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Key Documents | 2002 | 2001 | 2000
Key Documents
Peacekeeping Missions Are Damaging the UN (September 5, 2000)
Lesley Abdela writes a cutting critique of peacekeeping, saying there needs to be a realization of "the possibility that the UN will only survive if it ceases to engage in operational peace enforcement, a task for which it was never designed, and concentrates its resources on other UN activities it could manage better." (Guardian/Shevolution.com)
Strengthening the Peacekeepers (September 6, 2000)
The US is the chief culprit in the UN's peacekeeping problems, with commitment of resources for muscular UN action by member states being hampered by the US's arrears of over 1.8 billion US Dollars. Calls for reform of the UN at the Millennium Summit can't help if the UN's strongest members are not committed to the organization and its work.(Washington Post Editorial)
Nightmares of Nigeria's "Peacekeeping" Unfold (September 11, 2000)
This in depth perspective of the peacekeeping mission in Sierra Leone analyzes Nigerian involvement in Africa in the light of the alleged accusations against Nigerian troops in UNAMSIL. (The Perspective (Smyrna, Georgia))
2002
UN Peacekeepers Criticized (December 22, 2002)
Over the past two years, UN peacekeepers have been involved in numerous sex scandals. Recently, in Eritrea where a third of adults are HIV positive, a UNMEE peacekeeper was involved in making pornographic videos of local people. (Scotsman)
Peacekeeping Is No Longer about Helping 'Them' but 'Us' (July 5, 2002)
The peacekeeping failures in Rwanda or Bosnia showed the need for direct involvement of major military powers. The "war on terrorism" has made UN peacekeeping a convenient tool in western foreign policies. The future of peacekeeping will depend on reconciling past experiences and new needs. (The Guardian)
UN Whistleblower Says Fired for Sex Claims (June 26, 2002)
Media and NGO reports have blamed for years UN and NATO peacekeepers on the Balkans to be contributors to flourishing prostitution, sex slavery, and trafficking of women. Peacekeepers now impede UN human rights office's own attempts to investigate the allegations. (Reuters)
Breakthrough? (May 23, 2002)
The 38-year-old peacekeeping mission to Cyprus could be ending soon. Kofi Annan's visit to the island reinforced to US and EU pressures on the Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders. Although old differences persist, the intensive dialogue and creative new language could help bring a solution to the conflict. (The Economist)
Georgian National Security Council Wants Peacekeeping Area in Abkhazia Expanded (May 18, 2002)
The Georgian National Security Council proposed that the UN expand the peacekeeping zone in Abkhazia. The proposal cannot succeed, because Georgia's military is too weak to pressure Abkhaz separatists to cooperate, and because Russia will not support the plan. (Dilis Gazeti)
Wider Mission Stretches Military (May 2, 2002)
Chasing terrorists around the globe is putting a strain on the US military. The US Defense Secretary argues that the US should cut involvement in "non-military duties" such as international peacekeeping so the military can engage in "real" military duties. (Christian Science Monitor)
Working Out How to Show Force Without Using It (April 22, 2002)
In an interview, Jean-Marie Guéhenno, UN Under Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations, stresses the importance of not mixing up peacekeeping with peace-enforcement.(Irish Times)
The Descendants of Vikings Are Now Raiders for Peace (April 21, 2002)
As a major contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, Norway advocates a peace-making model that stresses cooperation, flexibility, and patience. (Washington Post)
Dilemmas of Peace Building: Reflections on Turkey's Drive for ISAF Command (April 19, 2002)
Afghanistan's Interim Security Assistance Force is a peace-building, not a peacekeeping operation. As Turkey gets ready to take over ISAF's command, the Turkish Daily argues that understanding the often confusing difference between the two operations is important for success.
Untie SDF's hands for PKOs (April 18, 2002)
As the largest contingent of Japanese peacekeepers heads for East Timor, the Daily Yomiuri argues that the Japanese government should incorporate UN peacekeeping missions into one of Japan's Self Defense Force's (SDF) main duties.
Keepers of What Peace? (April 17, 2002)
The Wall Street Journal argues that sending international peacekeepers to end the Israel-Palestine quagmire sounds appealing, but an "appallingly bad idea." Peacekeeping is distinct from military activity and can only work under specific conditions.
