men from 125 countries have served in 71 missions as military, police or civilian personnel. More than 3,900 peacekeepers have lost their lives in the line of duty. As at 31 March 2020, over 95,000 peacekeepers were deployed in 13 missions around the world, carrying out an array of functions.

Exchange of letters constituting an Agreement between the United Nations and the Government of Ukraine to host a regional meeting of Senior National Police Executives from Member States, to develop a Strategic Guidance Framework (SGT) for international peacekeeping, to be held in Kyiv, Ukraine, from 18 to 21 March 2013. New York, 12 March 2013 and 18 April 2013

In 2014, the resolve of the international community to promote and maintain international peace and security continued to be tested by the conflict in the Syrian Arab Republic, events in Ukraine, re-eruption of violent conflict in the Central African Republic and South Sudan, a worsening global security environment in which the United Nations operated, and new acts of terrorism and violent extremism.

History is witness that technology creates surprises on the battlefield. However, technology can blindside not only warriors but policymakers as well. The challenge of keeping pace with technology becomes even more formidable when policy is co-constructed in multilateral forums, which by their very nature require the patient buildup of common ground and consensus.