Peace and security
Peacekeeping
is one among a range of activities undertaken by the United Nations to maintain
international peace and security throughout the world.
The other
activities are:
- conflict prevention and mediation
- peacemaking
- peace enforcement
- peace building
Conflict
prevention, peacemaking, peacekeeping and peace enforcement rarely occur in a
linear or sequential way. Experience has shown that they should be seen as
mutually reinforcing. If they are used piecemeal or in isolation, they fail to
provide the comprehensive approach required to address the root causes of
conflict and hence reduce the risk of conflict recurring.
Conflict prevention
Conflict
prevention involves diplomatic measures to keep intra-state or inter-state
tensions and disputes from escalating into violent conflict.
It includes
early warning, information gathering and a careful analysis of the factors
driving the conflict. Conflict prevention activities may include the use of the
Secretary-General’s “good offices,” preventive deployment of UN missions or conflict mediation led by the Department of
Political Affairs.
Peacemaking
Peacemaking
generally includes measures to address conflicts in progress and usually
involves diplomatic action to bring hostile parties to a negotiated agreement.
The UN
Secretary-General may exercise his or her “good offices” to facilitate the
resolution of the conflict. Peacemakers may also be envoys, governments, groups
of states, regional organizations or the United Nations. Peacemaking efforts
may also be undertaken by unofficial and non-governmental groups, or by a
prominent personality working independently.
Peace enforcement
Peace
enforcement involves the application of a range of coercive measures, including
the use of military force. It requires the explicit authorization of the
Security Council.
It is used
to restore international peace and security in situations where the Security
Council has decided to act in the face of a threat to the peace, breach of the
peace or act of aggression. The Council may utilize, where appropriate,
regional organizations and agencies for enforcement action under its authority
and in accordance with the UN Charter.
Peace building
Peace building
aims to reduce the risk of lapsing or relapsing into conflict by strengthening
national capacities at all levels for conflict management, and to lay the
foundation for sustainable peace and development. It is a complex, long-term process
of creating the necessary conditions for sustainable peace. Peace building
measures address core issues that effect the functioning of society and the
State, and seek to enhance the capacity of the State to effectively and
legitimately carry out its core functions.
Role of peacekeeping
The
boundaries between conflict prevention, peacemaking, peacekeeping, peace building
and peace enforcement have become increasingly blurred. Peace operations are
rarely limited to one type of activity.
While UN peacekeeping operations are, in principle,
deployed to support the implementation of a ceasefire or peace agreement, they
are often required to play an active role in peacemaking efforts and may also
be involved in early peace building activities.
Today's
multidimensional peacekeeping operations facilitate the political process, protect civilians, assist in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration
of former combatants; support the organization of elections, protect and
promote human rights and assist in restoring the rule of law.
UN
peacekeeping operations may use force to defend themselves, their mandate, and
civilians, particularly in situations where the State is unable to provide
security and maintain public order.
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