'Deterrence by Presence' is No Deterrence at All ( April 17, 2002)
The Dutch report on Srebrenica sends a warning that weak and inefficient peacekeeping missions will lose against the "peace-breakers who us[e] force freely and criminally." (Daily Telegraph)
Rebuilding Nations . . . (April 6, 2002)
Richard Holbrooke, the former US Ambassador to the UN, argues that fighting for and reconstructing Afghanistan are both integral parts in the campaign against terrorism. (Washington Post)
Peacekeeping Saves Cents, Makes Sense (March 30, 2002)
Although the Bush Administration is not keen on a "Clintonesque" long-term peacekeeping operation in Afghanistan, staying until the Afghan army is back on its feet seems worthwhile and cost-effective. (National Journal)
Kosovo Serbs Fear Day They'll Have to Walk Alone (March 24, 2002)
As the international community shifts its focus to Afghanistan, it seems that the international policing and peacekeeping forces in Kosovo will exit soon. Yet what will happen when the force leaves that has kept Kosovo's ethnic hatred in check?( Los Angeles Times)
UN Takes Action Against Peacekeepers' Misconduct (March 18, 2002)
In reaction to the accusation against the peacekeepers in the UN mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) for sexual abuse and exploitation of refugees, UNAMSIL trains its troops on women and children rights and enforces zero-tolerance against sexual misconduct. (Toronto Star)
Peacekeeping No Longer Domain of Military Brass (March 12, 2002)
The "rigid barrier" that existed between UN peacekeepers and NGOs is dissolving as more realize that increased NGO-PKO cooperation leads to a "win-win situation" in peacekeeping and peace-building. (Inter Press Service)
The Battle Over Peacekeeping (March 4, 2002)
In Afghanistan, "[y]ou're watching a sausage being made," says an US official. Balancing the strength of the international forces with the Afghan's own military or staying impartial among the diverse ethnic groups is a messy and difficult process. (Time)
Peacemaking too Important to Be Left to the US (February 23, 2002)
The trend of US amassing unparalleled military power is creating a world where "the US fights, the UN feeds and the EU funds." However, European officials are wary of giving the US a "carte blanch" for its military operations. (Irish Times )
It is Foolish to Rely on Mercenaries for Security (February 14, 2002)
The Independent argues that governments should invest in strengthening their regular armies, not buying "substitute forces" or "mercenaries" from elsewhere. (Independent)
Private Military Companies: Options for Regulation (February 12, 2002)
The Green Paper by the UK's Foreign Office analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of private military companies (PMC). A strong and reputable PMC might enhance the UN's capability to respond rapidly and effectively in a crisis. Yet are we really ready to "privatize peace"? (Foreign and Commonwealth Office)
Peacekeeping 'Role' for Mercenaries (February 13, 2002)
The UK's Foreign Office raised the possibility of licensing private military companies (PMC) as they may do a better and more cost-effective job than the UN peacekeeping force. Yet some officials argue that using PMCs is "an abdication of the responsibilities of government and…the high ideals of the UN." (BBC)
UN Peace Mission Sees No Problem After Ethiopia-Eritrea Border Ruling (February 12, 2002)
The UN Security Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing a peacekeeping force in Ivory Coast to ensure the protection of civilians for an initial six-month period. The conflict has left hundreds dead and provoked fears of a regional catastrophe. (BBC)
Understanding How Violent Mind Works (February 3, 2002)
Conventional genocide-prevention methods include diplomacy and military intervention, which are often mobilized in a "very late-stage" of a crisis. Yet learning from the Rwandan experience, strengthening the rule of law and democracy are the most effective safeguards against genocide.
