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Security Council leaders resolve to strengthen UN peacekeeping
7 September -- Meeting at the level of heads of State and Government for only the second time in its history, the Security Council today resolved to strengthen the central role of the United Nations in peacekeeping, and pledged to take concrete steps to achieve that goal.

After holding an extended debate in which 9 presidents, 5 prime ministers and 1 foreign minister took part, the 15-member Council voted unanimously to adopt a Declaration on ensuring an effective role of the Security Council in the maintenance of international peace, particularly in Africa. In the five-part text, the Council pledged to enhance the effectiveness of the UN in preventing conflict at all stages -- from prevention to settlement to post-conflict peace-building. It also reaffirmed its commitment to give equal priority to the maintenance of peace in every region of the world.

Focusing on Africa, the Council reiterated its determination to give special attention to the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development on the continent, and to the "specific characteristics of African conflicts." It also emphasized the importance of continued cooperation between the UN and the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and African subregional organizations in addressing conflict on the continent.

The Council said it was determined to strengthen UN peacekeeping operations by adopting clearly defined, credible and achievable mandates and by including in those mandates measures to ensure the safety of UN personnel and -- where feasible - civilians. The Declaration also stressed the need to help the UN obtain trained and properly equipped personnel and to strengthen consultations with countries contributing troops.

The Council agreed to support the upgrading of UN capacity for planning, establishing, deploying and conducting peacekeeping operations. It also agreed to "the provision of a more up-to-date and sounder foundation" for financing those operations.

Welcoming the recent Report of the Panel on UN Peace Operations, which put forward a number of specific reform proposals, the Council decided to consider its recommendations "expeditiously."

Also by its Declaration, the Council called for effective international action to prevent the illegal flow of small arms into areas of conflict, and decided "to continue to take resolute action in areas where the illegal exploitation and trafficking of high-value commodities contributes to the escalation or continuation of conflict."

The Declaration also underscored the critical importance of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of ex-combatants and emphasized that such programmes should be integrated into the mandates of peacekeeping operations. The Council said it was determined to continue to sensitize peacekeeping personnel in the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS.