0% found this document useful (0 votes)
62 views

Lesson 2.1 An Overview of Mandated Tasks

The document outlines the range of tasks mandated to UN peacekeeping operations by the UN Security Council. It discusses four categories of mandated tasks: core business, supporting roles, peacebuilding activities, and cross-cutting themes. Core business tasks include supervision of ceasefires, provision of security, and facilitating political processes. Peacekeeping operations play a supporting role in humanitarian assistance and socio-economic development by providing a secure environment and coordinating with other UN partners, but do not directly deliver aid or development projects. Peacebuilding activities like DDR and security sector reform are also mandated as priorities. The document is intended to help peacekeeping personnel understand their mandated tasks and responsibilities.

Uploaded by

zoran jovic
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
0% found this document useful (0 votes)
62 views

Lesson 2.1 An Overview of Mandated Tasks

The document outlines the range of tasks mandated to UN peacekeeping operations by the UN Security Council. It discusses four categories of mandated tasks: core business, supporting roles, peacebuilding activities, and cross-cutting themes. Core business tasks include supervision of ceasefires, provision of security, and facilitating political processes. Peacekeeping operations play a supporting role in humanitarian assistance and socio-economic development by providing a secure environment and coordinating with other UN partners, but do not directly deliver aid or development projects. Peacebuilding activities like DDR and security sector reform are also mandated as priorities. The document is intended to help peacekeeping personnel understand their mandated tasks and responsibilities.

Uploaded by

zoran jovic
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 92

L e s s o n

2.1 Mandated Tasks

Lesson at a Glance

Aim
To show the range of tasks which are mandated to UN peacekeeping operations
(UNPKOs) by the Security Council.

Relevance
As peacekeeping personnel, you are deployed to implement the mandate. You
share the responsibility for carrying out mandated tasks.

The Security Council mandates each UN peacekeeping mission with different tasks.
These mandated tasks assist the host country to achieve a lasting peace. Mandated
tasks focus on peace and security – but also support partners in humanitarian and
development work. All peacekeeping personnel contribute.

This lesson explains the different categories of tasks mandated to UNPKOs. To do your
job well and contribute to the mission mandate, you need to be familiar with all
tasks.

Learning Outcomes
Learners will:
Identify the four categories of mandated tasks
List examples of mandated tasks which are the core business of UNPKOs
Describe two critical areas where UNPKOs play a limited “support” role
List the four humanitarian principles

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 1


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Lesson Map

Recommended Lesson Duration: 45 minutes total


1-2 minutes per slide
Use short option learning activity

The Lesson Pages 3-29


Starting the Lesson Intro Slides
Learning Activity 2.1.1: Mandated Tasks
Overview of Mandated Tasks Slide 1-5
Learning Activity 2.1.2: Putting Tasks into Categories
Supervision or Monitoring of the Ceasefire Agreement Slide 6
Provision of a Secure and Stable Environment Slide 7
Facilitating the Political Process Slide 8
Facilitating Delivery of Humanitarian Assistance Slides 9-11
Learning Activity 2.1.3: Humanitarian Space
Supporting Poverty Reduction and Economic Development Slide 12
Summary Page 30
Learning Evaluation Pages 31-32

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 2


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

The Lesson

Starting the Lesson

Introduce the following (using the Introductory Slides):

Lesson Topic
Relevance
Learning Outcomes
Lesson Overview

Tailor coverage of the content in the lesson to the learning audience.

Consider providing participants with handouts on mandated tasks and reading


assignments as homework. Use answers to gauge the time necessary to cover basic
information.

The different categories of mandated tasks are taken from the UN Peacekeeping
Operations: Principles and Guidelines – also known as the “Capstone Doctrine”.

Mandated tasks labelled as “core business” and “supporting role” are covered in
detail in this lesson. Mandated tasks labelled as “peacebuilding activities” are dealt
with in detail in a separate lesson, Lesson 2.2. Each mandated task labelled as a
“cross-cutting theme” has its own lesson for in-depth coverage. This is because cross-
cutting themes are priorities, and they are everyone’s work and responsibility.

Coverage of each mandated task follows the same pattern: a brief introductory
statement followed by:
Definitions
Contributions of the UNPKO
Roles of mission components

Use this standard structure when presenting and asking questions.

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 3


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Learning Activity 2.1.1


Mandated Tasks

METHOD RESOURCES
Mix-and-match Learning Activity instructions
Responses to discussion
PURPOSE questions
To deepen understanding of mandated tasks Activity materials
carried out by mission components Photos (1-16 from Learning
Activity 1.1.2)
TIME
Short option: 10 minutes
Group work: 5-7 minutes
Discussion: 3 minutes

Longer option: 25 minutes


Introduction: 3 minutes
Table groups: 10 minutes
Reports: 10 minutes
Summary: 2 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS
Match images with tasks, definitions and
challenges addressed
Discuss the impact of the challenges on
civilians
Identify peace and security, humanitarian
and development tasks

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 4


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Overview of Mandated Tasks


Slide 1

Key Message: The range of tasks assigned to UNPKOs has expanded significantly in
response to shifting patterns of conflict, and to best address emerging threats to
international peace and security.

Each UNPKO is different. The range of tasks mandated by the Security Council can be
categorized in the following way:

Core business
Support roles
Peacebuilding activities
Cross-cutting thematic tasks

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 5


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Learning Activity 2.1.2


Putting Tasks into Categories

METHOD RESOURCES
Brainstorm Learning Activity instructions

PURPOSE
To engage participants in their understanding of
the different categories of mandated tasks

TIME
Short option: 5 minutes
Brainstorming: 3 minutes
Discussion: 2 minutes

Longer option: 15 minutes


Brainstorming: 5-7 minutes
Discussion: 5-7 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS
Label tasks as core business, supporting role,
peacebuilding activity and cross-cutting
themes
Give reasons

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 6


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Slide 2

Key Message: The Security Council gives UNPKOs core functions to carry out. These core
functions are also known as ‘core business’.

Tasks which are core business include:

Supervision or monitoring of the ceasefire agreement


Provision of a secure and stable environment
Facilitating the political process

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 7


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Slide 3

Key Message: A catalyst speeds up a chemical reaction. The Security Council often
directs UNPKOs to be catalytic in critical peacebuilding activities.

Different partners help a host country after conflict. The UN draws together and
coordinates support to the host State in key peacebuilding areas.

Early peacebuilding activities are mandated to UNPKOs as priorities. They prevent more
conflict and support lasting peace:
Mine action – including demining
Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR)of ex-combatants
Security sector reform (SSR)
Rule of Law (ROL) related activities – including judicial and corrections or prisons
work
Electoral assistance
Support to restoration and extension of state authority

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 8


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Slide 4

Key Message: There are two critical areas where UNPKOs play a more limited support
role:

Humanitarian assistance
Socio-economic recovery and development

UNPKOs are limited in these areas because of their mandate, capacity and resources.
They help UN and non-UN partners instead. These partners have specific “humanitarian”
and “development” mandates.

Peacekeeping personnel indirectly help deliver humanitarian aid by providing safe


passage and a secure environment for humanitarian partners. Peacekeeping
personnel do not provide humanitarian aid directly.

In development, UNPKOs coordinate and support UN Country Team (UNCT) partners on


projects that address poverty and sustainable development. Quick Impact Projects
(QIPs) can kick-start recovery. UNDP and other partners lead.

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 9


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Ask participants why UN peacekeeping supports but does not lead in these two
areas. Answer: They are already “on the ground” and have related knowledge.
Some reasons:

Other UN entities lead: respect for organizational boundaries, being a good


partner with the UNCT. OCHA leads on humanitarian coordination. UNDP with
UNICEF and UNFPA lead on development.
Capacity and resources: Member States do not give money to
peacekeeping for this work, and missions do not have the expertise or funds.
Humanitarians need to protect humanitarian space: they stay neutral so they
are not at risk or denied access to people in need.
Specific mandates: UNPKOs have a “peace and security” mandate. They
connect to the “humanitarian” and “development” mandates of different
partners.

The purpose is for people to think about reasons for peacekeeping


arrangements, not just absorb the facts. Peacekeeping is complex. Events unfold
at different levels. The more peacekeeping personnel understand how things
work at different levels the more effective they can be on the job.

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 10


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Slide 5

Key Message: The Security Council also mandates some tasks that cut across all work.

Cross-cutting thematic tasks are:

Human rights – protection and promotion


Women, Peace and Security – gender equality
Protection of Civilians
Conflict Related Sexual Violence – prevention and response
Child Protection

This ends the overview introduction to mandated tasks in peacekeeping. The


four categories are important for peacekeeping personnel to know because
they organize all mission work. Take time to make sure they learn the overview.
Depending on available time, consider these options:
Use the slide with four categories of mandated tasks or write them on a
flip chart. Get table groups to brainstorm as many points as they can in 5-
10 minutes. Take a point from each table in rounds. Clarify any questions
and add any missing information.
Divide the class into four groups. Place them at different “stations”
around the room, one on each wall. Assign each group one of the four
categories of mandated tasks. Give them flip chart sheets, tape or pins
and pens. Keep time short – five to eight minutes. Task groups to note
everything people remember about this area of work. New groups should
read points made and add if they can. Repeat until groups have been
to all four stations. Quickly recap main points.
Alternative use of these options is before the lesson, as part of the
learning needs assessment.
UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 11
Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Supervision or Monitoring of the Ceasefire Agreement


Slide 6

Key Message: “Supervision” or “monitoring” of ceasefire agreements is an example of


core business of UNPKOs.

A ceasefire agreement is a type of peace agreement that refers to a temporary


stoppage of war or any armed conflict for an agreed time or within a limited area.