(Associated Press)
North Korea Says Japan Using UN Missions for "Overseas Aggression"(January 31, 2002)
North Korea's harsh criticism against Japan's participation in UN peacekeeping operations reflects some of the deep-rooted mistrust against Japan in the region. (BBC)
US Overseas Military Training Grows Out of Sight (January 31, 2002)
The report by Foreign Policy in Focus warns against the US's rapid expansion of military ties with countries accused of questionable human rights records. As the Bush administration appears to make critical oversight of these programs more difficult, the US can consequently "foster, rather than hinder, terrorism." (OneWorld US)
Both Savior and Victim: Black Hawk Down Creates a New and Dangerous Myth of American Nationhood (January 29, 2002)
Initially, the US entered Somalia in 1992 to do "God's work" in a nation devastated by clan warfare and famine. Yet far from resolving the conflict, the US accidentally escalated aggression and transformed UN's peacekeeping mission into a partisan war. (Guardian)
OAU Calls For UN Peacekeepers in Central African Republic ( January 28, 2002)
A swift deployment of UN peacekeepers is crucial to restoring confidence and stability in the Central African Republic, say the delegates at the Organization of African Unity. (Panafrican News Agency)
Nigeria; Soldiers Worry Over Pay for UN Job ' Peacekeeping Entitlements Unpaid' (January 28, 2002)
Where did the payment for the Nigerian UN peacekeepers go? The delay in payments from the Nigerian government is negatively affecting the moral of the peacekeepers.(Africa News Service )
Cyprus Still Split by a Zone Where Time Stands Still (January 22, 2002)
The new round of reunification talks brought optimism in breaking the 27 year-long stalemate dividing Cyprus. Yet the road to resolution is steep as the UN buffer zone is not "only a line on a map but a state of mind and a way of life." (New York Times )
2001
French Insist Britain Must Share Blame For Srebrenica (November 30, 2001)
The French parliamentary inquiry into the fall of the UN "safe-area" in Bosnia harshly criticized the UN Security Council for "undertaking commitments they did not respect because they did not equip themselves with the means." (The Scotsman)
US Says 'Not Yet' To Patrol By Allies (November 30, 2001)
The US Central Command halted the deployment of thousands of international peacekeepers because "the best intentions in the world, if provided in an uncoordinated way, makes things worse instead of better."
(Washington Post)
What Balfour Could Teach Bush (November 29,2001)
Historian Paul Kennedy raises three options for the US in Afghanistan: pull out swiftly, shove the responsibilities to the UN, or commit for the long haul to rebuild and control. The first two options would lead to bloodshed and disaster, he says.(Guardian)
The Kosovo Formula (November 23, 2001)
As delegates negotiate for the future of Afghanistan, the successful general election in Kosovo is evidence that the combination of UN-led, NATO-policed nation-building effort backed by multilateral aid and patience is workable. (Washington Post )
Questions on Peacekeeping Force Loom (November 16, 2001)
Everybody agrees on the need for some force in Afghanistan. Yet considering that the UN Security Council "rarely match[es] its enthusiasm for peacekeeping forces with the resources to carry them out," many questions remain unanswered.(Los Angeles Times)
Iran's Foreign Minister: No Peacekeeping Role for US, Afghan Neighbors (November 5, 2001)
In an interview, the Iranian Foreign Minister argued that any post-conflict peacekeeping in Afghanistan "should be composed of countries that do not have any specific interests in Afghanistan." (Associated Press)
Turning to Turkey? (November 4, 2001)
The Hindu wonders whether the Turkish interest of expanding its influence in Central Asia can match the need for a Muslim based yet secular army in the post-conflict peacekeeping force in Afghanistan.
Women, Peacekeepers and Stereotyping (November 2, 2001)
Women should be allowed to play a larger role in all operations whether political, military, or policy-making not because they are "women" but simply by excluding women you "exclude half the best brains and experience available". (EuropaWorld)
UN Seeks Ways to Avert Terror Haven in Somalia (November 1, 2001)
Fearful of Somalia deteriorating into a "terrorist haven", the UN Security Council has asked the UN Secretary-General to carry out a detailed security assessment to pave a way for a political peace-building mission in the future.(Xinhua)
What Makes Humanitarian Military Interventions Effective? (October 31, 2001)
Taylor B. Seybolt of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) critically assesses the effectiveness of using military means for humanitarian ends. The success and failure of humanitarian interventions remain largely in the hands of the intervening countries, he argues.
Interview on the Role of Women in Conflict and Peace and Security (October 31, 2001)
"Women have traditionally been looked at as victims but the new thinking is the role that women can play as peacekeepers," says Angela King, the UN Secretary-General's Special Advisor on Gender Issues and Advancement of Women.(IRIN)
Headquarters Press Conference on Women in Peacekeeping (October 30, 2001)
If gender justice is not addressed, post-conflict peace-building efforts would suffer, argued women leaders converging for the implementation of the UN Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace, and security. (UN Department of Public Information)
UN Report Presses Israel to Accept Peacekeepers (October 29, 2001)
An UN General Assembly report by John Dugard argues that an international observer force between Israel and Palestine may help end more than a year of violence in the region. (Reuters). Read the report : "Report of the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied by Israel since 1967"
Turkey Warms up for Peacekeeping, Military Training Missions in Afghanistan (October 18, 2001)
If Turkey takes a strong leading role in Afghanistan, it will prevent the Afghan war from being seen as a "clash between Christians and Muslims". (Associated Press)
The UN and Nation-Building (October 14, 2001)
The rebuilding effort of Afghanistan will likely fall on UN's shoulders. William Shawcross analyzes the UN's past track record in nation-building missions, and foresees the difficult tasks ahead. (The Scotsman )
Endgame Afghanistan; Only a Muslim UN Force can Secure Peace (October 14, 2001)
Because "no Western force would be either useful or acceptable to a majority of Afghans", peacekeepers should be recruited from Muslim countries and operate under the auspices of the Organization of Islamic Conference and the UN. (Independent).
