Historical Timeline of UN Peacekeeping

UNTSO was established by Security Council Resolution 50 (1948) to called for a cessation of hostilities in Palestine and decided that the truce should be supervised by the UN Mediator, with the assistance of a group of military observers.

The first team of unarmed military observers, who eventually formed the nucleus of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), arrived in the mission area in January 1949 to assist the Military Adviser of the UN Commission for India and Pakistan (UNCIP), established in 1948 by Security Council Resolutions 39 (1948) and 47 (1948).

UNEF I was established by General Assembly Resolution 1000 (ES-I) and 1001 (ES-I) to secure an end to the Suez Crisis and to supervise the cessation of hostilities, including the withdrawal of the armed forces of France, Israel and the United Kingdom from Egypt and, after the withdrawal, to serve as a buffer between the Egyptian and Israeli forces and to provide impartial supervision of the ceasefire.

In 1956, Great Britain, France and Israel launched an attack on Egypt. The "Suez Crisis" found its solution when the Canadian Secretary of State for External Affairs Lester B. Pearson, who had served as President of the United Nations General Assembly in 1952, won support for sending a United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF I) to the region to separate the warring parties. His successful advocacy for the first deployment of UN peacekeepers gained him the Peace Prize for 1957.

UNOGIL was set up by Security Council Resolution 128 (1958) to dispatch an observation group to Lebanon to ensure no illegal infiltration of personnel or supply of arms across the Lebanese borders. The role of UNOGIL was strictly limited to observation. It was not UNOGIL's task to mediate, arbitrate or forcefully to prohibit illegal infiltration, although it was hoped that its very presence on the borders would deter any such traffic.

ONUC was established by Security Council resolution 143 (1960) to ensure the withdrawal of Belgian forces from the Republic of the Congo and to provide the government with the necessary military assistance until the national security forces were able to meet fully their tasks.

UNSF was established by General Assembly resolution 1752 (XVII) to maintain peace and security in the territory under the UN Temporary Executive Authority established by agreement between Indonesia and the Netherlands. UNSF monitored the ceasefire and helped ensure law and order during the transition period, pending transfer to Indonesia.

UNYOM was established by Security Council resolution 179 (1963) to observe and certify the implementation of the disengagement agreement between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Republic. The mandate of UNYOM was to observe, certify and report in connection with the intention of Saudi Arabia to end activities in support of the royalists in Yemen and the intention of Egypt to withdraw its troops from the country.

UNFICYP was established by Security Council Resolution 186 (1964) to prevent a recurrence of fighting following intercommunal violence between the Greek and Turkish Cypriots, to contribute to the maintenance and restoration of law and order, and to facilitate a return to normal conditions.

DOMREP was established by Security Council resolution 203 (1965) to observe the situation in the Dominican Republic and to report to the Secretary-General, and through him to the Security Council, on breaches of the ceasefire called by the Council or any events which might affect the maintenance of peace and order in the country.

UNIPOM was established by Security Council resolution 211 (1965) to supervise the ceasefire along the India-Pakistan border except in the State of Jammu and Kashmir, where the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) operated, as well as the withdrawal of all armed personnel to the positions held by them before 5 August 1965.

UNEF II was established by Security Council resolution 340 (1973) to supervise an immediate and complete ceasefire between Egyptian and Israeli forces and that the parties return to the positions they had occupied at 1650 hours GMT on 22 October 1973 and to prevent a recurrence of the fighting. In the fulfilment of its tasks it would have the cooperation of the military observers of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO).

UNDOF was established by Security Council resolution 350 (1974) to maintain the ceasefire between the Israeli and Syrian forces and to supervise the implementation of the 31 May 1974 disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria.

UNIFIL was originally created by Security Council resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978) to confirm the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon. Following the 2006 crisis, the Mission’s mandate expanded to include monitoring the cessation of hostilities, supporting the Lebanese armed forces and taking all actions within its capabilities to ensure that its area of operations was not utilized for hostile activities.

UNGOMAP was established by the letter dated 25 April 1988 from the President of the Security Council to the Secretary-General, to assist in ensuring the implementation of the Agreements on the Settlement of the Situation Relating to Afghanistan and, in this context, to investigate and report possible violations of any of the provisions of the Agreements.

UNIIMOG was established by Security Council resolution 619 (1988) to verify, confirm and supervise the ceasefire and the withdrawal of all forces to the internationally recognized boundaries, pending a comprehensive settlement.

