Peacekeeping has proven to be one of the most effective tools available to the UN to assist host countries to navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace.
Peacekeeping has unique strengths, including legitimacy(合法性), burden sharing, and an ability to deploy (部署) and sustain troops and police from around the globe, integrating them with civilian peacekeepers to advance multidimensional mandates (指令).
UN peacekeepers provide security and the political and peace-building support to help countries make the difficult, early transition from conflict to peace. UN peacekeeping is guided by three basic principles: agreement of the parties, fairness, and non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate. It is flexible and over the past two decades has been deployed in many frameworks.
Today's multidimensional peacekeeping operations are called upon not only to maintain peace and security, but also to facilitate the political process, protect civilians, assist in the disarmament of former combatants, support the organisation of elections, protect and promote human rights and assist in restoring the rule of law.
Peacekeeping has always been highly dynamic and has evolved in the face of new challenges. Former Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon established a 17-member High-level Independent Panel on UN Peace Operations to make a comprehensive assessment of the state of UN peace operations today, and the emerging needs of the future.
As a unique global partnership, UN Peacekeeping brings together the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Secretariat, troop and police contributors, and the host governments in a combined effort to maintain international peace and security. Its strength lies in the legitimacy of the UN Charter and in the wide range of contributing countries that participate and provide precious resources.
Success is never guaranteed because UN Peacekeeping almost by definition goes to the most physically and politically difficult environments. However, over 60 years of existence, UN Peacekeeping has built up a demonstrable record of success, including winning the Nobel Peace Prize.