Each party agrees to suspend aggressive actions without making concessions. These
are military agreements, designed to stop warring parties from continuing military
actions while political negotiations find a more lasting solution.

Ceasefire agreements are short-lived and fragile. Further agreements must quickly
follow if the ceasefire is to hold.

Monitoring peace agreements involves actions by a third party to gather information on


obeying or “compliance” with an agreement. Monitoring has two steps:

Observation: passive watching and inspection of the actions of the monitored


parties.
Verification: judging compliance to peace agreement terms. Verification goes
beyond observing to judging compliance and reporting violations.

Monitoring ceasefire agreements is crucial to the peace process. Parties to a conflict


can only make more formal peace agreements through cooperation. Low levels of
communication and trust can sabotage a peace agreement. Monitoring ceasefire and

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 12


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

other peace agreements helps build trust and communication at a time when
communication and trust are scarce. This strengthens conditions for lasting peace.

Roles

Monitoring ceasefire agreements is the primary purpose of traditional UN


peacekeeping. The same monitoring and verification tasks may be required in
multidimensional UN peacekeeping.

UNPKOs:

Monitor and report on the parties’ compliance to commitments for a ceasefire


or demilitarized zone
Investigate complaints of violations

They reassure parties to a conflict that others will not exploit a ceasefire for military
advantage.

The military component leads in the supervision or monitoring of a ceasefire agreement.

Military: The military component’s main peacekeeping task may be to monitor and
supervise, observe and report on a military arrangement, such as a truce or ceasefire
agreement, as well as a demilitarized or buffer zone.

The military tasks involve:

Observation, monitoring and reporting: using static observation posts, regular


patrols, overflights, inspections and investigations of suspected violations – with
the agreement of the parties to the conflict
Supervision of the ceasefire and support to verification
Interposition as a buffer and confidence-building measure

Interposition places a UN military presence between the warring parties to prevent


hostilities. It may lead to the creation of buffer or separation zones, in which only UN
personnel are allowed. Buffer and separation zones force parties to pull back. In some
situations, parties may agree to weapons-free areas on either side of the buffer zone.
This further contributes to reduced tension and increased confidence.

Civilians: Civilian components may collaborate with the military in these core tasks.
Examples include political affairs officers, and gender advisers.

UNPOL: The police component sometimes assists with observer functions. For example,
monitoring the buffer zone as part of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 13


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Provision of a Secure and Stable Environment


Slide 7

Key Message: ”Provision of a secure and stable environment” is an example of core


business of UNPKOs.

Public security refers to the physical safety of people from the threat of violence. Public
security protects people, property and state institutions against threats of physical
aggression. The result is a secure and stable environment.

Providing security and maintaining public order is the role of the host state. Police, law
enforcement and intelligence services lead. The military also has a significant role.

The aftermath of violent conflict – especially an internal conflict – is a very challenging


environment. State capacity to provide security to people and keep public order is
often weak. Violence may be continuing in parts of the host country. Ethnic, religious
and regional lines may divide the society. Grave human rights abuses may have been
committed during the conflict. These developments complicate national reconciliation.

Security is generally a precondition for other key elements of peace agreements:

Safe return of refugees and internally displaced persons


Disarmament and demobilization of ex-combatants
The free flow of people and goods

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 14


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Delivery of humanitarian assistance

Roles

Traditional and multidimensional UNPKOs are required to provide a secure and stable
environment. Following an intra-state conflict, a security and public order vacuum often
exists in a country. Sometimes a multidimensional UNPKO has to help fill the vacuum for
a short time when a state is unable to fulfil this role, and only until state authority is
restored.

UNPKOs:

Support national law enforcement agencies


Provide security at key government installations, ports and other vital
infrastructure
Establish security conditions necessary for free flow of people, goods and
humanitarian aid
Provide mine action assistance

By providing a secure and stable environment, UNPKOs:

Help secure the peace processes


Allow a mission to carry out other parts of its mandate
Ensure partners can work in a safe environment – UN, national, humanitarian and
development partners

The military component leads in providing a secure and stable environment.

Military: This task is the primary function of the military component in a mission. The
military component ensures a safe and secure environment for the UN and other
partners to do their work. The task is particularly important for the:

Safety and security of the mission and its personnel


Protection of civilians including internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and
humanitarians

Military and UNPOL: Formed Police Units (FPUs) may work with the military component to
secure a safe environment. Tasks:

Provide a visible deterrent presence


Control movement and access through checkpoints
Provide armed escorts for safety and to facilitate access
Conduct cordon and search operations
Control crowds

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 15


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Confiscate weapons

Military and police components take on the state’s role to provide security and
maintain public order when there is a vacuum. At the same time, the military and police
components strengthen the host state’s ability to provide security by building the
capacity of national military and police services.

Civilians: Strengthening the state’s ability to provide security must be carried out with
full respect for the rule of law and human rights. The civilian units contribute to the
building of the national military, police and government structures. Examples of civilian
units are:

Security sector reform (SSR)


Rule of law (ROL)
Human rights

As legitimate and capable national military, police and government structures emerge,
they increasingly take over from the mission to lead in security and public order.

Facilitating the Political Process


Slide 8

Key Message: Facilitating the political process is an example of core business of


UNPKOs.

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 16


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

A political settlement or ‘political solution’ is an agreement on how to end conflict or


maintain peace. A political settlement can also be a shared understanding of how
political power will be organized into state structures. In this latter case, political
settlement links to state-building.

The political process is the series of steps to achieve a political settlement. It involves
peace negotiations and peace agreements.

Facilitate means to make easier.

It is important to support the political process for lasting settlements and longer-term
political solutions to violent conflict.

Roles

Traditional UNPKOs DO NOT normally play a direct role in political efforts to resolve
conflict. Multidimensional UNPKOs DO usually play a direct role.

UNPKOs facilitate the political process by:

Promoting dialogue and reconciliation


Supporting the establishment of legitimate and effective institutions of
governance

The goal for UN peacekeeping is not just to keep the peace, but to ensure a
sustainable peace.

The civilian component mainly leads on facilitating the political process.

Efforts by a UNPKO can include:

Providing good offices to the parties to a peace agreement


Facilitating a political process through mediation
Liaising with the host government, the parties to the peace process, their
respective command chains and the international community
Promoting national political dialogue
Supporting inclusive political processes
Facilitating consultation with local people and civil society to increase their
contributions to national processes and discussions
Supporting reconciliation
Supporting establishment of legitimate institutions of governance

The responsibilities of senior mission leadership include political engagement and


advocacy with the parties in support of the political process.

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 17


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Political Affairs: The Political Affairs unit leads in:

Understanding the dynamics of armed conflict that created the need for a
UNPKO
Following the evolution of those dynamics
Developing strategies to help parties in conflict resolve disputes through
peaceful means

The Political Affairs unit sets up and maintains a mission’s primary contacts with the
parties to a conflict. It gathers information, resolves disputes and responds to queries.

The Political Affairs unit develops relationships with parties to the conflict and other key
partners – for example, the wider UN, diplomats, international and regional
organizations, civil society groups and leaders.

Civil Affairs: Civil Affairs officers liaise with local communities and authorities. They
represent the mission in this role and are active in support of social and civic conditions
for peace. They promote engagement and confidence of local people in a peace
process. Civil Affairs officers convene meetings between interest groups, reach out to
different parts of society and work with civil society groups.

Military: Military expertise is essential to the successful conduct of peacemaking and


peace negotiations in situations of armed conflict. Military officers can provide
technical support to political mediators in traditional and multidimensional UNPKOs.
They provide advice on:

Practical arrangements for monitoring ceasefire agreements


Establishing the possibility of proposals for use of military capability
Determining suitability of military arrangements for:
o Weapons-free and demilitarized zones
o Zones of separation
o Requirements for effective disarmament and demobilization of ex-
combatants

Military and UNPOL: By providing a secure environment, military and police components
make the peace process possible.

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 18


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Facilitating the Delivery of Humanitarian Assistance


Slide 9

Key Message: Humanitarian assistance is aid and action that:

Saves lives
Alleviates suffering
Maintains and protects human dignity

UNPKOs play a more limited support role in humanitarian assistance.

A humanitarian disaster means lost lives, displaced populations, communities unable to


care for themselves and great suffering. Humanitarian disasters can occur anywhere,
anytime. The cause can be a natural disaster (such as a flood, drought, earthquake), or
violent conflict.

During and after natural disasters and conflicts, the international community provides
humanitarian assistance to help with recovery and rehabilitation.

Humanitarian assistance includes:

Basic supplies - drinking water and food


Basic shelter
Medical care
Protection and assistance to refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs)

Humanitarian work also tries to prevent disasters and strengthen preparedness.

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 19


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Slide 10

Key Message: UNPKOs have no mandate to provide direct humanitarian assistance.


They have a mandate to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Roles

UNPKOs facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance. They do not provide


humanitarian assistance directly. Direct humanitarian assistance is the role of other
partners who are responsible for humanitarian work.

Remind learners of content on mission partners introduced in Module 1.

Host country: The host government has primary responsibility for humanitarian assistance
in its territory. It may set up a ministry or working group at the central level to coordinate
humanitarian work amongst the different partners. Alternatively, it may authorize
government officials at regional levels to coordinate activities and be part of
coordination meetings with humanitarians.

International or national NGOs: When a country faces an emergency, needs may be


too enormous for one single agency. Humanitarian assistance may be more than host
government can coordinate. If a host country does not have capacity, international
and national humanitarian actors will take on these roles.

ICRC: International humanitarian actors also include the International Committee of the
Red Cross (ICRC). ICRC is a neutral, independent, impartial humanitarian actor.

