CIAO DATE: 03/2010
November 2009
Center on International Cooperation
Robust peacekeeping and, in particular, protection of civilians garnered significant attention in 2009. In January, the Australian and Uruguayan governments hosted a conference on civilian protection designed to convince wary member states. In November, the Security Council’s open debate on protection of civilians in armed conflict considered the findings of an independent panel on implementing protection mandates. Looking ahead, the Council’s mandate renewal for the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC), scheduled for December 2009, is expected to strengthen the mission’s protection capacity. Furthermore, in April 2010, the International Forum for the Challenges of Peace Operations in Australia will also focus on protection issues. These discussions have taken place against the backdrop of a number of reform efforts, including the Department of Peacekeeping/Department of Field Support “New Horizon” project and the French/UK initiative in the Security Council – itself motivated by the siege of Goma in 2008.
Resource link: Robust Peacekeeping: The Politics of Force [PDF] - 822K