Peacekeeping

The Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations concluded its 2013 substantive session today, adopting a procedural report on its work.

The Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations today agreed to reconvene in about a month to conclude its 2013 session, based on the recommendation of the body’s Chairperson, who sought more time for delegations to thoroughly consider fresh proposals aimed at breaking a weeks-long deadlock.

The Chair of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations today urged delegations to identify solutions and “a way forward to conclude our work”, as she adjourned the meeting until “not later than 28 March of this year”.

The views of troop- and police-contributing countries must be reflected at all levels of United Nations peacekeeping operations — not just on the ground but also at Headquarters — the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations heard as it concluded its general debate today.

With the United Nations peacekeeping machinery confronted by increasing demands and a range of emerging conflicts — and potentially poised to consider new engagements in Mali, Syria and the Horn of Africa — the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations opened its 2013 substantive session today amid discussion of critical and evolving issues, including reimbursements for troops and equipment, and civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict.

National institutions that create trust between citizens and the State by delivering political inclusion, security, justice and jobs are the most effective guard against conflict. “Peacebuilding requires great flexibility, and approaches tailored to a given situation. Civilian capacities are crucially important, and we are taking steps to be able to deploy the right experts to the right place at the right time,” said United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

The Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations – adopting the final report on its 2012 substantive session, held from 21 February-16 March – stressed today that maintaining international peace and security called for improved capacity to assess conflict situations, more effective planning and management of critical United Nations missions, as well as quick and effective responses to Security Council mandates.

Praise and criticism over perceived triumphs and failures peppered demands for clearly defined mandates, sustained funding, entry and exit strategies and strict compliance with core principles as the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations concluded its general debate today.

The overall structure and systems on which United Nations peacekeeping relied were “not always optimal” and it was a common duty among all stakeholders — Headquarters, regional organizations, United Nations agencies and Member States alike — to determine which components could be improved in the coming years, Under-Secretary-General Hervé Ladsous told the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations today.

Concluding its 2011 substantive session, the Special Committee on Peacekeeping today condemned, in the strongest possible terms, the killing of United Nations peacekeeping personnel, as well as targeted attacks and criminal acts, such as kidnapping and carjacking.