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 20


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

UN: The UN supports government coordination of humanitarian work through three


mechanisms:

OCHA
UN Humanitarian Coordinator (HC) and Humanitarian Country Team (HCT)
“Clusters” or Working Groups

The goal is to ensure UN humanitarian agencies and humanitarian actors work


effectively together, with the host government and other partners.

OCHA: The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) leads UN
humanitarian assistance. OCHA’s goal is to help save lives, reduce suffering and restore
livelihoods by reducing acute vulnerability through well-coordinated humanitarian
action. OCHA has five core functions:

Coordination
Advocacy
Information management
Policy development
Humanitarian financing

UN Humanitarian Coordinator (HC): The HC manages in-country UN humanitarian


operations. In integrated UN peacekeeping missions, the DSRSG may be triple-hatted
as the UN Resident Coordinator and UN Humanitarian Coordinator (DSRSG/RC/HC). The
UN Common Humanitarian Action Plan (CHAP) brings together into one planning
document the comparative advantages of UNCT members.

Humanitarian Country Team (HCT): The HCT is the coordinating body that deals with
emergency and humanitarian issues. These include preparedness and response. The HC
heads the HCT. The HC coordinates emergency and humanitarian response and
operations with other partners through the HCT. The HCT includes:

The UNCT
International and local NGOs
International Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement – including ICRC
International financial institutions (IFIs)

“Clusters” or Working Groups: These include people from all humanitarian agencies
working in a sector - UN, government and NGO agencies. Clusters cover: education,
health, logistics, protection, shelter, telecommunications, water and sanitation. UN
personnel, including peacekeeping personnel, may take part in cluster meetings to
make sure their work is coordinated properly with that of humanitarians.

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 21


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

UNPKOs facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance by providing a secure and


stable environment. This task is the primary function of the military component.

UNPKOs:

Help establish the security necessary for delivery of humanitarian assistance


Consider special needs of refugees, IDPs, women, children, elderly and disabled
people
Create conditions necessary for voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return
of refugees and IDPs

Military: The military component provides:

A secure environment for humanitarians to deliver aid successfully


Security and protection for humanitarian relief operations

Tasks may involve:

Ensuring freedom of movement


Providing armed escorts for humanitarian convoys
Protecting humanitarian personnel and storage sites

The military component is not structured, trained or funded to deliver humanitarian


assistance. This is a task for civilian such as humanitarian actors and independent NGOs,
international and local.

UNPOL: The police component helps to develop community policing in camps for
refugees or IDPs.

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 22


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Module 1 introduced humanitarian work. Ask participants to recall information.


Note points on a flip chart. Prompt question: What are the four humanitarian
principles? Why must humanitarian work be visibly separate from
peacekeeping?

Slide 11

Key Message: "Humanitarian Space" is also known as “Humanitarian Operating


Environment”. This refers to an environment where receiving humanitarian aid is
independent of military and political action. Humanitarian actors must maintain a clear
distinction between themselves and political-military structures to ensure the safety of
personnel and feasibility of their actions.

Humanitarian actors must keep a high level of visible independence from political-
military structures, such as UNPKOs.

A clear distinction needs to exist between:

Politically motivated actions aimed at ending conflict, and progress towards


peace and development
Apolitical humanitarian assistance aimed at saving lives, alleviating suffering and
maintaining or restoring the dignity of people affected by conflict

Maintaining this distinction – or “Humanitarian Space” – helps to ensure humanitarian


agencies have safe and secure access throughout a conflict zone.

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 23


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

The ICRC and the UN General Assembly adopted four humanitarian principles
(resolutions 46/182 and 58/114). “Humanitarian Space” is created through respect for
the four humanitarian principles: humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence.

Humanity: Address human suffering wherever found. The most vulnerable get
special attention: children, women and the elderly. Respecting and protecting
the dignity and rights of all victims is a shared responsibility.
Neutrality: Provide humanitarian assistance without:
o Engaging in hostilities
o Taking sides in any controversies
Impartiality: Provide humanitarian assistance without discrimination. Ethnic origin,
sex, nationality, political opinions, race, religion, colour – none of these matters.
Needs must guide the relief of suffering, and priority given to the most urgent
cases of distress.
Independence: Humanitarian action must be independent. It is not part of any
other objectives - political, economic or military.

UN peacekeeping personnel must understand and respect humanitarian principles and


“Humanitarian Space.”

Use of Military and Civil Defence Assets (MCDA) to Support UN Humanitarian Activities

The military component often has assets and capabilities useful in humanitarian efforts,
such as transport, engineering and logistical support. These military assets may be used
to support humanitarian work. The military component may also be asked to directly
provide life-saving support when the security environment prevents humanitarian
access to certain areas. This would only apply until safe humanitarian access is restored.

In an armed conflict or high-risk environments, using military assets to support


humanitarian action becomes complicated. Complications increase if military actors
are party to a conflict.

The military component of the mission must seek to preserve the impartiality, neutrality
and operational independence of humanitarians and their work. Use of military assets
for humanitarian tasks should be coordinated by an appropriate civilian authority, and
as part of a coordinated plan of emergency relief.

Guidance is also provided in The Guidelines on the Use of Military and Civil Defence
Assets to Support United Nations Humanitarian Activities in Complex Emergencies
(MCDA Guidelines).

Quick Impact Projects (QIPs)

UNPKOs often implement small projects. These QIPs benefit local people. They take
different forms, such as rebuilding infrastructure and short-term employment.

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 24


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

QIPs strengthen confidence in a mission, mandate and wider peace process. UNPKOs
use them to support mission objectives by building confidence in the mission’s mandate
and the peace process. They are not a substitute for humanitarian or development
assistance.

Humanitarian actors may have concerns about projects being presented as


humanitarian, when they mainly serve political, security or reconstruction priorities. This
concern applies to QIPs, Civil Military Coordination (CIMIC) projects, “hearts and minds”
activities, as well as security or recovery projects.

Coordination and consultation with humanitarian actors is essential.

Civil-Military Coordination

Effective and consistent civil-military coordination is crucial to respecting humanitarian


principles and “Humanitarian Space.” There is the danger of blurred lines between
political-military activities and humanitarian operations. Coordination and consultation
between the military and civilian humanitarian actors helps maintain the distinction.

Two parallel forums exist for UN civil-military coordination. Both have complementary
functions.

UN-CMCoord (led by OCHA)


UN-CIMIC (led by the military component of a UNPKO)

UN-CMCoord connects the military component of the mission with humanitarian and
development actors. It promotes respect for humanitarian principles. It is led by OCHA.
The OCHA field office may include UN-CMCoord officers to strengthen relationships
between the humanitarian community, the military component of a UNPKO, and other
military forces in the host country.

UN-CIMIC connects the military with civilian components within the mission. It supports
mission objectives. The goal of civil-military coordination is to improve overall mission
effectiveness across civilian, police and military components. The military component of
a UNPKO may also have a UN-CIMIC officer among staff officers at the mission
headquarters. UN-CIMIC officers are the first point of entry to the military for civilians and
police. They ensure mutual understanding between components, and implement
actions based on an agreed appropriate framework/process.

UN-CIMIC officers need to go through the UN-CMCoord to reach out to humanitarian


and development partners.

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 25


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Learning Activity 2.1.3


“Humanitarian Space”

METHOD RESOURCES
Role play, scenarios, small groups Learning Activity instructions
Responses to discussion
PURPOSE questions
To apply and deepen understanding of
Scenario
humanitarian principles and “humanitarian space”
Scenario with photo
TIME
15 minutes
Group work: 5-7 minutes
Discussion: 5-7 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS
You are a humanitarian worker
Consider the photo and scenario
How can the mission help with the
challenges?
Discuss importance of “humanity”,
“neutrality”, “impartiality” and
“independence”

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 26


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Supporting Poverty Reduction and Economic Development


Slide 12

Key Message: Socio-economic recovery and development is critical to the


achievement of lasting peace. UNPKOs play a more limited support role in this area.
They cooperate and coordinate with mission partners.

No international consensus exists for measuring poverty. In pure economic


terms, income poverty is when a family's income fails to meet a national threshold,
which is different across countries. The international standard of extreme poverty is
possession of less than $1.90 a day according to the World Bank.

Economic development is a process that influences economic growth and the


restructuring of an economy to enhance the economic well-being of individuals and
communities. Typically, it is the creation of jobs and wealth, and the improvement of
quality of life.

Policies which seek to stimulate economic growth and raise incomes contribute to
lasting poverty reduction. Examples of such policies:

Promoting trade, investment, industrial development and infrastructure


Providing an ‘enabling environment’ for economic growth, for example through
regulation and access to finance

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 27


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

However, poverty is not only economic. Poverty is also social, political and cultural. It
undermines human rights:

Economic rights: to work and have enough income


Social rights: access to health care and education
Political rights: freedom of thought, expression and association
Cultural rights: to maintain one's cultural identity and be part of a community's
cultural life

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) were global targets for reducing poverty,
set by world leaders at the UN Millennium Summit in September 2000. The post-2015
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) build on the foundation laid by the MDGs –
they seek to complete the unfinished business of the MDGs, and respond to new
challenges. Such goals focus on getting rid of poverty in all its forms and dimensions.
The goals are an integral part of the United Nations Development Agenda.

Roles

Development partners lead on promoting socio-economic recovery and development.


UNPKOs cooperate and coordinate with national partners, the UNCT and external
partners to support poverty reduction and economic development.

Host country: The host country takes full responsibility for its own development. The host
country is responsible for plans to promote economic growth and reduce poverty
through implementation of specific economic and social policies. The host government
sets national anti-poverty targets, guided by the global SDGs and considering national
circumstances.

Bilateral and multilateral donors and International financial institutions (IFIs), including
the World Bank and IMF: Post-conflict countries depend on IFIs such as the World Bank
and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for support in socio-economic recovery and
development. Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs) guide economic and
financial support. A host country prepares PRSPs, through a participatory process that
involves national stakeholders and international development partners.

