UN Peacekeeping Missions

UN Peacekeeping Missions (* in April 2013 UN Security Council approved New Mission in Mali "MINUSMA" taking final amount to 15)

A peacekeeping operation is led through the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), and activly works to create the conditions for lasting peace inside a country torn by conflict. It includes military, police and civilian personnel, who try to deliver security, political and early peace building support. United Nations Peacekeeping Forces was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988. [SEE Nobel Peace Prizes to UN Organization ]

• Total UN Peacekeeping operations since 1948 : 68
• Current peacekeeping operations (as on Feb 2013): 15*
• Current peace operations directed through the Department of Peacekeeping Operations: 16* [In accessory for peacekeeping operations, DPKO directs one political mission: the Un Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)]
• Countries contributing uniformed personnel: 116

(all data are by 31st May 2013)

Current operations :

• Un Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) : since April 1991- according to settlement proposals accepted in August 1988 by Morocco and also the Frente POLISARIO ( Popular para la Liberación de Saguia el-Hamra y de Río de Oro) and authorized by the Security Council, It deliver to a transitional period for that preparation of a referendum in which the people of Western Sahara would choose from independence and integration with Morocco. The Special Associated with the Secretary-General was to have sole and exclusive responsibility over matters concerning the referendum and was to be have helped his tasks by a built-in group of civilian, military and civilian police personnel, to become known as the MINURSO.
• United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) : since June 2004- to revive a secure and stable environment, to advertise the political process, to bolster Haiti’s Government institutions and rule-of-law-structures, in addition to promote and to protect human rights. Numbers increased following 2010 devastating earthquake to aid the immediate recovery, reconstruction and stability efforts.
• Un Organization Stabilization Mission within the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) : since July 2010 - took control of from an earlier UN peacekeeping operation - the U N O Mission in Democratic Republic from the Congo (MONUC) - on 1 July 2010, to mirror the new phase reached in the united states. The new mission has been authorized to make use of all necessary means to execute its mandate relating, amongst other things, to the protection of civilians, humanitarian personnel and human rights defenders under imminent threat of assault and to support the Government from the DRC in its stabilization and peace consolidation efforts.
• African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) : since July 2007 - protection of civilians is its core mandate, but can also be tasked with contributing to security for humanitarian assistance, monitoring and verifying implementation of agreements, assisting a comprehensive political process, contributing to the promotion of human rights and also the rule of law, and monitoring and reporting around the situation along the borders with Chad and also the Central African Republic (CAR).
• Un Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) : in Syrian Golan Heights since June 1974 (for utilizing disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria and looking after ceasefire)
• United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) : since March 1964 to avoid further fighting between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, to supervise ceasefire lines, conserve a buffer zone, undertake humanitarian activities and offer the good offices mission from the Secretary-General.
• United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) : since March 1978- to verify Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, restore international peace and security and profit the Lebanese Government in restoring its effective authority in the region. The mandate had to be adjusted twice, because of the developments in 1982 and 2000. Following a July/August 2006 crisis (war with Israel), the Council enhanced the Force and decided that as well as the original mandate, it would, amongst other things, monitor the cessation of hostilities; accompany and offer the Lebanese armed forces as they deploy through the south of Lebanon; and extend its help help ensure humanitarian use of civilian populations and the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons.
• Un Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) : In Abyei, Sudan since June 2011 -The operation will monitor the flashpoint border between south and north Sudan, and is authorized to use force in protecting civilians and humanitarian workers in Abyei. UNISFA’s establishment came following the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) reached a contract in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to demilitarize Abyei and let Ethiopian troops to watch the area.
• United Nations Mission within the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) : In South Sudan since July 2011- UNMISS is on the floor to consolidate peace and security and also to help establish conditions for development because the Security Council determined the situation faced by South Sudan continued to constitute a menace to international peace and peace of mind in the region.
• United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire/ Ivory Coast (UNOCI) : since April 2004- to facilitate the implementation through the Ivorian parties of the peace agreement signed by them in January 2003. Following a 2010 Presidential election and the ensuing political crisis in Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), UNOCI has always been on the ground to protect civilians and offer the Ivorian Government in disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) of former combatants, and also on security sector reform.
• Un Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK): since June 1999- to supply an interim administration for Kosovo to which the people of Kosovo could enjoy substantial autonomy. UNMIK had authority within the territory and people of Kosovo, including all legislative and executive powers and administration from the judiciary. Subsequently, following the declaration of independence through the Kosovo authorities and the entry into force of the new constitution on 15 June 2008, the duties of the Mission have significantly been modified to concentrate primarily on the promotion of security, stability and respect for human rights in Kosovo.
• Un Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) : since September 2003- to aid the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and also the peace process; protect Un staff, facilities and civilians; support humanitarian and human rights activities; in addition to assist in national security reform, including national police training and formation of the new, restructured military.
• Un Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) : In India and Pakistan since January 1949 -to observe developments regarding the strict observance of the ceasefire of 17 December 1971 and report thereon towards the Secretary-General ,for the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
• Un Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) : In Middle East since May 1948, Placed in May 1948, UNTSO was the first ever peacekeeping operation established through the United Nations. Since then, UNTSO military observers have remained in the centre East to monitor ceasefires, supervise armistice agreements, prevent isolated incidents from escalating and assist other UN peacekeeping operations in the area to fulfill their respective mandates.