UN Peacekeeping: Challenges from the field today and tomorrow

Summary

The video discusses the challenges of maintaining peace in conflict zones such as South Sudan, Congo, and Mali. It emphasizes the importance of both traditional peacekeeping efforts and modern technologies like Geographic Information Systems (GIS), helicopters, and advanced surveillance systems. The speaker highlights the need for a stronger international commitment to providing adequate resources and protection for peacekeeping forces. The ever-evolving nature of conflict and the necessity of imposing peace when local actors are unwilling to cooperate are key points raised.

Takeaways

• 😀 The global challenge of refugee displacement, with millions fleeing conflict zones, is highlighted in the script.
• 😀 Peacekeeping missions are currently operating in difficult regions such as South Sudan, Congo, and Mali, where peace is fragile or non-existent.
• 😀 The script emphasizes the need for peacebuilding efforts in areas where peace does not naturally exist, and sometimes must be imposed.
• 😀 One of the core challenges in peacekeeping missions is dealing with actors who are unwilling to engage in peace efforts.
• 😀 The nature of conflict is evolving, and modern threats require new strategies and tools to address them effectively.
• 😀 New technologies, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping and surveillance systems, play a key role in modern peacekeeping efforts.
• 😀 Helicopters and other advanced technologies are essential for supporting missions and ensuring safety in emergency situations.
• 😀 Adequate protection and resources for troops are critical in dangerous conflict zones, and leaving peacekeepers without proper means of protection is unacceptable.
• 😀 International community cooperation and commitment are crucial to providing the necessary manpower and resources to sustain peacekeeping missions.
• 😀 The script stresses the importance of using both technology and international support to gain an advantage over those who oppose peace efforts.

Q & A

What is the current situation in conflict zones like South Sudan, Congo, and Mali?

The script highlights the difficult missions in conflict zones like South Sudan, Congo, and Mali, where peace is fragile and requires ongoing efforts to establish and maintain stability.

What is the main challenge faced by peacekeeping missions in Mali according to the speaker?

The main challenge in Mali is the lack of real peace. The peacekeepers must either find, build, consolidate, or sometimes enforce peace, especially when local actors oppose it.

How does the changing nature of conflict affect peacekeeping operations?

The changing nature of conflict, particularly with evolving threats and new technologies, makes it necessary for peacekeepers to adapt their strategies and use advanced technologies to maintain an advantage.

Why are new technologies considered essential for peacekeeping operations?

New technologies like Geographic Information Systems, mapping technology, and surveillance systems are essential for gaining an edge over adversaries and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of peacekeeping operations.

What role does technology play in peacekeeping missions?

Technology, such as helicopters for support and surveillance systems for air, sea, and ground monitoring, plays a critical role in supporting peacekeeping missions, especially in emergency situations.

What are some of the tools mentioned for improving peacekeeping efforts?

The tools mentioned include Geographic Information Systems (GIS), helicopters, and advanced surveillance technologies for monitoring and responding to threats on the ground, in the air, and at sea.

Why is it unacceptable to leave peacekeeping troops without adequate protection?

It is unacceptable because the troops must be provided with sufficient protection to operate safely in dangerous environments. Without adequate resources and protection, their safety and mission success could be compromised.

What is the call for the international community in terms of peacekeeping efforts?

The speaker calls for the international community to provide both the manpower and resources required for peacekeeping operations, emphasizing the importance of having enough quantity and quality of resources.

What is the importance of consolidating peace in fragile situations?

Consolidating peace in fragile situations is crucial to ensure that any gains in stability are maintained and protected. In some cases, peace must be imposed to prevent further conflict when local actors are not willing to cooperate.

What does the speaker suggest about the willingness of local actors to support peace efforts?

The speaker acknowledges that local actors in some conflict zones may not always be willing to support peace efforts. In these situations, peacekeepers must sometimes intervene forcefully to establish or reinforce peace.