UNDP: UNDP promotes inclusive and sustainable human development and works to
reduce poverty in all dimensions.

UN specialized agencies, funds and programmes: UNCT members and key external
partners have the resources and expertise for long-term initiatives to build institutions
and strengthen capacity.

The UNCT coordinates within itself and with the World Bank and IMF through parallel
poverty reduction initiatives.

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 28


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Multidimensional UNPKOs may be mandated to cooperate with and coordinate the


UNCT and key external partners, as part of support to the host state government.

Multidimensional UNPKOs are rarely mandated to directly promote socio-economic


recovery and development. They do not have ready access to requisite expertise and
funding.

UNPKOs assist the work of development partners by:

Using their influence with national authorities to encourage key reforms


Using good offices of SRSG/HOM and DSRSG/RC/HC to help mobilize donor
funds and attention to key development priorities

UN Resident Coordinator (RC): The triple-hatted DSRSG/RC/HC in integrated UN


peacekeeping missions is the UN Resident Coordinator (RC). The RC coordinates in-
country UN development operations – leading the UNCT and connecting it to the
mission. The RC also maintains relationships with the host government, donors, and other
humanitarian and development partners. The United Nations Development Assistance
Framework (UNDAF) brings together the comparative advantages of the UNCT within
one planning document.

Civilians: The civilian component of the mission and the UNCT lead on this mandated
task.

Military and UNPOL: Military and police components of the mission provide security and
ensure all development partners can work in a safe environment.

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 29


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Summary

Mandated tasks are categorized as:

Core business
Support roles
Peacebuilding activities
Cross-cutting thematic tasks

Core business:

Supervision or monitoring of the cease-fire agreement


Provision of a secure and stable environment
Facilitating the political process

Supporting roles:

UNPKOs are often mandated by the Security Council to play a supporting role
in the following ways:
o Facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance
o Cooperating and coordinating with mission partners to support poverty
reduction and economic development

Humanitarian principles:

Humanity: Address human suffering wherever found. The most vulnerable get
special attention: children, women and the elderly. Respecting and
protecting the dignity and rights of all victims is a shared responsibility.
Neutrality: Provide humanitarian assistance without:
o Engaging in hostilities
o Taking sides in any controversies
Impartiality: Provide humanitarian assistance without discrimination. Ethnic
origin, sex, nationality, political opinions, race, religion, colour – none of these
matters. Needs must guide the relief of suffering, and priority given to the most
urgent cases of distress.
Independence: Humanitarian action must be independent. It is not part of
any other objectives - political, economic or military.

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 30


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Evaluation

Notes on Use: An example of learning evaluation questions for this lesson may be found
below.

There are different types of learning evaluation questions for the instructor to choose
from (See Options). Types of learning evaluation questions are:

1) Narrative
2) Fill in the blank/sentence completion
3) True-False
4) Multiple-choice

Combine in different ways for pre-assessment and post-assessment. Each evaluation


type covers different content. No sub-set covers all learning outcomes. Make sure you
include learning evaluation questions for each learning outcome when you combine
them.

Three main uses of evaluation questions are: a) informally ask the whole group, b) semi-
formally assign to small groups or c) formally give to individuals for written responses.

Evaluation Questions for Lesson 2.1

Questions Answers

Narrative
Note: Frame narrative evaluations as questions, requests or directions
1. Name four general categories of UN Core Business
peacekeeping mandated tasks. Supporting Roles
Peacebuilding Activities
Cross-cutting Thematic Tasks
2. What are the four humanitarian Humanity – address human suffering,
principles? wherever found, with special
attention to most vulnerable,
respecting and protecting dignity
and rights of all victims
Neutrality – provide humanitarian
assistance without engaging in
hostilities or taking sides
Impartiality – provide humanitarian
assistance without discrimination.
Need guides relief of suffering,
priority to the most urgent cases
Independence – not part of
political, economic or military

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 31


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

objectives

Humanitarian principles contribute to


humanitarian space. This neutral
environment is where humanitarians
deliver aid, independent of military and
political action or influence.
Fill in the Blanks

3. Peacekeeping core business is (a) (a) Supervising and monitoring a


____, (b) _____ and (c)_____. ceasefire
(b) Providing a secure and stable
environment
(c) Facilitating the political process
4. UN peacekeeping operations ______ Support
humanitarian assistance. Facilitate
True – False
5. UN peacekeeping operations do True.
not lead on promoting socio-
economic recovery and Development partners lead
development.
UN peacekeeping operations do not
lead. They cooperate and coordinate
on poverty reduction and economic
development, with:
national partners
UNCT
external partners
Multiple choice
Note: Check one for each
6. Humanitarian assistance is aid and APPLY
action designed to: check all that (a) – maintain and protect human
apply dignity
_____(a) maintain and protect (c) – save lives
human dignity; (d) – alleviate suffering
_____(b) end conflict;
_____(c) save lives; DO NOT APPLY
_____(d) alleviate suffering; (b) – end conflict
_____(e) support the government (e) – support the government

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 32


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Reference Materials

Below are materials which are a) referenced in this lesson, and b) required reading for
instructor preparations:

Charter of the United Nations, 1945


United Nations Peacekeeping Operations Principles and Guidelines, also known
as the Capstone Doctrine, 2008
Review peacekeeping mission mandates (See ‘Additional Resources’)
Report of the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations (HIPPO) on
uniting our strengths for peace: politics, partnership and people (S/2015/446)
Report of the Secretary-General on the future of United Nations peace
operations: implementation of the recommendations of the High-level
Independent Panel on Peace Operations (S/2015/682)
Report of the Advisory Group of Experts on the Review of the Peacebuilding
Architecture (S/2015/490)
Security Council Resolution 2086 (2013) on the importance of a
‘multidimensional’ approach to peacekeeping aimed at facilitating
peacebuilding, preventing relapse into conflict (S/RES/2086)
General Assembly Resolution on Strengthening of the coordination of
humanitarian emergency assistance of the UN (A/RES/46/182)
General Assembly Resolution on Strengthening of the coordination of
emergency humanitarian assistance of the UN (A/RES/58/114)
DPKO-DFS Mission Start Up Field Guide for Mission Managers of UN Peacekeeping
Operations, 2010
DPKO Handbook on Multidimensional Peacekeeping Operations, 2003
DPKO-DFS Policy on Civil-Military Coordination in UN Integrated Peacekeeping
Missions (UN-CIMIC), 2010
Guidelines on the Use of Military and Civil Defence Assets to Support UN
Humanitarian Activities in Complex Emergencies, also known as MCDA
Guidelines, 2003
OCHA Guidelines on the Use of Foreign Military and Civil Defence Assets in
Disaster Relief, also known as the Oslo Guidelines, 2007
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 33


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Additional Resources

UN Information

The website for UN peacekeeping: http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/

Original Security Council Resolutions on peacekeeping mission mandates:


http://www.un.org/en/sc/documents/resolutions/
(You must know the start year, country and resolution reference details for the mission
you wish to search for. For this information, identify the name of the mission using the
following links: http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/operations/current.shtml;
http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/operations/past.shtml )

UN Documents

UN documents can be found on: http://www.un.org/en/documents/index.html(Search


by document symbol, e.g. A/63/100)

DPKO and DFS Guidance

The repository for all official DPKO and DFS guidance is the Policy and Practice
Database: http://ppdb.un.org (only accessible from the UN network). Official
peacekeeping guidance documents are also accessible through the Peacekeeping
Resource Hub: http://research.un.org/en/peacekeeping-community

Instructors are encouraged to check for the latest guidance.

UN Films

UN films can be found on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/unitednations

Additional Information

Trainers should let participants know that in addition to the Mission-specific information
received during this training, participants should also familiarize themselves with the Pre-
deployment Information Package (PIP). The PIP provides information on the mission and
the local context.

Additional Training Resources

UN peacekeeping training materials can be found on the Peacekeeping Resource


Hub: http://research.un.org/en/peacekeeping-community/Training

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 34


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

UN peacekeeping Specialised Training Materials (STMs) include:


Civil-Military Coordination (CIMIC)

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 35


Module 2: Mandated Tasks of United Nations
Peacekeeping Operations

L e s s o n

2.1
Mandated Tasks
Relevance

Peacekeeping personnel must be familiar:

 Shared tasks

 All contribute

UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2017


Learning Outcomes

Learners will:

 Identify four categories of mandated tasks


 List examples of mandated tasks which are the
core business of UN PKOs
 Describe two critical areas where UN PKOs play
a limited “support” role
 List four humanitarian principles

UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2017


Lesson Overview
1. Overview of Mandated Tasks
2. Supervision or Monitoring of the Ceasefire
Agreement
3. Provision of a Secure & Stable Environment
4. Facilitating the Political Process
5. Facilitating the Delivery of Humanitarian
Assistance
6. Supporting Poverty Reduction & Economic
Development
UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2017
Learning Activity 2.1.1
Mandated Tasks

Instructions:
 Match images with tasks, definitions and
challenges addressed
 Discuss impact of the challenges on civilians
 Identify peace and security, humanitarian and
development tasks

Time: 10 minutes
 Group work: 5-7 minutes
 Discussion: 3 minutes

UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2017


1. Overview of Mandated Tasks

The range of mandated tasks may be categorized


in the following way:
 Core business
 Support roles
 Peacebuilding activities
 Cross-cutting thematic tasks

UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2017 1


Learning Activity 2.1.2
Putting Tasks into Categories

Instructions:
 Label tasks as core business, supporting role,
peacebuilding activity and cross-cutting themes
 Give reasons

