Principles and Mandates of UN Peacekeeping Training Course

Introduction

United Nations Peacekeeping stands as a cornerstone of international peace and security, operating on a unique set of principles that distinguish it from other forms of international intervention. This 5-day training course, Principles and Mandates of UN Peacekeeping, offers a comprehensive exploration of these foundational elements, essential for anyone engaging with or participating in UN missions. Participants will gain a deep understanding of the core tenets guiding peacekeeping operations – consent, impartiality, and non-use of force – and how these principles shape the mandates issued by the UN Security Council, influencing everything from the protection of civilians to the facilitation of political processes.

This intensive program is designed for military, police, and civilian personnel deploying to or supporting UN missions, as well as diplomats, policymakers, and humanitarian professionals seeking to grasp the fundamental operational framework of peacekeeping. It will equip attendees with a nuanced appreciation for how mandates are formulated, evolve, and are implemented in complex and often volatile environments, emphasizing the critical interplay between guiding principles and practical application. By mastering these concepts, participants will be better prepared to contribute effectively to the UN's efforts in conflict prevention, management, and resolution.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience:

  • Military and Police personnel designated for UN Peacekeeping deployments
  • Civilian staff intending to work in UN field missions
  • Diplomats and government officials involved in UN affairs
  • Humanitarian and development professionals operating in conflict zones
  • Researchers and academics in peace and conflict studies
  • Aspiring professionals in international organizations
  • Trainers and educators in peacekeeping-related subjects

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Articulate and explain the three core principles of UN peacekeeping: consent of the parties, impartiality, and non-use of force (except in self-defense and defense of the mandate).
  • Understand the legal basis for peacekeeping operations as derived from the UN Charter and Security Council resolutions.
  • Analyze how UN Security Council mandates are formulated, interpreted, and evolve in response to changing conflict dynamics.
  • Identify the diverse range of tasks typically included in multidimensional peacekeeping mandates.
  • Recognize the challenges and dilemmas inherent in upholding peacekeeping principles while implementing complex mandates in the field.

Course Modules:

Module 1: The Evolution and Purpose of UN Peacekeeping

  • Historical overview of UN peacekeeping since 1948.
  • The changing nature of conflict and its impact on peacekeeping.
  • The transition from traditional to multidimensional peacekeeping.
  • The purpose of UN peacekeeping: maintaining international peace and security.
  • The role of the UN Security Council in authorizing missions.

Module 2: The Three Core Principles: Consent of the Parties

  • Definition and significance of consent in peacekeeping operations.
  • The necessity of consent from all main parties to the conflict.
  • Implications of consent for political and physical freedom of action.
  • Challenges to maintaining consent in volatile and fragmented environments.
  • Strategies for cultivating and preserving consent in the field.

Module 3: The Three Core Principles: Impartiality

  • Definition of impartiality in UN peacekeeping: not neutrality.
  • Distinguishing impartiality from neutrality for humanitarian actors.
  • The role of impartiality in maintaining credibility and legitimacy.
  • Practical application of impartiality in dealings with conflict parties.
  • Consequences of perceived partiality and how to avoid it.

Module 4: The Three Core Principles: Non-Use of Force

  • The principle of non-use of force: a last resort.
  • When is force authorized: self-defense and defense of the mandate.
  • Interpreting "defense of the mandate" in complex situations.
  • The use of force continuum and rules of engagement (RoE).
  • Balancing protection responsibilities with the non-use of force principle.

Module 5: Mandates: Legal Basis and Formulation

  • The UN Charter as the bedrock of UN peacekeeping.
  • The authority of the Security Council in establishing and mandating missions.
  • Chapter VI, Chapter VII, and their implications for mandates.
  • How Security Council resolutions translate into mission mandates.
  • The process of mandate review and renewal.

Module 6: Understanding Multidimensional Mandates

  • Evolution from traditional monitoring to complex, multidimensional tasks.
  • Core mandated tasks: ceasefire monitoring, buffer zones, security provision.
  • Expanding mandates: protection of civilians (POC), human rights monitoring.
  • Peacebuilding tasks: DDR, SSR, rule of law, electoral assistance.
  • Cross-cutting issues in mandates: gender, child protection, environment.

Module 7: Implementing Mandates in Complex Environments

  • Challenges of mandate implementation in asymmetric and intra-state conflicts.
  • Interpreting ambiguous or broad mandates.
  • The interplay between military, police, and civilian components in mandate delivery.
  • Adaptive management and flexibility in mandate execution.
  • The importance of context-specific implementation plans.

Module 8: Accountability, Ethics, and the Future of Principles and Mandates

  • Accountability for mandate implementation and adherence to principles.
  • Preventing and responding to misconduct by peacekeepers (e.g., SEA).
  • The role of performance and discipline in upholding credibility.
  • Debates on robust peacekeeping and its implications for principles.
  • Future trends and reforms in UN peacekeeping principles and mandates.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

 

Principles And Mandates Of Un Peacekeeping Training Course in Kenya
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