Can the West Really Police the World? (October 3, 2001)
It's a deal, says the UK Prime Minister. The west will provide aid, write off debt, practice free trade and train soldiers if the Africans are serious about democracy and human rights. But can his rhetoric match the reality?(Guardian)
Introduction to Non-Lethal Weapons
Can non-lethal weapons give more options for effective UN peacekeeping? Yet ethical, legal, and humanitarian questions regarding their use remain unanswered. (University of Bradford - Centre for Conflict Resolution )
Privatising Protection (August/September 2001)
"Some people contribute the blood and some contribute the money", for UN PKO. But when the world does not want to offer neither, professional military companies, as the UN Secretary-General admits, "it is an option that cannot be relinquished". (World Today)
Japanese Confident East Timorese Welcome Self Defense Force (September 20, 2001)
Some Asian countries squirm at the thought of Japanese SDF deployed as peacekeepers. However, the newly elected Timorese government expresses confidence that the SDF will contribute to the rebuilding efforts of the new nation. (Kyodo News Service)
Combining Combat Readiness and Compassion (Summer 2001)
As NATO forces increasingly engage in "multi-faced" operations that combine both military and humanitarian objectives, integrating NGOs into the process is crucial in establishing an armed force with "combat readiness [and] compassion."(NATO Review)
New Role for Mercenaries (August 3, 2001)
Most rich governments are "unwilling to commit troops yet unwilling to pronounce the M-word [mercenaries]" for peacekeeping. But most poor countries do not have a choice – either mercenary-protection or no protection at all. (LA Times )
Brigade Level Peacekeeping Exercise Begins (July 10, 2001)
As part of the African Crisis Response Initiative (ACRI) program, the US European Command has begun training Senegalese and Malawian officers for peacekeeping missions in West Africa. (All Africa)
If IGAD Has Failed on Sudan, How About UN? (June 18, 2001)
This editorial questions the UN's choice of peacekeeping operations. Although the UN is actively involved in the DRC, Sierra Leone, Angola, and Eritrea, it has virtually ignored the devastating civil war in Sudan. (All Africa)
West Face Peacekeeping Accusations (May 16, 2001)
The International Institute for Strategic Studies' annual report accuses Western countries of participating in peacekeeping efforts only if they have a strategic interest.(CNN)
OAU Chief Wants Thorough Preparations For Peacekeeping Missions (May 10, 2001)
OAU Secretary General Salim Ahmed Salim remains concerned over the current modest proposal for the deployment in the DRC, but also criticizes Africa's inability to prevent conflicts. (Agence France Presse)
Chinese Official Lauds UN Peacekeeping Efforts in Africa (May 9, 2001)
During a three-day seminar on peacekeeping in Africa, the Chinese representative praised peacekeeping efforts, but still stressed the principle of sovereignty. (Xinhua News)
Peace Support Operations - Lessons Learned and Future Perspectives (April 2001)
Center for International Studies Zurich brings together experts to discuss the overall strategies of civilian and military aspects of peace support operations (PSO).
Presidential Statement on Strengthening Cooperation with Troop Contributing Countries (February 2, 2001)
Since peacekeeping operations are increasingly complex, the Security Council encourages a transparent relationship between the troop contributing countries, the Secretary General and the Security Council.
