Our Men And Women In Blue

United Nations peacekeepers represent the 2nd largest deployed military force in the world, second only to the United States. On May 29th, the world recognizes their service and sacrifices on International Day of Peacekeepers. But where are these men and women serving the cause of peace and what do they do? The following slides introduce you to these soldiers, volunteered from their national services, in the 16 missions currently underway.

1. MINURSO – United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara

The mission in Western Sahara was set up to facilitate a referendum in which the people would choose between independence and integration with Morocco after deadly fighting.

Some of the mission’s responsibilities include:

- monitoring the ceasefire;

- verify the reduction of Moroccan troops in the territory;

- oversee the exchange of prisoners of war;

- identify and register qualified voters and run the elections.

2. MINUSCA - United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic

This mission is the most recent one, set up in April 2014 after religious violence tore through the country leaving thousands dead. Its main mission is to protect the civilians and help implement a transition process that would give control back to the government.

Some of the mission’s responsibilities include:

- facilitating humanitarian assistance;

- promotion and protection of human rights;

- support for justice and the rule of law;

- facilitating disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and repatriation processes.

3. Mali – MINUSMA - United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali

MINUSMA was established in April 2013 to support political processes in Mali and carry out a number of security-related tasks.

The Mission has been asked to support the transitional authorities of Mali in the stabilization of the country and implementation of the transitional road map, focusing on:

- major population centers and lines of communication;

- protecting civilians;

- human rights monitoring and humanitarian assistance;

- the return of displaced persons;

- the extension of State authority;

- and the preparation of free, inclusive and peaceful elections.

4. MINUSTAH - United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti

The mission in Haiti was established in June 2004 following armed conflict that lead to the Haitian president entering into exile. The devastating earthquake in January 2010, which resulted in more than 220,000 deaths, including 96 UN peacekeepers, delivered a severe blow to country’s already shaky economy and infrastructure. In response the mission was renewed and the overall forces there were increased to support the immediate recovery, reconstruction and stability efforts in the country.

Following the completion of Presidential elections in 2011, MINUSTAH has been working to fulfill its original mandate:

- to restore a secure and stable environment;

- promote the political process;

- strengthen Haiti’s Government institutions and rule-of-law-structures;

- as well as to promote and to protect human rights.

5. MONUSCO - United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

MONUSCO took over from an earlier UN peacekeeping operation – the United Nations Organization Mission in Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) – in July 2010.

Its mission is tasked with the protection 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 following decades of violence.

6. UNAMID - African Union/United Nations Hybrid operation in Darfur

This mission in Darfur was established in July 2007. UNAMID has the protection of civilians as its core mandate, but is also tasked with contributing to security for humanitarian assistance, monitoring and verifying implementation of agreements, assisting an inclusive political process, contributing to the promotion of human rights and the rule of law, and monitoring and reporting on the situation along the borders with Chad and the Central African Republic (CAR).

Some of the responsibilities include:

- securing a safe environment for economic reconstruction and development;

- monitor the ceasefire;

- and restoring security to the region.

7. UNDOF - United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (Golan)

From early March 1974, the situation in the Israel-Syria sector became increasingly unstable, and firing intensified. The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) was established in May 1974 following the agreed disengagement of the Israeli and Syrian forces in the Golan.

Since then, UNDOF has remained in the area to maintain the ceasefire between the Israeli and Syrian forces and to supervise the implementation of the disengagement agreement.

8. UNFICYP - United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus

UNFICYP was originally set up in 1964 to prevent further fighting between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. After the hostilities of 1974, the Council has mandated the Force to perform certain additional functions.

In the absence of a political settlement to the Cyprus problem, UNFICYP has remained on the island to supervise ceasefire lines, maintain a buffer zone, undertake humanitarian activities, and support the good offices mission of the Secretary-General.

9. UNIFIL - United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon

Originally, UNIFIL was created in March 1978 to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, restore international peace and security, and assist the Lebanese Government in restoring its effective authority in the area. The mandate had to be adjusted twice, due to the developments in 1982 and 2000.

Following the July/August 2006 crisis, the Council enhanced the Force and decided that in addition to the original mandate, it would:

- monitor the cessation of hostilities;

- accompany and support the Lebanese armed forces;

- and extend its assistance to help ensure humanitarian access to civilian populations and the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons.

10. UNISFA - United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (Sudan)

The Security Council responded to the urgent situation in Sudan’s Abyei region by establishing the UNISFA in June 2011. The Security Council was deeply concerned by the violence, escalating tensions, and population displacement.

The operation monitors the flashpoint border between north and south, and is authorized to use force in protecting civilians and humanitarian workers in Abyei.

UNISFA’s establishment came after the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) reached an agreement in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to demilitarize Abyei and let Ethiopian troops to monitor the area.

11. UNMIK - United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo

This mission was set up in June 1999 to establish an international civil presence in Kosovo in order to provide an interim administration 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 in 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.

12. UNMIL - United Nations Mission in Liberia

UNMIL was established in September 2003 to support the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the peace process in Liberia.

Some of its responsibilities include:

- protecting United Nations staff, facilities and civilians;

- supporting humanitarian and human rights activities;

- assisting national security reform;

- and national police training and formation of a new, restructured military.

13. UNMISS - United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan

On 9 July 2011 South Sudan became the newest country in the world. The birth of the Republic of South Sudan is the culmination of a six-year peace process which began with the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005.

The Security Council determined that the situation faced by South Sudan continued to constitute a threat to international peace and security in the region, thus establishing UNMISS.

UNMISS is on the ground to consolidate peace and security and to help establish conditions for development.

14. UNMOGIP – United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan

The mission started in 1949 to supervise the ceasefire between India and Pakistan in the State of Jammu and Kashmir.

Following renewed hostilities of 1971, UNMOGIP has remained in the area to observe developments pertaining to the strict observance of the ceasefire of December 1971 and report to the Secretary-General.

15. UNOCI - United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire

This mission was established in April 2004 with a mandate to facilitate the implementation by the Ivorian parties of the peace agreement signed by them in January 2003.

Following the 2010 Presidential election and the ensuing political crisis in Côte d’Ivoire, UNOCI has remained on the ground to protect civilians and support the Ivorian Government in disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration (DDR) of former combatants, as well as help with security sector reform.

16. UNTSO - United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (Middle East)

Set up in May 1948, UNTSO was the first ever peacekeeping operation established by the United Nations.

Since then, UNTSO military observers have remained in the Middle East to monitor ceasefires, supervise armistice agreements, prevent isolated incidents from escalating and assist other UN peacekeeping operations in the region to fulfill their respective mandates.