The Nobel Committee awarded the prize because “The peacekeeping forces of the United Nations have, under extremely difficult conditions, contributed to reducing tensions where an armistice has been negotiated but a peace treaty has yet to be established”.

UNAVEM I was established by Security Council resolution 626 (1988) to verify the redeployment of Cuban troops northwards and their phased and total withdrawal from the territory of Angola.

UNTAG was established by Security Council resolution 632 (1989) to assist the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to ensure the early independence of Namibia through free and fair elections under the supervision and control of the United Nations, and to carry out a number of other duties.

ONUCA was established by Security Council resolution 644 (1989) to assist the Central American Governments in their efforts to achieve the goals set forth in the Guatemala agreement of 7 August 1987 and in the Joint Declarations subsequently signed in pursuance of it, contributing actively to the achievement of a firm and lasting peace in Central America.

UNIKOM was established by Security Council resolution 689 (1991) to monitor the demilitarized zone along the Iraq-Kuwait border, deter border violations and report on any hostile action.

MINURSO was established by Security Council resolution 690 (1991), to monitor the ceasefire between Morocco and the Frente Polistario and to organize a referendum in which the people of Western Sahara would choose between independence and integration with Morocco. The Mission was also mandated to engage in mine action activities, good offices and the provision of assistance to the implementation of UNHCR’s Confidence-Building Measures Programme.

ONUSAL was established by Security Council resolution 693 (1991) to verify implementation of all agreements between the Government of El Salvador and the Frente Farabundo Marti para la Liberacion Nacional, including a ceasefire and related measures, reform and reduction of the armed forces, creation of a new police force, reform of the judicial and electoral systems, human rights, land tenure and other economic and social issues.

UNAVEM II was established by Security Council resolution 696 (1991) to verify the arrangements agreed by the Government of Angola and the União Nacional para a Independência Total de Angola, to monitor the ceasefire and the activities of the Angolan police during the ceasefire period, and to observe and verify elections.

UNAMIC was established by Security Council resolution 717 (1991) to assist the Cambodian parties with maintaining their ceasefire during the period prior to the establishment of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), and to initiate mine-awareness training of civilian populations.

Up to the late 1980s, peacekeeping operations were operated through the UN Office of Special Political Affairs. The official Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) was formally created when Boutros Boutros-Ghali took office as Secretary-General of the United Nations. On this day, the Secretary-General announced to the General Assembly the creation of the Department to strengthen the capacity of the Secretariat in the area of peacekeeping, and to enhance its planning and managerial capability.

Source: [A/46/882]

UNPROFOR was established in Croatia by Security Council resolution 743 (1992) to ensure demilitarization of designated areas. The mandate was later extended to Bosnia and Herzegovina to support the delivery of humanitarian relief, monitor "no fly zones" and "safe areas". The mandate was later extended to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia for preventive monitoring in border areas.

UNTAC was established by Security Council resolution 745 (1992) to ensure implementation of the Agreements on the Comprehensive Political Settlement of the Cambodia Conflict, signed in Paris on 23 October 1991. The mandate included aspects relating to human rights, the organization and conduct of elections, military arrangements, civil administration, maintenance of law and order, repatriation and resettlement of refugees and displaced persons, and rehabilitation of Cambodian infrastructure.

UNOSOM I was established by Security Council resolution 751 (1992) to monitor the ceasefire in Mogadishu and escort deliveries of humanitarian supplies to distribution centres in the city. The mission's mandate and strength were later enlarged to enable it to protect humanitarian convoys and distribution centres throughout Somalia. It later worked with the Unified Task Force in the effort to establish a safe environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Looking to the future of peace operations, the Secretary-General was invited by the Security Council to prepare an analysis and recommendations on ways of strengthening and making more efficient within the framework and provisions of the Charter the capacity of the United Nations for preventive diplomacy, for peacemaking and for peacekeeping, initiating a process of reform to be completed by 1995.

Source: [A/47/277]

UNOSOM II was established by Security Council resolution 814 (1993) to take appropriate action, including enforcement measures, to establish throughout Somalia a secure environment for humanitarian assistance. To that end, UNOSOM II was to complete, through disarmament and reconciliation, the task begun by the Unified Task Force for the restoration of peace, stability, law and order.