Time: 5 minutes
 Brainstorming: 3 minutes
 Discussion: 2 minutes

UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2017


The Core Business
 Supervision or monitoring of the ceasefire
agreement
 Provision of a secure and stable environment
 Facilitating the political process

UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2017 2


Peacebuilding Activities
 Mine action
 Disarmament, demobilization and
reintegration (DDR) of ex-combatants
 Security sector reform (SSR)
 Rule of law (ROL)-related activities
 Electoral assistance
 Support to the restoration and extension of
State authority

UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2017 3


Support Roles
 Facilitating the delivery of humanitarian
assistance
 Cooperating and coordinating with mission
partners to support poverty reduction and
economic development

UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2017 4


Cross-Cutting Thematic Tasks
 Human rights
 Protection of civilians (POC)
 Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV)
 Child protection
 Women, Peace and Security (WPS)

UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2017 5


2. Supervision or Monitoring of the
Ceasefire Agreement

 Ceasefire agreement: refers to a temporary


stoppage of war or any armed conflict for an
agreed-upon timeframe or within a limited
area
 Monitoring ceasefire agreements:
involves actions to gather
information on compliance with
an agreement
 UNPKOs monitor to reassure that
parties will not exploit ceasefires
to gain military advantage
 Core business
UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2017 6
3. Provision of a Secure & Stable Environment

 A secure environment is generally a pre-


condition for moving ahead on several
elements of peace agreements
 UNPKOs help fill the security/public order
vacuum, and as a result play a critical role in
securing the peace process and creating a
safe environment for humanitarian and
development actors
 Primary role of the military
component
 Core business

UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2017 7


4. Facilitating the Political Process

 Political process: steps to end conflict,


maintain peace – involves peace
negotiations and peace agreements
 UNPKOs facilitate the political process by
promoting dialogue and reconciliation, and
supporting the establishment of legitimate
and effective institutions
of governance
 Important for a lasting
settlement or longer-term
political solutions
 Core business
UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2017 8
5. Facilitating the Delivery of
Humanitarian Assistance

 Humanitarian assistance: aid and action


designed to save lives, alleviate suffering, and
maintain and protect human dignity during
and in the aftermath of man-made crises and
natural disasters
 Includes basic supplies of drinking water, food,
shelter, medical care, protection and
assistance to refugees and
IDPs
 UNPKOs facilitate delivery
 Support role

UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2017 9


Responsibilities

Host Country
International and
National Humanitarian
Actors
Has If No
Capacity
e.g. UN agencies, ICRC,
NGOs
If Yes

UNPKO assists by providing


a secure environment

Initiates, coordinates and delivers


humanitarian assistance

UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2017 10


“Humanitarian Space”
 An environment where receiving
humanitarian assistance is independent of
military and political action
 Ensures safety and accomplishment of
humanitarian actions and personnel
 Four humanitarian principles: humanity,
neutrality, impartiality and independence
 Complementary concepts for civil-military
coordination: UN-CIMIC (UNPKO) and UN-
CMCoord (OCHA)

UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2017 11


Learning Activity 2.1.3
“Humanitarian Space”

Instructions:
 You are a humanitarian worker
 Consider the photo and scenario
 How can the mission help with the challenges?
 Discuss importance of “humanity”, “neutrality”,
“impartiality” and “independence”

Time: 15 minutes
 Group work: 5-7 minutes
 Discussion: 5-7 minutes

UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2017


6. Supporting Poverty Reduction &
Economic Development

 Poverty reduction: ‘pro-poor’ policies and


policies to stimulate economic growth, raise
incomes and indirectly reduce poverty
 Poverty eradication is important for lasting
peace and sustainable development
 UNPKOs cooperate, coordinate with partners
 Support role

UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2017 12


Summary of Key Messages

 Mandated tasks – core business, peacebuilding


activities, supporting roles, cross-cutting thematic
tasks
 Core business – monitor cease-fire, provide
secure environment, facilitate political process
 Supporting roles – facilitate delivery of
humanitarian assistance, coordinate mission
partners in development
 Humanitarian principles – humanity, neutrality,
impartiality, independence
UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2017
Questions

UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2017


Learning Activity

Learning Evaluation

UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2017


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Learning Activities

Detailed instructions for each learning activity may be found below. Here is an overview
of learning activities for the instructor to choose from:

Number Name Methods Time


2.1.1 Mandated Tasks Mix and match 10 -25
minutes

2.1.2 Putting Tasks into Categories Brainstorm 5-15


minutes

2.1.3 “Humanitarian Space” Role play, scenarios, 15 minutes


small groups

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 1


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Learning Activity 2.1.1

Mandated Tasks

METHOD RESOURCES

Mix-and-match Learning Activity instructions


Responses to discussion
questions
Activity materials
PURPOSE Photos (1-16 from Learning
Activity 1.1.2)
To deepen understanding of mandated tasks
carried out by mission components

TIME

Short option: 10 minutes

Group work: 5-7 minutes


Discussion: 3 minutes

Longer option: 25 minutes

Introduction: 3 minutes
Table groups: 10 minutes
Reports: 10 minutes
Summary: 2 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS

Match images with tasks, definitions and


challenges addressed
Discuss the impact of the challenges on
civilians
Identify peace and security, humanitarian
and development tasks

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 2


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Note on use: Learning activities 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 cover the same content, in different
ways. Scan both of them. You may prefer one, or consider using both in a lesson, one
after the other. They both build on Learning Activity 1.1.2 on Consequences of Violent
Conflict, and Learning Activity 1.8.3 on Partners Working Together – specifically, the
issue of the UN peacekeeping mission helping to provide solutions to the challenges
after violent conflict.

This learning activity is an overview of mandated tasks. It recaps and reinforces


material introduced in Module 1. It also bridges into Module 2. Instructors can use it to
evaluate learner grasp of Module 1 content.

Preparation
Decide on the challenges, tasks and definitions you want to use. It is best to
include all.
Select different photo examples for each challenge.
Print the copies of the materials you will use. Use large type for one point each.
Decide on the different table groups, and which challenge they will work on.
Divide mix-and-match papers into sets for each group. Have them ready in a
folder for rapid distribution.
Set table groups so each has people with different levels of experience and
ability.

Instructions
1. Introduce the learning activity and time use. Introduce the activity by noting its
place in the programme: Module 1 introduced UN peacekeeping; now Module
2 covers mandated tasks in more depth; and Module 3 will focus on the
individual peacekeeping personnel. The activity recaps content from Module 1.
Participants must:
a) Match the challenges faced as a result of violent conflict, with tasks which
the UN peacekeeping mission may be mandated to carry out
b) Match the tasks with the definitions
2. Give the mix-and-match sets to each table group.
3. Watch the time. Let groups know when they have several minutes left.
4. Short option: Ask participants to reflect on what they have learned about UN
peacekeeping so far. Briefly discuss the impact of the challenges on civilians.
Help groups to identify peace and security, humanitarian and development
tasks.
5. Long option: With more time available, you can invite groups to present reports
in a logical order. Invite additions after each report or set. Share your questions
and comments after presentation of the reports.
6. Summarize and close the exercise.

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 3


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Variations
Make this a physically active exercise. Write the points on large post-it notes. Prepare
“stations”, different flip chart stands in corners of the room. Put each linked set of points
in random order on a flip-chart. Direct groups to each station. Shorten the time – make
it more of a time-limited contest. Move the full group from station to station to hear and
see the results.

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 4


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

2.1.1 Responses to Discussion Questions: Mandated Tasks

Photos are the same as Learning Activity 1.1.2.


Available as slides for Learning Activity 1.1.2.

Photo Number Challenge Task Definition of Task

1. The presence of Mine action


landmines and other …reducing the
Learning Activity 1.1.2

Image 1
explosives hazards. threat and impact
They kill and injure of landmines and
(peace and
people. They explosive remnants
security)
UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2016
damage and destroy of war.
property.

2. Many ex-combatants Disarmament,


with no livelihoods demobilization … collection,
Learning Activity 1.1.2

Image 2
and only their former and documentation,
comrades as support reintegration control, disposal of
networks. The (DDR) of ex- weapons
UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2016
availability of many combatants
… discharge of
weapons. This
active combatants
contributes to
(peace and from armed forces
ongoing violence.
security) or groups

… process to acquire
civilian status,
sustainable
employment, income.

3. People do not feel Security sector …involves building


Learning Activity 1.1.2
safe and secure. They reform (SSR) effective and
Image 3
have no confidence accountable
or trust in State structures, institutions
security. State (peace and and personnel to
UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2016

security actors are security) manage, provide and


not accountable. oversee the country’s
They do not provide security.
adequate security to
the country.

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 5


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

4. Weak or non-existent Rule of law (ROL) … strengthening


Learning Activity 1.1.2
police, justice and related activities police, justice and
Image 3
corrections institutions corrections institutions,
to uphold the law. as well as the
(peace and institutions which hold
UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2016

security) them accountable.

5. The decision must be Electoral …legal, technical,


Learning Activity 1.1.2
made on who should assistance logistic support to
Image 5
be in power. Elections electoral laws,
have the potential to processes and
be unfair. Voters may (peace and institutions.
UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2016
be intimidated to security)
make a particular
choice. The people
risk having no voice
to say how they
should live their lives.

6. The State is Support to …rebuilding legitimacy


Learning Activity 1.1.2
ineffective. It is restoration and and people’s
Image 6
unable to provide extension of confidence in State
basic services to the State authority institutions.
people such as
UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2016
security, healthcare
and education. It (peace and
lacks control in security)
certain areas of the
country. People
continue to suffer.

