Security Council approves wide-ranging measures to improve UN peace operations
13 November -- The Security Council today adopted a seven-part document in response to recommendations for improving United Nations peace operations that were put forward by an independent panel of experts earlier this year.
The document, annexed to a resolution that was unanimously adopted by the 15-member Council, outlines measures geared towards giving UN peacekeeping operations clear, credible and achievable mandates. It marked the Council's first formal response to the Report of the Panel on Peace Operations, which was the subject of a Summit-level meeting of the Council in September.
By the text adopted today, the Council calls for regular military briefings related to peacekeeping missions on key military factors, including the chain of command, force structure and risk assessment. It also requests briefings on the humanitarian situation in countries where the UN has deployed peace operations. In addition, the Council agrees to strengthen the existing system of consultations with countries that contribute troops to UN missions.
The document also underscores the Council's commitment to ensuring that the tasks it entrusts to peacekeeping operations are "appropriate to the situation on the ground, including such factors as the prospects for success, the potential need to protect civilians and the possibility that some parties may seek to undermine peace through violence." Rules of engagement, the text states, must clearly set out the circumstances in which force can be used. The Secretary-General is requested to prepare a comprehensive operational doctrine for the military component of UN peacekeeping operations.
Welcoming proposals in the Panel report on improving the UN's capacity to deploy personnel rapidly, the Council urges the Secretary-General to consult with potential and current troop-contributing countries "on how best to achieve this important objective."
On the prevention side of the peacekeeping equation, the Council emphasizes that the biggest deterrent to violent conflict is addressing root causes, "including through the promotion of sustainable development and a democratic society based on a strong rule of law and civic institutions, including adherence to all human rights." The Council concurs with the Secretary-General that "every step towards reducing poverty and achieving broad-based economic growth is a step towards conflict prevention." It also reaffirms the important role played by women in preventing and resolving conflicts and in building peace after the fighting has ceased.
The Council also emphasizes the need for more effective coordination of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programmes and reaffirms that "adequate and timely funding" is crucial to their success.
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