Peacekeepers play a critical role in promoting peace, preventing conflicts and maintaining stability in volatile regions around the world. These brave men and women are typically deployed to conflict-affected areas as part of international organizations such as the United Nations to help facilitate peace and support post-conflict reconstruction efforts. They have a complex set of roles and responsibilities, which require them to navigate through diverse situations and challenges while remaining impartial and neutral. In this article, we will delve into the roles and responsibilities of peacekeepers, highlighting the specialized skills and particular tasks that they are expected to undertake.

First and foremost, peacekeepers serve as a visible deterrent to potential aggressors in conflict zones. The presence of a neutral and impartial international force acts as a deterrent to combatants and helps prevent the resumption of hostilities. In many cases, peacekeepers are the only line of defense for vulnerable communities, preventing the escalation of violence and protecting civilians from harm. For instance, in 2013, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) played a pivotal role in protecting thousands of civilians who sought refuge in its bases during the outbreak of conflict in the country.

Moreover, peacekeepers are tasked with the responsibility of mediating peace negotiations between conflicting parties. This requires them to possess exceptional negotiation and interpersonal skills, as well as a good understanding of the political, social and cultural dynamics of the region they are deployed in. Their role is to help facilitate dialogue and bridge the gap between parties in conflict, with the aim of finding a lasting solution to the underlying causes of the conflict. For example, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has played a crucial role in mediating peace talks between various armed groups and the government to end the ongoing conflict in the country.

In addition to promoting peace and mediating conflicts, peacekeepers are also responsible for protecting and promoting the human rights of individuals within their assigned areas. They are expected to monitor and report any human rights abuses, as well as provide assistance to victims of such violations. This includes protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, such as women, children, and refugees, who are often the most affected by armed conflicts. In the Central African Republic, for instance, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) has been instrumental in protecting civilians and safeguarding their human rights, including preventing sexual and gender-based violence.

Furthermore, peacekeepers are often involved in providing humanitarian assistance to communities affected by conflicts. They work closely with humanitarian agencies to provide essential services such as healthcare, shelter, and food to those in need. This is particularly crucial in post-conflict situations where communities are in dire need of basic necessities and are often cut off from outside assistance. The Multinational Force and Observers (MFO), a peacekeeping mission in the Sinai Peninsula, supported the delivery of essential services to communities affected by the long-standing conflict between Egypt and Israel.

Peacekeepers also have the responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of their own personnel, as well as the equipment and resources provided to them. This includes training and equipping peacekeepers with the necessary skills and capabilities to operate effectively in challenging environments and protect themselves and others. They are also required to strictly adhere to the principles and rules of engagement set forth by their mandate and act in accordance with international law.

In conclusion, the roles and responsibilities of peacekeepers are vast and diverse, requiring them to possess specialized skills, adaptability, and resilience. They work in extremely challenging and often dangerous environments, with the ultimate goal of promoting peace, protecting human rights and providing assistance to those in need. Their work is invaluable in fostering a better and more peaceful world and their contributions should not be underestimated. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres once said, “Peacekeeping works when political solutions are supported by well-trained, well-equipped, well-supported troops, backed by political will and financial resources.”