7. Ongoing fighting. Supervision or …involves actions to


Learning Activity 1.1.2
Distrust between the monitoring of gather
Image 7
parties involved in the the cease-fire
information on
fighting. agreement
compliance with
UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2016

an agreement to stop
(peace and fighting.
security)

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 6


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

8. Lack of law and Provision of a … providing security


Learning Activity 1.1.2
order. The State is secure and and maintaining
Image 8
unable to defend stable public order. This helps
and protect the environment to protect people,
people. property and State
UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2016
institutions against
(peace and threats of physical
security) aggression.

9. No agreement to Facilitating the … helping with the


Learning Activity 1.1.2
end violent conflict. political process process to end conflict
Image 9
Disputes over political or maintain peace.
power. State
… involves peace
structures and (peace and
institutions are negotiations and
UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2016
security)
destroyed. peace agreements.

… involves promoting
dialogue and
reconciliation, and
supporting the
establishment of
legitimate and
effective institutions of
governance.

10. People have no food, Facilitating … helping to establish


Learning Activity 1.1.2
water or shelter. The delivery of the security necessary
Image 10
sick and injured have humanitarian for humanitarian
limited access to assistance actors to deliver basic
medical care. supplies of drinking
UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2016
Hospitals have been water, food, shelter,
destroyed or are (overlaps with medical care.
poorly staffed. humanitarian
People flee the tasks of other
violence and partners – not a
… facilitating delivery
desperation for safer direct role for UN
with security, safety,
areas. peacekeeping,
but a support and logistics.
role)
…cooperating and
coordinating with
humanitarian actors.

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 7


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

11. The country’s Cooperating … assisting the work of


Learning Activity 1.1.2
economy is weak. and development partners.
Image 11
Lack of jobs and coordinating Includes mobilizing
destroyed livelihoods. with mission donor funds and
Widespread poverty. partners to bringing attention to
UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2016
support poverty key development
reduction and
priorities.
economic
Destroyed development … cooperating and
infrastructure coordinating with
(buildings, roads,
mission partners who
utilities, and other
(overlaps with lead in this area,
facilities). development mainly the UN Country
tasks of other Team.
partners – not a
direct role for UN
peacekeeping,
but a support
role)

12. Human rights abuses Protection and …monitoring,


Learning Activity 1.1.2
and violations during promotion of investigating and
Image 12
and after the conflict. human rights reporting on human
They are committed rights violations and
by armed groups, as abuses.
UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2016
well as State actors
who have a duty to …empowering people
to assert and claim
protect people.
their human rights.

…developing the
capacity of the State
and national actors
and institutions.

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 8


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

13. Women and girls Women, Peace …emphasizes


Learning Activity 1.1.2
continue to face and Security women’s and girls’
Image 13
discrimination. They (WPS) agenda empowerment,
are more vulnerable participation in peace
to violence, including processes, and
UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2016
sexual violence and protection.
exploitation. They
experience sexual
slavery, enforced …promotes equality
prostitution, and between women and
trafficking. men, girls and boys.

14. Threats of physical Protection of … all necessary


Learning Activity 1.1.2
violence to people. civilians (POC) means, up to and
Image 14
including the use of
deadly force, aimed
at preventing or
UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2016
responding to threats
of physical violence
against civilians.

15. Rape and other forms Addressing … involves prevention


Learning Activity 1.1.2
of sexual violence. conflict-related and response
Image 15
They are used as a sexual violence measures to address
weapon of war by (CRSV) all forms of sexual
the parties involved in violence in armed
UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2016
the conflict. It conflict.
happens in conflict
and post-conflict
settings. …involves political
dialogue and
advocacy with all
parties to a conflict.

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 9


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

16. Vulnerable children Child protection … protecting children


Learning Activity 1.1.2
are amongst ordinary from violence, abuse
Image 16
people who suffer in and neglect, and
violent conflict. They promoting their rights.
are killed and injured.
UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2016
They are abducted
and recruited into
armed forces and
groups. They are
victims of sexual
violence.

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 10


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

2.1.1 Learning Activity Material: Mandated Tasks

Mandated Tasks and Definitions

Supervision or … involves actions to gather information on


monitoring of the compliance with an agreement to stop
cease-fire agreement fighting.

Provision of a secure … providing security and maintaining public


and stable environment order. This helps to protect people, property
and state institutions against threats of
physical aggression.

… helping with the process to end conflict or


maintain peace.
Facilitating the political … involves peace negotiations and peace
process agreements.

… involves promoting dialogue and


reconciliation, and supporting the
establishment of legitimate and effective
institutions of governance.

… reducing the threat and impact of landmines


Mine action and explosive remnants of war.

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 11


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

… collection, documentation, control, disposal


of weapons
Disarmament,
demobilization and … discharge of active combatants from armed
reintegration (DDR) of forces or groups
ex-combatants
… process to acquire civilian status, sustainable
employment, income.

… involves building effective and accountable


Security sector reform structures, institutions and personnel to
(SSR) manage, provide and oversee the country’s
security.

… strengthening police, justice and


Rule of law (ROL) corrections institutions, as well as the institutions
related activities which hold them accountable.

… legal, technical, logistic support to electoral


laws, processes and institutions.
Electoral assistance

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 12


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

…rebuilding legitimacy and people’s confidence


Support to restoration in State institutions.
and extension of State
authority

… helping to establish the security necessary for


Facilitating delivery of humanitarian actors to deliver basic supplies of
humanitarian assistance drinking water, food, shelter, medical care.

… facilitating delivery with security, safety, and


logistics.

…cooperating and coordinating with


humanitarian actors.

Cooperating and … assisting the work of development partners.


coordinating with Includes mobilizing donor funds and bringing
mission partners to attention to key development priorities.
support poverty
reduction and … cooperating and coordinating with mission
economic development partners who lead in this area, mainly the UN
Country Team.

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 13


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Protection and
…monitoring, investigating and reporting on
promotion of human
human rights violations and abuses.
rights
…empowering people to assert and claim their
human rights.

…developing the capacity of the State and


national actors and institutions.

Women, Peace and


…emphasizes women’s and girls’ empowerment,
Security (WPS) agenda
participation in peace processes, and protection.

…promotes equality between women and men,


girls and boys.

Protection of civilians
… all necessary means, up to and including the
(POC)
use of deadly force, aimed at preventing or
responding to threats of physical violence against
civilians.

Addressing conflict-
… involves prevention and response measures to
related sexual violence
address all forms of sexual violence in armed
(CRSV)
conflict.

…involves political dialogue and advocacy


with all parties to a conflict.

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 14


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Challenges

Ongoing fighting. Distrust between the parties


involved in the fighting.

Lack of law and order. Threats of physical


violence to people. The State is unable to
defend and protect the people.

No agreement to end violent conflict.


Disputes over political power. State structures
and institutions are destroyed.

The presence of landmines and other


explosive hazards. They injure and kill people.
They damage and destroy property.

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 15


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Many ex-combatants with no livelihoods and


only their former comrades as support
networks. The availability of many weapons.
This contributes to ongoing violence.

Human rights violations by State security


actors. Impunity and no accountability.

Weak or non-existent police, justice and


corrections institutions to uphold the law.

The decision must be made on who should be


in power. Elections have the potential to be
unfair. Voters may be intimidated to make a
particular choice. The people risk having no
voice to say how they should live their lives.

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 16


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

The State is ineffective. It is unable to provide


basic services to the people such as security,
healthcare and education. It lacks control in
certain areas of the country. People continue
to suffer.

People have no food, water or shelter. The


sick and injured have limited access to
medical care. Hospitals have been destroyed
or are poorly staffed. People flee the violence
and desperation for safer areas.

The country’s economy is weak. Lack of jobs


and destroyed livelihoods. Widespread
poverty.

Destroyed infrastructure (buildings, roads,


utilities, and other facilities).

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 17


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Human rights abuses and violations during


and after the conflict. They are committed by
armed groups, as well as State actors who
have a duty to protect people.

Women and girls continue to face


discrimination. They are more vulnerable to
violence, including sexual violence and
exploitation. They experience sexual slavery,
enforced prostitution, and trafficking.

Threats of physical violence to people.

Rape and other forms of sexual violence. They


are used as a weapon of war by the parties
involved in the conflict. It happens in conflict
and post-conflict settings.

Vulnerable children are amongst ordinary


people who suffer in violent conflict. They are
killed and injured. They are abducted and
recruited into armed forces and groups. They
are victims of sexual violence.

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 18


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Learning Activity 2.1.2

Putting Tasks into Categories

METHOD RESOURCES

Brainstorm Learning Activity instructions

PURPOSE

To engage participants in their understanding of


the different categories of mandated tasks

TIME

Short option: 5 minutes

Brainstorming: 3 minutes
Discussion: 2 minutes
Longer option: 15 minutes

Brainstorming: 5-7 minutes


Discussion: 5-7 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS

Label tasks as core business, supporting role,


peacebuilding activity and cross-cutting
themes
Give reasons

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 19


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Note on use: Learning activities 2.1.1 and 2.1.2 cover the same content, in different
ways. Scan both of them. You may prefer one, or consider using both in a lesson, one
after the other. They both build on Learning Activity 1.1.2 on Consequences of Violent
Conflict, and Learning Activity 1.8.3 on Partners Working Together – specifically, the
issue of the UN peacekeeping mission helping to provide solutions to the challenges
after violent conflict.