Recognizing continuing reports of widespread and flagrant violations of international humanitarian law occurring within the territory of the former Yugoslavia, and especially in the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 827 (1993), formally establishing the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in support of the fulfilment of peacekeeping operations in the region.

UNOMUR was established by Security Council resolution 846 (1993) to monitor the border between Uganda and Rwanda and verify that no military assistance was being provided across it. While the tragic turn of events in Rwanda in April 1994 prevented UNOMUR from fully implementing its mandate, the Mission focused on its role as a confidence-building mechanism.

UNOMIG was established by Security Council resolution 858 (1993) to verify compliance with the ceasefire agreement between the Government of Georgia and the Abkhaz authorities in Georgia. UNOMIG's mandate was expanded following the signing by the parties of the 1994 Agreement on a Ceasefire and Separation of Forces.

UNOMIL was established by Security Council resolution 866 (1993) to exercise good offices in support of the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States and the Liberian National Transitional Government to implement peace agreements; investigate alleged ceasefire violations; assist in maintenance of assembly sites and demobilization of combatants; support humanitarian assistance; investigate human rights violations and assist local human rights groups; and observe and verify elections.

UNMIH was established by Security Council resolution 867 (1993) to help implement provisions of the Governors Island Agreement of 3 July 1993. The mandate was later revised to enable the Mission to assist the democratic Government to sustain a stable environment, professionalize the armed forces and create a separate police force, and establish an environment conducive to free and fair elections.

UNAMIR was originally established by Security Council resolution 872 (1993) to help implement the Arusha Peace Agreement signed by the Rwandese parties on 4 August 1993. UNAMIR's mandate and strength were adjusted on a number of occasions in light of the tragic events of the genocide and the changing situation in the country.

UNASOG was established by Security Council resolution 915 (1994) to verify the withdrawal of the Libyan administration and forces from the Aouzou Strip in accordance with the decision of the International Court of Justice. The Group accomplished its mandate after both sides - the Republic of Chad and the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya - declared withdrawal to be complete.

The ICTR was established by the Security Council resolution 955 (1994) to prosecute persons responsible for genocide and other serious violations of international humanitarian law committed in the territory of Rwanda and neighbouring States, between 1 January 1994 and 31 December 1994". 

UNMOT was established by Security Council resolution 968 (1994) to monitor the ceasefire agreement between the Government of Tajikistan and the United Tajik Opposition. Following the signing by the parties of the 1997 general peace agreement, UNMOT's mandate was expanded to help monitor its implementation.

The Secretary-General’s position paper, submitted to the Member States at the opening of the United Nations fiftieth anniversary year, served as a contribution to the continuing campaign to strengthen a common capacity to deal with threats to peace and security. The Secretary-General called for fresh thinking, for striving together and for creating new ways to overcome crises as the world emerged from the cold war.

UNAVEM III was established Security Council resolution 976 (1995) to assist the Government of Angola and the União Nacional para a Independência Total de Angola (UNITA) in restoring peace and achieving national reconciliation on the basis of the Peace Accords for Angola, signed on 31 May 1991, the Lusaka Protocol signed on 20 November 1994, and relevant Security Council resolutions.

UNPREDEP was established by Security Council resolution 983(1995) to replace UNPROFOR in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The mandate of UNPREDEP remained essentially the same: to monitor and report any developments in the border areas which could undermine confidence and stability in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and threaten its territory.

UNCRO was established by Security Council resolution 981 (1995) to perform the functions envisaged in the ceasefire agreement of 29 March 1994; facilitate implementation of the economic agreement of 2 December 1994; monitor the crossing of military personnel, equipment, supplies and weapons over specified international borders; facilitate humanitarian assistance to Bosnia and Herzegovina through the territory of Croatia; monitor the demilitarization of the Prevlaka peninsula.

UNMIBH was established by Security Council resolution 1035 (1995) to exercise a wide range of functions related to the law enforcement activities and police reform in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Mission also coordinated other UN activities in the country relating to humanitarian relief and refugees, demining, human rights, elections and rehabilitation of infrastructure and economic reconstruction.

UNMOP was established by Security Council resolution 1038 (1996) to take over from the United Nations Confidence Restoration Operation (UNCRO) the task of monitoring the demilitarization of the Prevlaka peninsula, a strategic area disputed by Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

UNTAES was established by Security Council Resolution 1037 (1996) with military and civilian components to, among other things, supervise and facilitate demilitarization; monitor return of refugees; contribute to the maintenance of peace and security; establish a temporary police force; undertake tasks relating to civil administration and public services; organize elections; and undertake other activities relevant to the Basic Agreement.