Troop-Senders Want Say (January 22, 2001)
Invited to discuss their concerns with the Security Council, troop-contributing nations asked for more information, cooperation and influence in peacekeeping decision-making. But who knows if the conservative Council will ever address their concerns? (>Washington Post)
2000
Annan Wants Six-Month Renewal of Golan Force (November 24, 2000)
With peacekeeping missions in Sierra Leone, Kosovo and East Timor grabbing the headlines, it's easy to forget about the United Nations observer force in the Golan Heights, now in its 27th year. (Agence France Presse)
Kosovo Still Seethes as UN Official Nears Exit (December 18, 2000)
Bernard Kouchner tells the Washington Post of UNMIK's successes and failures during his tenure, and says that future UN peacekeeping missions worldwide must make sure to have adequately trained police officers, judges and prosecutors.
Denktash Refuses to Cooperate with UN Force in Cyprus (December 6, 2000)
UN peacekeepers in northern Cyprus have found themselves under increased restrictions for the past five months, and the Turkish Cypriot leader has rebuffed a call from Kofi Annan that these be removed. (Agence France Presse)
UN Personnel Seek Special Security Council Meeting on Staff Protection (December 4, 2000)
More than two hundred UN staff members have been killed in the last eight years, while another 228 have been kidnapped or taken hostage. UN personnel say that the Security Council should think about how such situations might be prevented. (Agence France Presse)
UN Plan for a New Crisis Unit Opposed by Wary Poor Nations (November 26, 2000)
Many developing countries are concerned that implementation of the Brahimi report will shift resources to peacekeeping at the expense of development. This might lead poor countries to block some of the implementation proposals in the General Assembly. (New York Times)
Providing UN's Peacekeepers (November 15, 2000)
Formerly, the US and Europe supplied large numbers of peacekeeping troops. Today, while developed countries fund the missions, developing nations are left to provide the troops. Is this fair? As Lakhdar Brahimi says, "you can't have a situation where some people contribute blood and some contribute money." (Washington Post)
UN's Big Five Block Move to Have Them Pledge More UN Peacekeepers (November 13, 2000)
The Security Council adopts a reform-minded resolution welcoming and following up on the Brahimi report, but rejects a proposal by Bangladesh that each of the permanent five Security Council members provide five percent of each peacekeeping operation's troops. (Agence France Presse)
UN Outlines Proposals to Beef Up Peacekeeping Office (October 30, 2000)
The Secretary General submits his first report on the implementation of the Brahimi report proposals, including an assessment of the finance and positions required to improve peacekeeping coordination from UN headquarters. (Associated Press)
Interview with Ibrahim Gambari (October 27, 2000)
The UN Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Africa, speaks on the prevailing situations in Africa. He notes Kabila as one of the main obstacles to UN deployment in the DRC and the problem of dealing politically with the RUF. (IRIN)
Rich and Afraid of Peacekeeping (October 25, 2000)
Even in the wake of the Brahimi report, Western powers, afraid of sustaining casualties, won't contribute troops to peacekeeping operations. (International Herald Tribune)
Calling all Regio-Cops (October 2000)
Michael Hirsh suggests that regional forces backed by UN authority intervene in ethnic and religious conflicts, tempering the pressure for global policing by the UN and US. (Foreign Affairs – Extract)
Reforming UN Peacekeeping is "Top Priority" for New Department Chief (October 2, 2000)
Under-Secretary-General Jean-Marie Guéhenno, replaced Bernard Miyet as Head of peacekeeping on 1 October. The key challenge - bringing together "the operational side of things and the political side of things." (UN News)
UN Peacekeeping: An Uncertain Future (September 2000)
Analytical piece by Michael Renner of the Worldwatch Institute on UN peacekeeping at the crossroads. (In Focus)
Why UN Can't Keep Peace (September 1, 2000)
Dennis Jett, a former US ambassador, applauds the forwardness of the Brahimi report. However, he frankly states that the report's recommendations are unlikely to see the light of day "because of the UN's organizational culture, the way its members use it, and the nature of today's conflicts." (Christian Science Monitor)
US Blamed for Peacekeeping Failures (August 31, 2000)
"US is to blame" - such was the message of Kofi Annan in his interview with Time magazine. Even though the Secretary General did not explicitly criticize the Clinton administration, his words were more than direct when he talked about the US as a country that "will not accept a single casualty." (Guardian Unlimited)
UN Rightly Waits on Congo Plunge (August 28, 2000)
In a radical shift from its usual strategy, the UN is now much more cautious about sending peacekeepers as its position on Congo testifies. While the list of failed PKO's can be discouraging, this new approach, thoughtful and realistic, serves to reinforce the view that "the UN now deserves a second chance." (Toronto Star)
'Defense Ministry' Proposed for UN Body (August 24, 2000)
Clearly lacking a well-developed mechanism for its peacekeeping missions, the UN has been mulling over a plan to institute a so-called Defense Ministry. Toronto Star reports on the recommendations submitted to the Secretary General by the international panel.