Preparation
Reflect on content in Lesson 2.1.
Consider composition of table groups.
Make sure each table group has a flip-chart sheet and pens (flip-chart stand if
available).
For each group, prepare one flip-chart sheet with a list of all the mandated tasks
in the lesson. Make sure that they are mixed up. An example:
1. Protection and promotion of human rights
2. Security Sector Reform (SSR)
3. Cooperating and coordinating with mission partners to support poverty
reduction and economic development
4. Facilitating the political process
5. Conflict-related sexual violence
6. Mine action
7. Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) of ex-combatants
8. Child protection
9. Electoral assistance
10. Provision of a secure and stable environment;
11. Support restoration and extension of State authority
12. Facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance
13. Women, Peace and Security (WPS)
14. Supervision or monitoring of a cease-fire agreement
15. Rule of Law (ROL) related activities
16. Protection of civilians
Be ready with pens for participants to use. Choose different coloured pens, one
colour for each category. There are 4 categories, so be ready with multiple sets
of four different coloured pens. The categories are:
o core business
o supporting roles
o peacebuilding activity
o cross-cutting themes

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 20


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Instructions
1. Introduce the activity by noting the link with Lesson 1.8 on Working With Mission
Partners. Learning Activity 1.8.3 on Partners Working Together identified tasks
addressing critical, short term needs and long term needs of a country following
violent conflict. This activity further categorises tasks as they relate to UN
peacekeeping operations.
2. Ask participants to reflect on what they have learned about UN peacekeeping
so far. Participants must put the mandated tasks into categories, using the one
coloured pen for each category. For example, to identify:
a) Core business – use coloured pen number 1
b) Supporting roles – use coloured pen number 2
c) Peacebuilding activities – use coloured pen number 3
d) Cross-cutting themes – use coloured pen number 4
3. Short option: Allow the groups to complete the activity. Watch the time. Let
groups know when they have several minutes left. Brief participants on the
answers (see below).
4. Long option: With more time available, expand the brainstorming. Ask
participants to brainstorm their reasons for putting the tasks into the categories.
They must note points on the flip-chart sheet.
5. Close the lesson.

Answers

Core business – coloured pen number 1:


Supervision or monitoring of a cease-fire agreement
Provision of a secure and stable environment
Facilitating the political process

Supporting roles – coloured pen number 2:


Facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance
Cooperating and coordinating with mission partners to support poverty
reduction and economic development

Peacebuilding activities – coloured pen number 3:


Mine action
Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR) of ex-combatants
Security Sector Reform (SSR)
Rule of Law (ROL) related activities
Electoral assistance
Support restoration and extension of State authority

Cross-cutting themes – coloured pen number 4:


Protection and promotion of human rights
Women, Peace and Security (WPS)
Protection of civilians
Conflict-related sexual violence
Child protection

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 21


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Learning Activity 2.1.3

“Humanitarian Space”

METHOD RESOURCES

Role play, scenarios, small groups Learning Activity instructions


Responses to discussion
questions
PURPOSE Scenario
Scenario with photo
To apply and deepen understanding of
humanitarian principles and “humanitarian space”

TIME

15 minutes

Group work: 5-7 minutes


Discussion: 5-7 minutes

INSTRUCTIONS

You are a humanitarian worker


Consider the photo and scenario
How can the mission help with the
challenges?
Discuss importance of “humanity”,
“neutrality”, “impartiality” and
“independence”

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 22


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Preparation
Photos have been pre-selected for this learning activity. Consider whether you
will use them. If using photos, select some and decide whether you will project
the photos on slides, or prepare them as handouts.
Read the Responses to the discussion question for the scenario.
Write the question on a flip-chart sheet or board: How can the mission help with
the challenges?
Prepare key points on the importance of “humanity”, “neutrality”, “impartiality”
and “independence”. Use the content from Lesson 2.1.
Decide on the groups.

Instructions
1. Introduce the activity.
2. Distribute the photos and scenario.
3. Ask participants how they would react in each situation, and what issues they
should consider. Refer them to the posted question on the flip-chart sheet.
4. Get participants to discuss in small groups.
5. Ask participants to report back. Get several responses from the group before
expanding with provided explanations, below.
6. When the group has finished discussing the scenario, reflect on the discussion
and experience. Expand with any more points.
7. Highlight:
a) Importance of protecting civilians, including humanitarian actors
b) Difficult conflict situations faced by humanitarian actors which affect their
work – such as being blocked or denied access, under attack, having to
negotiate with parties to the conflict, challenges in assisting isolated
communities and vulnerable groups
c) Complexity of humanitarian work and the need for it to be separate from
military-political objectives
d) Key role played by the UN peacekeeping mission in facilitating delivery of
humanitarian assistance
8. Close the exercise. Recap on role of UN peacekeeping personnel in supporting
humanitarian actors, including the importance of “humanity”, “neutrality”,
“impartiality” and “independence”.

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 23


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

2.1.3 Responses to Discussion Question: “Humanitarian Space”

Available as an individual slide for the learning activity.

Learning Activity 2.1.3

Scenario
You are a humanitarian
worker. A city is under
siege. How can the
mission help with the
challenges?

UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2016

Photo description: People living in a community under siege, Yarmouk Palestinian


refugee camp in Damascus, Syria.

Scenario: City under siege


• The local population in City W experience months of bombardment and
siege.
• The city is destroyed, and there have been many civilian casualties, mostly
deaths.
• Each of the parties involved in the conflict target the local population.
• Starvation and terror are used. Basic utilities are disrupted or destroyed to
make the lives of the civilian population even worse. Hospitals and schools
have also been attacked.
• Ongoing violence makes flying impossible. Air-drops of humanitarian aid are
therefore not an option.
• The surviving local civilian population have to live in inhumane conditions.
• There were large population movements at the beginning of the conflict as
civilians fled the city. Now most civilians are unable to leave the city. They are
trapped by the ongoing bombing, snipers, and landmines which threaten
their lives.

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 24


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Responses
• The political leverage of the UN peacekeeping mission can be used to
appeal to the parties to the conflict. Lives would be saved if the parties to the
conflict began a dialogue, particularly on humanitarian issues. Access for the
delivery of assistance needs to be negotiated.
• Aid has a political, economic, and humanitarian significance. The
humanitarian significance should be the priority in negotiations. Negotiations
must be carried out carefully. Humanitarian aid is often seized by armed
groups for wealth, power, and to add to their own supplies. Unreasonable
demands for a share in the aid by the parties to the conflict must not be
accepted.
• Humanitarians need to do their work, but their safety and security is at great
risk whilst the violent conflict continues. Humanitarian actors are civilians and
are unarmed. UN military peacekeeping personnel can provide the
protection they need.
• UN military peacekeeping personnel can assist with the protection, security
and logistics of humanitarian convoys of food and medical aid by land. The
convoys need to travel through the violence, destroyed city and other
difficult terrain.
• Humanitarian supplies are for the vulnerable groups in particular – children,
mothers, the sick and wounded, the elderly. Usually not much aid gets to
these vulnerable civilians. Despite the desperation, the UN peacekeeping
mission must allow humanitarian actors to directly provide the humanitarian
assistance and monitor the situation.
• UN military peacekeeping personnel can also assist with the setting up of a
makeshift hospital to treat sick and injured civilians. If needed, they can also
add to the number of medical personnel by making available their own
medical staff.
• It is difficult to evacuate extremely sick and wounded civilians, especially
young children and mothers. UN military peacekeeping personnel can assist
in the safe passage of civilians who need to be evacuated.
• The UN peacekeeping mission can also provide safe passage, protection,
transport and security to civilians who are fleeing the violence of the city to
safer territory. UNPOL can assist with the IDP camps– although the IDP camps
are set up and managed by humanitarian actors.
• UN military peacekeeping personnel can also assist in the repair of water and
electrical lines in parts of the city. They will also be at risk, so this would need
to be negotiated with the parties to the conflict.
• The direct use of any resources provided by the UN peacekeeping mission’s
military component for humanitarian assistance would need to be
communicated to and coordinated by humanitarian actors.
• The main role of the UN military component is to assist with the delivery of
humanitarian assistance – and not to provide it.

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 25


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Role of UN peacekeeping personnel in supporting humanitarian actors


• The primary role of United Nations peacekeeping operations on humanitarian
assistance is to provide a secure and stable environment for humanitarian
actors to deliver humanitarian aid. The Security Council does not mandate
UN peacekeeping operations to directly provide humanitarian aid.
• Humanitarian actors must stay independent from political-military structures.
This independence must be visible. This independence ensures the safe
access for humanitarian work and all people. UN peacekeeping personnel
have to protect “humanitarian space”. Humanitarian space is the result of
four humanitarian principles being respected by all. The four humanitarian
principles are: humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence.

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 26


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

2.1.3 Scenario: “Humanitarian Space”

You are a humanitarian worker.

Consider the photos and scenario. How can the mission help with the challenges?

Scenario: City under siege

• The local population in the City W experience months of bombardment and


siege.
• The city is destroyed, and there have been many civilian casualties, mostly
deaths.
• Each of the parties involved in the conflict target the local population.
• Starvation and terror are used. Basic utilities are disrupted or destroyed to
make the lives of the civilian population even worse. Hospitals and schools
have also been attacked.
• Ongoing violence makes flying suicidal. Air-drops of humanitarian aid have
become impossible.
• The surviving local civilian population have to live in inhumane conditions.
• There were large population movements at the beginning of the conflict as
civilians fled the city. Now most civilians are unable to leave the city. They are
trapped by the ongoing bombing, snipers, and landmines which threaten
their lives.

UN DPKO/DFS CPTM Version 2017 27


Learning Activity 2.1.3

Scenario
You are a humanitarian
worker. A city is under
siege. How can the
mission help with the
challenges?

UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials 2017


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

Evaluation

Notes on Use: Types of learning evaluation questions are:


1) Narrative
2) Fill in the blank/sentence completion
3) True-False
4) Multiple-choice

Combine in different ways for pre-assessment and post-assessment. Each evaluation


type covers different content. No sub-set covers all learning outcomes. Make sure
you include learning evaluation questions for each learning outcome when you
combine them.

