UN peace troops still needed
UN peace troops still needed
By Enny Soeprapto
JAKARTA (JP): The dispatches of 7,000 peacekeepers to Haiti and 8,000 to Angola in recent months are the latest peace-keeping operations undertaken by the United Nations since 1948. That was the year of the UN Truce Supervision Organization, the first of such operations, was established to supervise the cessation of hostilities in Palestine. Since then over 20 operations have been set up involving either observers, supervisors or peace-keeping forces in Africa, the Mediterranean, Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean and the Balkans.
Although the Charter of the UN does not contain the word "peace-keeping", this term has been tacitly accepted by the member states as referring to the undertakings by the Security Council to dispatch peace-keepers in accordance with its central role in the maintenance of international peace and security as stipulated in the Charter.
The end of the cold war and the new developments in East-West relations have facilitated the decision-making process in the Security Council. During the cold war period, most of the peace- keeping operations were established in connection with armed conflicts of an international nature. Now peace-keeping operations are undertaken in response to situations resulting mostly from armed conflicts of an internal nature.
Setbacks endured by some peace-keeping operations have overshadowed their successes, which were generally taken for granted or not widely recognized by the international public.
Preventing the resumption, expansion or aggravation of a conflict, peace-keeping operations carry out impartial supervisions of cease-fires, armistice agreements and troop withdrawals. Through their presence they personify the UN.
Though they have their shortcomings, it would be unfair to state that peace-keeping operations are a futile exercise and not worth establishing in the future. Peace-keeping operations have only a limited mandate and they must carry out their missions under strict operational procedures.
The size of their forces is limited and because they are generally armed for defensive purposes only, they are not always suited to face serious situations. Peace-keepers have had to perform under difficult conditions and have performed their duties admirably and with dedication. Imagine what would have happened in the then Congo without the UN Force in the Congo or in Cambodia without the UN Transitional Authority in Cambodia.
Even if today's conflicts are eventually solved, the possibility of new conflicts emerging, at the subregional or national level particularly, should not be ruled out. Such conflicts threaten regional stability and most cannot be solved by the countries or organizations in the affected regions.
The efficiency and effectiveness of peace-keeping operations should be constantly enhanced. The existence of stand-by armed forces with appropriate training and ability to be called on with short notice is essential.
For this purpose, the members of the UN should consider the possibility of establishing special peace-keeping reserve forces. This does not mean placing the members of such special units in special camps to await their assignments as a peace-keeping force. They could be selected from existing military units in the countries concerned.
The peace-keeping mission would undergo special training and the armed forces concerned would later be returned to their units of origin. These trained military personnel could be reassembled on short notice if required.
Such a system would enable governments to respond quickly to the Secretary General's requests and make available qualified and suitable military personnel without delay. A pocket-size booklet containing essential and practical information on the country of assignment could also be prepared for the members of the peace- keeping force before their departure.
The UN, for their part, should constantly review peace-keeping operational procedures to ensure that officers in the field take urgent actions without losing too much time waiting for clearance. Equally important is an efficient administrative staff. The effectiveness of the operations will depend on such staff, which should be recruited from the UN system and familiar with the UN administrative procedures.
Peace-keeping operations are expensive. The costs vary from "only" US$7 million, as in the case of the UN Mission in Haiti, to $1,700 million spent in Cambodia. It is essential that the major contributors to the UN budget be involved in the setting up of peace-keeping operations to ensure their financing.
In spite of certain shortcomings and setbacks, the UN peace- keeping operations have proven to be important instruments in the maintenance of international peace and security. They will be needed in the future and their importance will likely increase.
The writer is an observer of international affairs.