UNSMIH was established to assist the Government in the professionalization of the police, maintenance of a secure and stable environment conducive to the success of efforts to establish and train an effective national police force, and to coordinate activities of the United Nations system in promoting institution-building, national reconciliation and economic rehabilitation.

MINUGUA was established by Security Council in resolution 1094 (1997) by the Security Council in resolution 1094 (1997) to verify the Agreement on the Definitive Ceasefire between the Government of Guatemala and the Unidad Revolucionaria Nacional Guatemalteca.

MONUA was established by Security Council resolution 1118 (1997) to assist the Angolan parties in consolidating peace and national reconciliation, enhancing confidence-building and creating an environment conducive to long-term stability, democratic development and rehabilitation of the country.

UNTMIH was established by Security Council resolution 1123 (1997) to assist the Government of Haiti by supporting and contributing to the professionalization of the Haitian National Police (HNP). Tasks of UNTMIH's police element included training HNP specialized units in crowd control, the rapid reaction force and Palace security, areas considered to be of distinct importance.

MIPONUH was established by Security Council resolution 1141 (1997) to assist the Government in the professionalization of the National Police. The mission placed special emphasis on assistance at the supervisory level and on training specialized police units. Other tasks included mentoring police performance, guiding police agents in day-to-day duties and maintaining close coordination with technical advisers to the Police funded by the United Nations Development Programme and bilateral donors.

The UNCPSG was authorized by the Security Council in resolution 1145 (1997) on 19 December 1997 to continue monitoring the performance of the Croatian police in the Danube region, particularly with respect to the return of displaced persons, for a single nine-month period beginning on 16 January 1998 and ending on 15 October 1998. The Group took over policing tasks from the United Nations Transitional Administration for Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium when that mission's mandate ended. 

MINURCA was established by Security Council resolution 1159 (1998) to assist in maintaining and enhancing security and stability in Bangui and vicinity; supervise, control storage of, and monitor the disposition of weapons retrieved in disarmament exercise; assist in capacity-building of national police; and provide advice and technical support for legislative elections.

UNOMSIL was established by Security Council resolution 1181 (1998) to monitor the military and security situation in Sierra Leone, as well as the disarmament and demobilization of former combatants. It was also asked to assist in monitoring respect for international humanitarian law.

UNMIK was established by Security Council resolution 1244 (1999) to provide an interim administration for Kosovo under which the people of Kosovo could enjoy substantial autonomy. The Council vested UNMIK with authority over the territory and people of Kosovo, including all legislative and executive powers and administration of the judiciary.

Subsequently, following the declaration of independence by the Kosovo authorities and the entry into force of a new constitution on 15 June 2008, the tasks of the Mission have significantly been modified to focus primarily on the promotion of security, stability and respect for human rights in Kosovo.

UNAMSIL was established to cooperate with the Government and the other parties in implementing the Lome Peace Agreement and to assist in the implementation of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration plan.

UNTAET was established by Security Council resolution 1272 (1999) to administer the Territory, exercise legislative and executive authority during the transition period and support capacity-building for self-government.

MONUC was established by Security Council resolution 1279 to plan for the observation of the ceasefire and disengagement of forces and maintain liaison with all parties to the Ceasefire Agreement.

Later in a series of resolutions, the Council expanded the mandate of MONUC to the supervision of the implementation of the Ceasefire Agreement and assigned multiple related additional tasks.

UNMEE was established by Security Council resolution 1312 (2000), to maintain liaison with the parties and establish a mechanism for verifying the ceasefire. In September 2000, the Council authorized UNMEE to monitor the cessation of hostilities and to help ensure the observance of security commitments.

On 7 March 2000, Secretary-General Kofi Annan appointed a high-level Panel on United Nations peace and security activities and asked the Panel, chaired by Lakhdar Brahimi, to assess the shortcomings of the then-existing peacekeeping system and to make specific and realistic recommendations for change. In its report, the Panel noted that in order to be effective, UN peacekeeping operations must be properly resourced and equipped, and operate under clear, credible and achievable mandates. The term peace operations has only come into currently since HIPPO.

