The United Nations faces criticism for its passive role in global conflicts, failing to utilise its peacekeeping forces effectively. Urgent reforms are needed to enhance its capacity to protect civilians.
| Quote: “Thou shalt not be a victim. Thou shalt not be a perpetrator. Above all, thou shalt not be a bystander.” — Yehuda Bauer, Holocaust survivor and historian.
Meaning:
This quote emphasises that we should not be victims and must be aware of our rights, nor should we be perpetrators who exploit others.
- Most importantly, it highlights that remaining passive in the face of injustice is morally equivalent to condoning harmful actions. Silence can make one vulnerable, as the next victim may be oneself.
- This applies to the United Nations and global leaders, urging them to intervene and prevent harm, especially in conflicts affecting civilians.
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United Nations Peacekeeping
- The United Nations (UN) was established with a mission to maintain global peace and security.
- Through its peacekeeping forces, often referred to as “Blue Helmets,” the UN aims to resolve disputes, protect civilians, and restore peace.
- Specific provisions:
- Chapter VI: Encourages peaceful settlement of disputes through negotiation and diplomacy.
- Chapter VII: Authorises military intervention with Security Council approval in cases of aggression or threats to international peace.
- Chapter VIII: Allows regional arrangements to enforce peace under UN Security Council authorization.
Analysis of Key UN Peacekeeping Missions
1990s – Early Successes
- Cambodia, Sierra Leone, Kosovo: UN peacekeeping successfully stabilised conflict zones, restoring order and protecting civilians.
1994 – 1995 – Notable Failures
- Rwanda Genocide: Over 1 million killed; the UN failed to prevent the mass atrocities.
- Bosnian War: The UN’s inability to act decisively led to civilian deaths, revealing critical weaknesses.
2000s – Renewed Focus on Civilian Protection
- Sierra Leone (UNSMIL), Timor Leste (UNMIT), Darfur (UNAMID), South Sudan (UNMISS), Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO): The UN improved peacekeeping by focusing on protecting civilians and learning from past mistakes.
2020s – Continued Criticism
- Ukraine, Gaza: Despite a large standing force, the UN faces criticism for failing to intervene decisively, with escalating civilian casualties in these conflicts.
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Reasons for the Ineffectiveness of the UN
- Bystander Status: The UN has largely adopted a bystander status in significant global conflicts, notably in Ukraine and the ongoing violence in West Asia.
- Despite having a well-equipped military and police force of around 100,000 personnel, the UN has failed to actively intervene or decisively address the situation.
- Insufficient Deployment of Forces: Rather than redeploying a portion of its troops to high-conflict zones like Ukraine and Gaza, the UN continues to operate in less urgent areas, resulting in missed opportunities for proactive engagement.
- Constraints of the Security Council: The current structure of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), particularly the veto power held by the five permanent members (P5), hampers decisive action.
- Historical examples, such as the Rwanda genocide, illustrate how the veto has been used to block necessary interventions.
- Failure to Enforce Peace: The UN’s mandate is not only to maintain peace but also to enforce it when necessary.
- However, the hesitance to act decisively in volatile situations reflects a broader failure to utilise the existing framework that allows for the use of force in protecting civilians.
Way Ahead
- Reforming the Security Council: There is a need for the expansion of the permanent membership of the Security Council to include India, representing the vibrant voice of the global South, and South Africa, providing long-overdue representation for Africa.
- Taking Decisive Action: The UN must take decisive action and stand firmly on its own feet to fulfil its original purpose. If it fails to do so, it risks becoming merely a think tank rather than a genuine force for peace.
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Conclusion
The need for Security Council reform and decisive deployment of peacekeepers is urgent. If the UN is unable to enforce peace with its considerable resources, the future of global peacekeeping itself may be in jeopardy.
October 23, 2024
