Reform Recommendations by NGOs and Think Tanks

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2010 | 2009 | 2006 | 2004 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000

2010

Civilian Peacekeeping (January 2010)

Nonuniformed civilians have a critical role to play in reducing violence and creating a safe environment in conflict zones. "Civilian peacekeepers" can apply moral, political, legal, economic and social pressures, which can influence armed individuals and commanders and prevent violence. Although the field of civilian peacekeeping is still young, there is ample evidence that it can work effectively. Yet the UN remains wedded to military peace operations despite mounting costs and questionable effectiveness. (Nonviolent Peaceforce/Oxford Encyclopedia of Peace)

2009

Peacekeeping Reform Continues, But Have We Learned the Right Lessons? (October 2009)

The Report of the UN Panel on Peace Operations - also known as the Brahimi report - called for less ambiguity in Security Council mandates. This article argues that, rather than more specific mandates, what effective peacekeeping operations require are "greater accountability, clear command-and control, and quality leadership." (International Peace Institute)

 

2006

 

Meeting the Challenges of Peace Operations: Cooperation and Coordination (January 2006)

This report from The Challenges of Peace Operations Project, a consortium of 14 major contributing countries in peacekeeping, provides practical recommendations to enhance the UN's capability to conduct peace operations. The project addresses three specific areas that pose a challenge to states, organizations, and individuals contributing to peace operations: cooperation between the UN and regional organizations, improving training and education for peace operations, and strengthening the rule of law in post-conflict areas. The report comes at an opportune time as UN peacekeeping operations grew fivefold from 2000 to 2005.

 

2004

 

Peacekeeping in West Africa: A Regional Report (June 2004)

Focusing on UN peacekeeping operations in Sierra Leone, Liberia and the Ivory Coast, this Refugees International report argues that the United Nations should take a "regional approach" to ending conflicts. Such an approach would involve coordinating the efforts of peacekeeping operations across national boundaries.

 

2002


Enhancing International Civilian Police in Peace Operations (April 22, 2002)

The growing importance of civilian police in peacekeeping operations has not been matched by adequate changes in US capacity to conduct such missions. The Bush administration has not shown initiative despite the potential usefulness of civilian police in counter-terrorist operations. (United States Institute of Peace)

Responding to War and State Collapse in West Africa (February 1, 2002)

When the Security Council sends "quick-fix" peacekeeping mission without addressing the underlying socioeconomic issues, it cannot end the cycle of "state collapse" and violent conflict. (United States Institute of Peace)

The Brahimi Report: Overcoming the North-South Divide (January 2002)

Many developing countries objected the recommendations of the Brahimi Report. States complained that the proposed changes would threaten smaller countries' sovereignty, and divert resources from poverty alleviation efforts. The 6th International Workshop in Berlin, June 29 - 30, 2001 tried to bridge these differences. (German Institute for International and Security Affairs)

 

2001

 

American Civilian Police in UN Peace Operations: Lessons Learned and Ideas for the Future (July 6, 2001)

In addition to the peacekeepers, strengthening the UN Civilian Police's law-and-order capacities on the ground is crucial, argues the report by the United States Institute of Peace.

Refashioning the Dialogue: Regional Perspective on the Brahimi Report on UN Peace Operations (March 2001)

A report compiled by the International Peace Academy brings together opinions of developing countries, which are often marginalized in decision-making, on the Brahimi Report and peacekeeping reform.

Peacekeeping in Africa (February 13, 2001)

This report of the United States Institute of Peace discusses the follow-up of the Brahimi report and UN peacekeeping operations in Africa.

The Preparedness Gap: Making Peace Operations Work in the 21st Century (January 2001)

UNA-USA presents an analysis and some remedies for major deficiencies of UN Peacekeeping. This paper provides recommendations on management, deployment, accountability and financing to improve international security in the 21st century.

 

2000

The Military Staff Committee: A Possible Future Role in UN Peace Operations? (2000)

Following the Brahimi report, Felicity Hill from Women's International League for Peace and Freedom
wrote an analysis on the role of the inactive Military Staff Committee for UN peacekeeping.