US Assists Africa From Distance (August 25, 2000)
The unwillingness of the West to get involved in the UN peacekeeping operations in Africa has now become notorious. In fact, many have hinted at the existence of "an unspoken policy that the United States won't send troops to Africa." (Associated Press)
Africa Needs a Decisive United Nations (August 24, 2000)
As the situation on the African continent is getting more complicated, many have begun to question the effectiveness of the UN there. Richard Holbrooke, the US representative to the UN, gives his defense of the Organization citing both the success in the past, as well as his vision for the future. (International Herald Tribune)
UN Panel: Modify Peacekeeping (August 23, 2000)
While not proposing a measure as drastic as a UN army, the recent report by Lakhdar Brahimi puts forward "major modifications in how the world organization enforces peace between two belligerent factions." (United Press International)
States Have Indicated Willingness to Make Needed Changes to Peace Operations (August 23, 2000 )
Ambassador Brahimi, chairof the Panel apointed to review UN peace operations, said it was "frankly scandalous that this Organization belonging to the whole of humanity cannot afford the necessary personnel to do the main activity of the UN, which is peace and security." Member states however "realize that the UN can do better and should be helped to do better." (UN News )
The UN's Missions Impossible (August 5, 2000)
With the Security Council criticized as the world's flawed policymaker, continuing to "instruct its policemen to do what needs to be done without providing them with the means to do it", this piece from the Economist
highlights the disparity still existing between Council resolutions and their successful implementation.
US Proposal For Senior UN Peacekeeping Post Is Blocked (August 5, 2000)
France brushes off the US's attempt to snatch the top position in the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations. France complains that the US is trying to further exert its already excessive authority in the UN.(Washington Post )
White House Backs Request by Annan (August 5, 2000)
The Clinton administration has begun consultations with the US Congress on beefing up the mission in Sierra Leone. Yet many UN officials remain skeptical of how the US Ambassador to the UN can cajole the notoriously reluctant US Congress to move along with this plan. (Washington Post )
Who Wants Peacekeeping? Put Up or Shut Up (August 3, 2000)
''If we don't want to do [UN peacekeeping] properly, should we do it at all?" asks the UN Secretary General. Planning for the worst-case scenarios, adding new resources, and a new focus are needed in UN peacekeeping or it will go down the "boneyard of history." (Washington Post / International Herald Tribune)
Africa Needs Well-Trained, Well-Equipped Peacekeepers To Meet Crises (August 3, 2000)
Kofi Annan addressed a crowd at the opening of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Ghana, emphasizing Ghana's great 40 year dedication to UN peacekeeping.(M2 Presswire)
Japan Should Expand Peacekeeping Role (July 31, 2000)
Japan's lack of active participation in UN peacekeeping operations is a concern for Yasushi Akashi, the former UN undersecretary general for humanitarian affairs. This lack of participation derives from Japan's constitutional restraints and lack of solid regional ties. (Yomiuri Shimbun)
Indonesian President Rejects UN Peacekeepers in Moluccas (July 23, 2000)
Despite the continuation of religious violence in the Moluccas, the Indonesian President is adamant about Indonesia solving the conflict. UN peacekeepers are not welcome.(Deutsche Presse-Agentur)
UN Council Calls for AIDS Training for UN Troops (July 17, 2000)
Although some delegations expressed queasiness of discussing HIV/AIDS in the Security Council, the resolution passed by a strong push by the US Ambassador to the UN. (Reuters)
Traumatized Former Peacekeepers will be Offered Counseling in B.C. (July 7, 2000)
"We came in contact with absolute evil," one peacekeeper said of his experience in Croatia. The University of British Columbia is to offer counseling to Canadian peacekeepers that have suffered from trauma-induced stress in missions around the world. (Vancouver Sun )
UN Says Its Peacekeepers are Spreading AIDS (July 7, 2000)
Alarmed with the disturbing phenomenon, the US proposed a UN Security Council draft resolution that calls the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations to educate all peacekeepers to halt the proliferation of HIV. (Washington Times)
China, Britain Hold Seminar on UN Peacekeeping (June 26, 2000)
The joint seminar will discuss the principles and practicalities of UN peacekeeping and encourage cooperation of the two permanent members. China's deep concern over the question of state sovereignty and humanitarian intervention is also expected to be addressed. (Agence France Presse)
