Lesson 2.1 An Overview of Mandated Tasks
Lesson 2.1 An Overview of 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
Lesson Map
The Lesson
Lesson Topic
Relevance
Learning Outcomes
Lesson Overview
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
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
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
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
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
INSTRUCTIONS
Label tasks as core business, supporting role,
peacebuilding activity and cross-cutting
themes
Give reasons
Slide 2
Key Message: The Security Council gives UNPKOs core functions to carry out. These core
functions are also known as ‘core business’.
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
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.
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:
Slide 5
Key Message: The Security Council also mandates some tasks that cut across all work.
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.
other peace agreements helps build trust and communication at a time when
communication and trust are scarce. This strengthens conditions for lasting peace.
Roles
UNPKOs:
They reassure parties to a conflict that others will not exploit a ceasefire for military
advantage.
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.
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).
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.
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:
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:
Military and UNPOL: Formed Police Units (FPUs) may work with the military component to
secure a safe environment. 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:
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.
The political process is the series of steps to achieve a political settlement. It involves
peace negotiations and peace agreements.
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.
The goal for UN peacekeeping is not just to keep the peace, but to ensure a
sustainable peace.
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 and UNPOL: By providing a secure environment, military and police components
make the peace process possible.
Saves lives
Alleviates suffering
Maintains and protects human dignity
During and after natural disasters and conflicts, the international community provides
humanitarian assistance to help with recovery and rehabilitation.
Slide 10
Roles
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.
ICRC: International humanitarian actors also include the International Committee of the
Red Cross (ICRC). ICRC is a neutral, independent, impartial humanitarian actor.
OCHA
UN Humanitarian Coordinator (HC) and Humanitarian Country Team (HCT)
“Clusters” or Working Groups
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
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.
UNPKOs:
UNPOL: The police component helps to develop community policing in camps for
refugees or IDPs.
Slide 11
Humanitarian actors must keep a high level of visible independence from political-
military structures, such as UNPKOs.
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.
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.
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).
UNPKOs often implement small projects. These QIPs benefit local people. They take
different forms, such as rebuilding infrastructure and short-term employment.
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.
Civil-Military Coordination
Two parallel forums exist for UN civil-military coordination. Both have complementary
functions.
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.
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”
Policies which seek to stimulate economic growth and raise incomes contribute to
lasting poverty reduction. Examples of such policies:
However, poverty is not only economic. Poverty is also social, political and cultural. It
undermines human rights:
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
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.
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.
Summary
Core business
Support roles
Peacebuilding activities
Cross-cutting thematic tasks
Core business:
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.
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
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.
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
objectives
Reference Materials
Below are materials which are a) referenced in this lesson, and b) required reading for
instructor preparations:
Additional Resources
UN Information
UN Documents
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
UN Films
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.
L e s s o n
2.1
Mandated Tasks
Relevance
Shared tasks
All contribute
Learners will:
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
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
Host Country
International and
National Humanitarian
Actors
Has If No
Capacity
e.g. UN agencies, ICRC,
NGOs
If Yes
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
Learning Evaluation
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:
Mandated Tasks
METHOD RESOURCES
TIME
Introduction: 3 minutes
Table groups: 10 minutes
Reports: 10 minutes
Summary: 2 minutes
INSTRUCTIONS
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
an agreement to stop
(peace and fighting.
security)
… involves promoting
dialogue and
reconciliation, and
supporting the
establishment of
legitimate and
effective institutions of
governance.
…developing the
capacity of the State
and national actors
and institutions.
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.
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.
Challenges
METHOD RESOURCES
PURPOSE
TIME
Brainstorming: 3 minutes
Discussion: 2 minutes
Longer option: 15 minutes
INSTRUCTIONS
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
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
“Humanitarian Space”
METHOD RESOURCES
TIME
15 minutes
INSTRUCTIONS
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”.
Scenario
You are a humanitarian
worker. A city is under
siege. How can the
mission help with the
challenges?
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.
Consider the photos and scenario. How can the mission help with the challenges?
Scenario
You are a humanitarian
worker. A city is under
siege. How can the
mission help with the
challenges?
Evaluation
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.
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
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