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when can un peacekeepers use force ?

# When Can UN Peacekeepers Use Force?

The role of United Nations (UN) peacekeepers is often misunderstood, particularly when it comes to their authority to use force. While their primary mission is to maintain peace and facilitate negotiations, there are specific circumstances under which UN peacekeepers are permitted to use force. This blog post explores the principles and legal framework governing the use of force by UN peacekeepers.

## Principles of Peacekeeping

At the heart of UN peacekeeping operations are three core principles: consent, impartiality, and the non-use of force except in self-defense or defense of the mandate. These principles are inter-related and mutually reinforcing.

1. **Consent of the parties**: UN peacekeeping operations are deployed with the consent of the main parties to the conflict. This requires a commitment by the parties to a peace process and creates a favorable environment for the peacekeepers to operate.

2. **Impartiality**: UN peacekeepers must remain impartial and not take sides in the conflict. Their role is to facilitate peace, not to engage in combat.

3. **Non-use of force except in self-defense or defense of the mandate**: The use of force by UN peacekeepers is limited to self-defense or defense of the mandate. This principle is crucial in maintaining the legitimacy and effectiveness of peacekeeping operations.

## Legal Basis for the Use of Force

The legal basis for the use of force by UN peacekeepers resides in the mandate of the peacekeeping mission, as reflected in the relevant resolution(s) adopted by the UN Security Council. The use of force must be consistent with the mandate and is typically authorized in the following circumstances:

1. **Self-defense**: UN peacekeepers are authorized to use force in self-defense. This is a fundamental principle of international law and is recognized as a necessary measure to protect peacekeepers from harm.

2. **Defense of the mandate**: UN peacekeepers may use force to defend their mandate. This includes protecting civilians, ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid, and maintaining the security environment necessary for the peace process to succeed.

3. **Protection of civilians**: In recent years, the protection of civilians has become a key component of UN peacekeeping mandates. Peacekeepers are authorized to use force to protect civilians from imminent threat of physical harm, particularly in conflict zones where civilians are at risk of violence.

## Use of Force as a Last Resort

The use of force by UN peacekeepers is always a measure of last resort. It should be calibrated in a precise, proportional, and appropriate manner, within the principle of the minimum force necessary to achieve the intended objective. This means that peacekeepers should exhaust all non-lethal means of resolving a situation before resorting to the use of force.

## Practical Examples

In practice, UN peacekeepers often find themselves in complex and dynamic conflict environments where the use of force may be necessary. For example, peacekeepers may use force to:

– Deter attacks on civilians or humanitarian personnel.
– Protect key infrastructure, such as airports or ports, essential for the delivery of humanitarian aid.
– Disarm combatants who pose a threat to the peace process.
– Respond to direct attacks on UN personnel or assets.

## Challenges and Controversies

Despite the clear principles and legal framework governing the use of force, there are challenges and controversies associated with its application in the field. For instance, there have been instances where UN peacekeepers have been criticized for either over-relying on force or failing to use force when necessary to protect civilians.

Additionally, the use of force by UN peacekeepers raises questions about the balance between peacekeeping and peace enforcement. While peacekeeping is focused on maintaining peace through non-violent means, peace enforcement involves the use of force to impose peace. The line between these two concepts can sometimes be blurred, leading to confusion and controversy.

## Conclusion

The use of force by UN peacekeepers is a critical aspect of their operations, but it is also one of the most sensitive and complex issues they face. By adhering to the principles of consent, impartiality, and the non-use of force except in self-defense or defense of the mandate, UN peacekeepers can maintain their legitimacy and effectiveness in the field. As the international community continues to grapple with the challenges of conflict and insecurity, the role of UN peacekeepers in maintaining peace and protecting civilians remains as important as ever.