Three main uses of evaluation questions are: a) informally ask the whole group, b)
semi-formally assign to small groups or c) formally give to individuals for written
responses.

Evaluation Questions for Lesson 2.1

Questions Answers

Narrative
Note: Frame narrative evaluations as questions, requests or directions
1. Name four general categories of UN Core Business
peacekeeping mandated tasks. Supporting Roles
Peacebuilding Activities
Cross-cutting Thematic Tasks
2. What cross-cutting thematic tasks Human rights
are in most multidimensional Women, peace and security
peacekeeping mission mandates? Protection of civilians
Conflict-related sexual violence
Child protection
3. What is a cease-fire agreement? temporary stoppage of war or
armed conflict for agreed time-
frame or within limited area
4. Why does the Security Council reassure parties will not exploit
mandate peacekeeping missions to cease-fire to gain military advantage
monitor cease-fire agreements? increase trust, faith in the political
process
strengthen communication
strengthen conditions for lasting
peace
5. How do the military and Formed Provide a visible deterrent presence
Police Units (FPUs) secure a safe Control movement and access
environment? Name at least two through checkpoints
ways. Provide armed escort for safety and
to facilitate access
Conduct cordon and search

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 1


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

operations
Control crowds
Confiscate weapons
6. Facilitating the political process can Providing good offices to the parties
include different tasks – name at to a peace agreement
least two. Facilitating a political process
through mediation
Liaising with the host government,
the parties to the peace process,
their respective command chains
and the international community
Promoting national political dialogue
Supporting inclusive political
processes
Facilitating consultation with local
people and civil society to increase
their contributions to national
processes and discussions
Supporting reconciliation
Supporting establishment of
legitimate institutions of governance
7. As part of facilitating the political practical arrangements for
process, military officers can provide monitoring cease-fire agreements
technical support to political establishing feasibility of proposals for
mediators. In what areas can they use of military capability
give broad advice? determining suitability of military
arrangements for:
1. weapons-free and demilitarized
zones
2. zones of separation
3. requirements for effective
disarmament and demobilization
8. Name four examples of typical Basic supplies – food, drinking water
humanitarian assistance. Basic shelter
Medical care
Protection and assistance to
refugees and IDPs

Humanitarians also try to:


prevent disasters
strengthen preparedness
9. Compare the work of ICRC and ICRC is a neutral, independent,
OCHA in humanitarian assistance. impartial, humanitarian actor –
external to the UN:
helps deliver humanitarian aid
International Committee of the Red
Cross (Red Crescent) movements
special status recognized in
humanitarian law
OCHA is the Office for Coordination
of Humanitarian Affairs

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 2


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

leads UN humanitarian assistance


coordinates: goal is to save lives,
reduce suffering and restore
livelihoods by reducing acute
vulnerability through well-
coordinated humanitarian action
10. Explain humanitarian space. An environment where receipt of
humanitarian assistance is
independent of military and political
action – neutral
Protecting humanitarian space
ensures:
- safety of humanitarian personnel
- feasibility of humanitarian work
Also called “Humanitarian Operating
Environment”.
Humanitarian space is created
through joint respect for the four
humanitarian principles: humanity,
neutrality, impartiality and
independence.
11. What are the four humanitarian humanity – address human suffering,
principles? wherever found, with special
attention to most vulnerable,
respecting and protecting dignity
and rights of all victims
neutrality – provide humanitarian
assistance without engaging in
hostilities or taking sides
impartiality – provide humanitarian
assistance without discrimination.
Need guides relief of suffering,
priority to the most urgent cases
independence – not part of political,
economic or military objectives

Humanitarian principles contribute to


humanitarian space. This neutral
environment is where humanitarians
deliver aid, independent of military and
political action or influence.
12. What two parallel forums exist for UN UN-CMCoord (OCHA)
civil-military coordination? connects military component of
mission and humanitarian actors
outside the mission
OCHA field office may include UN
CMCoord Officers – strengthen
relationships between
- humanitarian community,
- military component of
peacekeeping operation and

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 3


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

- any other military forces in


country
UN-CIMIC – staff function in military
component of a peacekeeping
operation
- connects military and civilian
components within a mission
- directly supports mission
objectives
- goal - improve overall mission
effectiveness across civilian,
police and military
Fill in the Blanks
1. Peacekeeping core business is (a) (a) Supervising and monitoring a
____, (b) _____ and (c)_____. ceasefire
(b) Providing a secure and stable
environment
(c) Facilitating the political process
2. (a)_____ and (b)_____ are (a) Facilitating Delivery of Humanitarian
supporting roles of UN Assistance
peacekeeping operations. (b) Supporting Poverty Reduction and
Economic Development
3. The following components in the (a) Military
mission provide a secure (b) Police
environment, which makes peace
processes possible: (a) ____ and
(b)_____.
4. UN peacekeeping operations ______ Support
humanitarian assistance. Facilitate
True – False
1. The military component leads on False
political engagement and This responsibility lies with senior mission
advocacy with parties, supporting leadership.
the political process.
The civilian component mainly leads on
facilitating the political process.
2. UN peacekeeping operations False
provide basic supplies – drinking These are part of humanitarian aid, on
water, food, shelter, medical care – which humanitarian partners lead. UN
to refugees and IDPs. peacekeeping operations support and
facilitate humanitarian aid, but do not
deliver it directly.
3. The Sustainable Development Goals True
(SDGs) replaced the Millennium MDGs guided the UN Development
Development Goals (MDGs). Both Agenda (and that of the international
represent the world’s commitment community) from 2000 to 2015.
to development goals, with poverty In September 2015 the UN Millennium
reduction a priority. Summit set global development targets
from 2015 – 2030, in the SDGs.

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 4


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

4. UN peacekeeping operations have False.


the mandate for direct No mandate.
humanitarian assistance. They support or facilitate delivery only.
Mostly the military provides a secure,
stable environment for humanitarian aid.
5. ____ UN peacekeeping operations True.
do not lead on promoting socio-
economic recovery and Development partners lead
development. ____.
UN peacekeeping operations do not
lead. They cooperate and coordinate
on poverty reduction and economic
development, with:
national partners
UNCT
external partners
6. Although no single definition exists True.
for economic development,
typically it is:
Creation of jobs and wealth and
improvements in quality of life
Growth and restructuring of an
economy to enhance a
community’s economic well-being
7. Use of military assets for True.
humanitarian tasks should be Effective and consistent civil-military
coordinated by an appropriate coordination is crucial to safeguarding:
civilian authority a) humanitarian principles and b)
as part of a coordinated plan of humanitarian operating space.
emergency relief
8. Humanitarians must keep a high True.
level of visible independence from High level of visible independence to
political-military structures, including ensure safety of personnel and feasibility
UN peacekeeping operations. of actions
Multiple choice
Note: Check one for each.
1. In UN peacekeeping, “facilitating APPLY
the political process” means: check (a) – promoting dialogue and
all that apply reconciliation
_____(a) promoting dialogue and (d) – supporting establishment of
reconciliation; legitimate and effective institutions of
_____(b) carrying out elections; governance
_____(c) peacebuilding;
DO NOT APPLY
_____(d) supporting establishment of (b) – carrying out elections
legitimate and effective institutions of (c) – peacebuilding
governance; (e) – short-term solutions to violent
_____(e) short-term solutions to conflict
violent conflict

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 5


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

2. Monitoring peace agreements APPLY


involves actions by a third party: (b) – Observation: passive watching and
check all that apply inspection of the actions of the
_____(a)Reconciliation: restoration of monitored parties
friendly relations; (d) – Verification: judging compliance to
_____(b) Observation: passive peace agreement terms;
watching and inspection of the
actions of the monitored parties;
_____(c) Negotiation: reaching an DO NOT APPLY
agreement between the parties to (a) – Reconciliation: restoration of
the conflict; friendly relations_____
_____(d) Verification: judging (c) – Negotiation: reaching an
compliance to peace agreement agreement between the parties to
terms; the conflict
_____(e) Implementation: putting an (e) – Implementation: putting an action
action or plan into effect or plan into effect
3. A peacekeeping operation APPLY
facilitates the political process by: (b) – promoting dialogue and
check all that apply reconciliation
_____(a) interposition as a buffer and (e) – supporting establishment of
confidence-building measure; legitimate and effective institutions of
_____(b) promoting dialogue and governance
reconciliation
_____(c) observation, monitoring and
reporting; DO NOT APPLY
_____(d) providing mine action (a) – interposition as a buffer and
assistance; confidence-building measure
(c) – observation, monitoring and
_____(e) supporting establishment of reporting
legitimate and effective institutions of (d) – providing mine action assistance
governance
4. Humanitarian assistance is aid and APPLY
action designed to: check all that (a) – maintain and protect human
apply dignity
_____(a) maintain and protect (c) – save lives
human dignity ; (d) – alleviate suffering
_____(b) end conflict;
_____(c) save lives;
_____(d) alleviate suffering; DO NOT APPLY
_____(e) support the government (b) – end conflict
(e) – support the government

5. A mission’s _____ component leads (b) – Civilian


on facilitating political process.
Check one
_____(a)military;
_____(b) civilian;
_____(c) police
6. UN humanitarian agencies and APPLY
humanitarian actors work effectively (a) – Humanitarian Country Team
together and with the host (c) – OCHA

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 6


Module 2 – Lesson 2.1: Mandated Tasks

government through: check all that (e) – Clusters


apply
_____(a DO NOT APPLY
_____(a)Humanitarian Coordinator (b) – UNCT
(HC) and Humanitarian Country (d) – ICRC
Team (HCT);
_____(b)UNCT ;
_____(c) OCHA;
_____(d)ICRC
_____(e) Clusters

UN DPKO-DFS CPTM Version 2017 7

You might also like