Source: [A/55/305–S/2000/809]

The SCSL was established as the result of a request to the United Nations in 2000 by the Government of Sierra Leone for "a special court" to address serious crimes against civilians and UN peacekeepers committed during the country's decade-long (1991-2002) civil war.

UNMISET was established by Security Council resolution 1410 (2002) of 17 May to provide assistance to East Timor over a period of two years until all operational responsibilities were fully devolved to the East Timor authorities.

MINUCI was established by Security Council resolution 1479 (2003) to facilitate the implementation by the Ivorian parties of an agreement signed by them (the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement) and to complement the operations of the peacekeeping force of the Economic Community of West African States and French troops.

UNMIL was established by Security Council resolution 1509 (2003) to support the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the peace process; protect United Nations staff, facilities and civilians; support humanitarian and human rights activities; and assist in national security sector reform, including national police training and formation of a new, restructured military.

UNOCI was established by Security Council resolution 1528 (2004) of 27 February 2004 as from 4 April 2004 with a mandate to facilitate the implementation by the Ivorian parties of the peace agreement signed by them in January 2003.

ONUB was established by Security Council resolution 1545 (2004) to support and help to implement the efforts undertaken by Burundians to restore lasting peace and bring about national reconciliation, as provided for under the Arusha Agreement.

MINUSTAH was established by Security Council resolution 1542 (2004) to restore a secure and stable environment and to promote the political process in Haiti. The mission supported the holding of elections to restore constitutional order. Throughout its tenure, MINUSTAH’s key priority remained strengthening the capacity of the Haitian National Police and rule of law structures.

In November 2003, Secretary-General Kofi Annan appointed a 16-member panel of prominent politicians, diplomats and development experts to assess the threats then facing the international community, to evaluate the UN's ability to address those challenges, and also to recommend policy and institutional changes to deal with them.

Source: [A/59/565]

The report represented the first comprehensive analysis of the problem of sexual exploitation and abuse by United Nations peacekeeping personnel. It contained bold recommendations directed at both the Secretariat and Member States.

Source: [A/59/710]

UNMIS was established by Security Council, by its resolution 1590 (2005) to support implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed by the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army on 9 January 2005; and to perform certain functions relating to humanitarian assistance, and protection and promotion of human rights.

Reporting to the General Assembly on 24 February 2006 on the financing of United Nations peacekeeping operations, the Secretary-General outlined a reform strategy entitled “Peace Operations 2010” to set out the policies and procedures to enable the Department of Peacekeeping Operations to support peacekeeping over the next several years.

Source: [A/60/696]

UNMIT was established by Security Council resolution 1704 (2006) to support the Government in consolidating stability, enhancing a culture of democratic governance, and facilitating political dialogue among Timorese stakeholders, in their efforts to bring about a process of national reconciliation and to foster social cohesion.

DFS was established by General Assembly resolution 61/256 to manage, sustain and increase the effectiveness of peacekeeping activities while at the same time ensuring the safety and security of all United Nations personnel and improving accountability and effective management of personnel and resources on 15 March 2007.

The report of the Secretary General contained the proposals on how to strengthen the capacity of the United Nations to manage and sustain peace operations.

Source: [A/61/858]

The STL came into force after a negotiated agreement between the Lebanese government and the United Nations. The Tribunal was established with a mixed composition of Lebanese and international judges. It has its seat near The Hague in the Netherlands.

UNAMID was established by Security Council resolution 1769 (2007) to support mediation efforts, to achieve a comprehensive political solution, and to carry out protection of civilians, facilitation of humanitarian assistance and mediation of community conflicts.

MINURCAT was established by Security Council resolution 1778 (2007) to protection of refugees, displaced persons and civilians in danger, by facilitating the provision of humanitarian assistance in eastern Chad and the north-eastern Central African Republic (CAR) and by creating favourable conditions for the reconstruction and economic and social development of those areas.

This document, also called the Capstone Doctrine, set out the guiding principles and core objectives of UN peacekeeping operations, as well as the main factors contributing to their success in the field. It also provided a basis for the development of training materials for military, police and civilian personnel preparing to serve in the field.

The Strategy was an important step forward towards ensuring that victims of sexual exploitation and abuse by United Nations staff and related personnel receive appropriate assistance and support in a timely and effective manner.

