Peacekeeping

From ArticleWorld

Peacekeeping has been one the major contributions of UN to world peace and involves activities that resolve conflict as well as activities that help in preventing escalation of conflict. Its operations involve duties like declaring cease fire, upholding law and order in strife torn countries and restoring basic conditions for every day living. Peacemakers contribute, among other things, to enforcing the rule of law, electoral assistance and lend a hand in economic and social development.

Formative years

During the cold war era it was felt that an external and unbiased influence was needed to bring to a halt conflict between two warring nations and to this end unarmed or lightly armed military personnel from different countries was deployed to enforce peace between states. Primarily, the United Nations was called upon to take up this responsibility. Peacekeeping forces could be called upon to take up their unique responsibilities when conflicts threatened regional stability and international peace. Peacekeepers were directed to step in only once cease fire was declared and the conflicting parties had given them the go ahead.

Later years

As peacekeeping progressed, especially since the 1990s a large number of UN peacekeeping operations became multidimensional, encompassing many facets that included military and civilian police, political affairs, rule of law human rights etc. Areas such as mission support and safety and security of personnel remain paramount to peacekeeping regardless of a particular mission’s directive.

Feather in the cap

In the post-cold war era the peacekeeping responsibilities of the UN have not diminished; if anything, they have expanded. From restoring stability in transitional countries of Eastern Europe to preventing massacre and mayhem by warring tribes in African nations, UN Peacekeeping forces have performed a remarkable task. Little wonder that United Nations peacekeeping forces were awarded the 1988 Nobel Peace prize.