Annan Names French Defense Expert as UN Peacekeeping Chief (June 19, 2000)
In light of the recent US criticism about UN peacekeeping as being on the "brink of collapse," the newly appointed head of UN peacekeeping, French military expert Mr. Jean-Marie Guehenno will face a great challenge to prove the critics wrong. (Associated Press )
US Ambassador to UN Calls for Changes in Peacekeeping (June 14, 2000)
Amb. Holbrooke of the US urged the professionalization of UN peacekeeping by "borrowing" experienced military personnel to organize effective operations. Holbrooke also argued that all UN members should give more support to the peacekeeping operations. However this is unlikely to be well received considering the criticism against the US for its lack of support of the UN through lagging behind in payments. (New York Times)
UN Condemns Lack of Interest in Staff Security (June 16, 2000)
The blue UN flag, the symbol of protection, is increasingly becoming the prime target of violence. Alarmed, the UN expresses the urgent need to improve the safety and security of both civilian and military personnel working for the UN. (Inter Press Service )
Can the UN Help Resolve Africa Conflicts Without US? (May 23, 2000)
Still haunted by the disastrous mission in Somalia, the US is reluctant to provide military or financial support to peacekeeping operations in Africa. Without backing from the US however, peace is becoming more difficult to implement.(Christian Science Monitor )
West Exasperated by a Failed Intervention (May 16, 2000)
As the crisis in Sierra Leone unfolds, some European members express disappointment toward the Clinton administration for standing in the sidelines, and the UN Security Council for getting involved in risky peacekeeping operations without appropriate means.( International Herald Tribune )
As Military Budget Shrinks, Canada Wrestles with Peacekeeping Role (May 1, 2000)
With an increasingly shrinking military budget, Canada may have to reevaluate its usually prominent involvement in peacekeeping operations and in the future assume a more limited role in the missions it lends assistance to. (Associated Press)
US Amb. Richard Holbrooke on Revised US Assessments (March 23, 2000)
In his statement to the Fifth Committe of the General Assembly, Amb. Richard Holbrooke urges a lower scale of assessments for the United States and warns that if the US share is not lowered, the financing of the UN and of peacekeeping could collapse.
Women Uniting for Peace (March 8, 2000)
A special event held on the occasion of International Women's Day promises to bring about a greater involvement of women in peacekeeping and conflict prevention. (United Nations press release)
Annan Sets Up Panel to Study UN's Peacekeeping Predicament (March 8, 2000)
A new panel is set up to look into how the UN may best handle difficult peacekeeping missions with the meagre resources at its disposal (New York Times).
The UN's Unhappy Lot: Perilous Police Duties Multiplying (February 22, 2000)
At a time when calls for downsizing are all too familiar, the UN has taken on so many complex peacekeeping operations all over the world that it finds that it is actually understaffed to deal with them. (New York Times)
A Special Twist to Peacekeeping (January 10, 2000)
"UN action on Africa needs to be bolstered by Western powers and a focused political strategy," an analysis of the UN's policy towards Africa. (Los Angeles Times)
UN Seeks to Curb Role in Spread of AIDS (January 7, 2000)
An article from the Los Angeles Times discusses Security Council's initiative to curtail International peacekeepers' involvement in the transmission of the disease.
Kofi Annan's Critique (September 22, 1999)
A New York Times' editorial about Secretary General's opening speech emphasizing the peacekeeping role of the UN in the 54th session of the General Assembly debate.
Essay by Foreign Minister of Sweden, Anna Lindh (September 18, 1999)
In "Create a Worldwide Culture of Conflict Prevention," Lindh discusses the Swedish government's action plan: ''Preventing Violent Conflict'' and the need for international instituions to shift from crisis management to conflict prevention. (Op-ed published in the International Herald Tibune)
Global Rules Now Apply to Peacekeepers, UN Chief Declares (August 12, 1999)
New York Times article about Secretary-General Kofi Annan's order that all forces operating under UN command abide by international laws protecting civilians and governing the conduct of soldiers in war.
UN Tells Soldiers the Obvious: Don't Kill, Rape Civilians (August 11, 1999)
"The United Nations has decided it is forbidden for its commanders to send troops into battle with the order: No Survivors." (Toronto National Post )
