United Nations Peacekeeping is navigating one of its most precarious periods in history. The Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C-34) convenes at a time when the very foundations of peacekeeping—consent, impartiality, and the non-use of force—are being tested by complex conflict landscapes and geopolitical polarization.
The "New Agenda for Peace"
Launched by Secretary-General António Guterres, the New Agenda for Peace has become the primary strategic document guiding current reforms. It frankly acknowledges that peacekeeping missions cannot succeed without a parallel political process. The era of large, multidimensional missions deployed to stabilize conflicts with no peace to keep is ending.
Key Shift: Partnerships over Presence
A central tenant of the new agenda is a shift towards Peace Enforcement led by regional partners (such as the African Union), with the UN providing assessed contributions and political support. This model recognizes that traditional UN peacekeepers are not equipped for counter-terrorism operations.
Mission Drawdowns & The Crisis of Consent
The abrupt termination of MINUSMA (Mali) in late 2023 and the ongoing transition of MONUSCO (DR Congo) serve as stark warnings. Host country consent has become fragile. When national governments withdraw consent, missions face immediate operational collapse, creating security vacuums that armed groups often exploit.
Operational Challenges (2024-2025)
- Safety and Security: In 2024 alone, 57 peacekeepers lost their lives in malicious acts. Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) remain the leading cause of fatalities in complex environments.
- Information Warfare: Disinformation is now a direct security threat. False narratives accusing peacekeepers of exploiting resources or aiding rebels have incited mob violence against UN bases.
- Asymmetric Threats: Peacekeepers increasingly face non-state armed groups employing guerrilla tactics, drone surveillance, and sophisticated weaponry.
A4P+ Priorities (Action for Peacekeeping)
Delegates must frame their solutions within the seven priorities of A4P+, specifically:
- Strategic Communications: Moving beyond PR to operationalize comms as a tool to counter hate speech.
- Accountability to Peacekeepers: ensuring perpetrators of crimes against the Blue Helmets are brought to justice.
- Women, Peace and Security (WPS): ensuring full, equal and meaningful participation of women in peace processes.
Questions for Delegates
- How can the UN ensure the safety of peacekeepers in environments where there is "no peace to keep"?
- What mechanisms can be established to counter sophisticated disinformation campaigns targeting UN missions?
- How should the transition from UN Peacekeeping to regionally-led Peace Enforcement operations be funded and mandated?