Source: [A/RES/62/214]

MONUSCO was established by Security Council resolution 1925 (2010) to protect of civilians, humanitarian personnel and human rights defenders under imminent threat of physical violence and to support the Government of the DRC in its stabilization and peace consolidation efforts.

UNISFA was established by Security Council resolution 1990 (2011) to monitor the flashpoint border between Sudan and the newly created country of South Sudan and to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. It is authorized to use force in protecting civilians and humanitarian workers in Abyei.

UNMISS was established by Security Council resolution 1996 (2011) of 8 July 2011 to consolidate peace and security in the new country of South Sudan and to help establish conditions for development as from 9 July 2011. The 2013 crisis reprioritized UNMISS’ mandate towards the protection of civilians, human rights monitoring, support for the delivery of humanitarian assistance and support to the IGAD peace process. 

UNSMIS was established by Security Council resolution 2043 (2012) to monitor a cessation of armed violence in all its forms by all parties and to monitor and support the full implementation of the Joint Special Envoy’s six-point plan to end the conflict in Syria.

MINUSMA was established by Security Council resolution 2100 (2013) to support political processes in that country and carry out a number of security-related tasks.  It also supports the Malian authorities in their efforts to promote human rights, protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian access

MINUSCA was established by Security Council Resolution 2149 (2014) to protect civilians and assist the government in re-establishing security. It also facilitates humanitarian assistance, promotes and protects human rights, supports security sector reform and DDR, justice and the rule of law.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon established the HIPPO in 2014 to assess the state of UN peace operations, including UN peacekeeping operations and special political missions. The HIPPO submitted its assessment report, entitled "Uniting our strengths for peace: politics, partnerships and people," and provided recommendations on how peace operations can better support the Organization's work to prevent conflict, achieve durable political settlements, protect civilians and sustain peace.

MINUJUSTH was established by Security Council Resolution 2350 (2017) to assist the Government of Haiti to further develop the Haitian National Police (HNP), strengthen Haiti’s rule of law institutions, including justice and prisons, and promote and protect human rights.

In an effort to reverse the rise in peacekeeping fatalities and improve the safety and security of UN peacekeepers, the Secretary-General in November 2017 appointed Lieutenant General (Retired) Carlos Alberto dos Santos Cruz (Brazil) to carry out an in-depth review of peacekeeping fatalities and injuries due to hostile acts.

Secretary-General António Guterres launched the Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) initiative at a Security Council High-Level Debate on 28 March. The initiative, while not yet approved by Member States, is focusing its efforts in three areas: refocusing peacekeeping with realistic expectations; making peacekeeping missions stronger and safer; and mobilizing greater support for political solutions and for well-structured, well-equipped, well-trained forces. The A4P initiative calls on all those who have a stake in peacekeeping to acknowledge and fulfil their respective roles, potentially reconfiguring the UN’s peace and security pillar.

The United Nations celebrates the 70th anniversary of UN peacekeeping, a unique and dynamic instrument to help countries torn by conflict transition to lasting peace. Over the past 70 years, more than 1 million men and women have served under the UN flag in more than 70 UN peacekeeping operations. More than 100,000 military, police and civilian personnel from 125 countries currently serve in 14 peacekeeping operations. UN Peacekeepers have long been the best chance for peace for some of the world’s most vulnerable people. Their service and sacrifice – frequently under harsh and dangerous conditions– has made the Blue Helmet a symbol of hope to millions of people.

A key milestone in UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ Action for Peacekeeping (A4) initiative was the endorsement of the Declaration of Share Commitments on Peacekeeping Operations which was followed by a High-level meeting on 25 September 2018 during the 73rd General Assembly. The High-level meeting brought together 48 speakers, including 16 heads of State and Government. More than 150 Member States have endorsed the Declaration, along with 4 supporting international and regional organisations. The event served as a critical stepping-stone towards implementation by all the Secretariat, Security Council members, financial-, troop-, and police-contributors, host countries and regional organizations.

The UN is continuously adapting in order to meet ongoing challenges in the peace, security and development areas. The Secretary-General with the support of Member States launched an unprecedented reform of the whole UN system. The overarching goals of the peace and security related reform are: prioritize prevention and sustain peace; strengthen the effectiveness and coherence of peacekeeping operations and special political missions; and align more closely with the development and human rights pillars. The new Department of Peace Operations (DPO) will serve as an integrated “centre of excellence” for all UN peace operations deployed under its purview.