Leading Within United Nations Peace Operations
Course Author Major General Tim Ford, Australian Forces (Retired)
Series Editor Harvey J. Langholtz, Ph.D.
Leading Within United Nations Peace Operations
Cover Photo: UN Photo #626270 by Marco Dormino. Brigadier General Christian Thiebault (right), Force Chief of Staff for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), looks at a map along with two officers from the Niger Battalion during a military operation in Ansongo, in eastern Mali. 25 February 2015.
Course Author Major General Tim Ford, Australian Forces (Retired)
Series Editor Harvey J. Langholtz, Ph.D. © 2018 Peace Operations Training Institute. All rights reserved.
Peace Operations Training Institute 1309 Jamestown Road, Suite 202 Williamsburg, VA 23185 USA www.peaceopstraining.org
First edition: 1997 by Captain Jean Michel Faure Second edition: 2004 by Major General Tim Ford, Australian Forces (Retired) Third edition: 2012 by Major General Tim Ford, Australian Forces (Retired) Fourth edition: 2018 by Major General Tim Ford, Australian Forces (Retired)
The material contained herein does not necessarily reflect the views of the eaceP Operations Training Institute (POTI), the Course Author(s), or any United Nations organs or affiliated organizations. The Peace Operations Training Institute is an international not-for-profit NGO registered as a 501(c)(3) with the Internal Revenue Service of the United States of America. The Peace Operations Training Institute is a separate legal entity from the United Nations. Although every effort has been made to verify the contents of this course, the Peace Operations Training Institute and the Course Author(s) disclaim any and all responsibility for facts and opinions contained in the text, which have been assimilated largely from open media and other independent sources. This course was written to be a pedagogical and teaching document, consistent with existing UN policy and doctrine, but this course does not establish or promulgate doctrine. Only officially vetted and approved UN documents may establish or promulgate UN policy or doctrine. Information with diametrically opposing views is sometimes provided on given topics, in order to stimulate scholarly interest, and is in keeping with the norms of pure and free academic pursuit.
Versions of this course offered in other languages may differ slightly from the primary English master copy. Translators make every effort to retain the integrity of the material. Leading Within United Nations Peace Operations
Table of Contents
Foreword x
Method of Study xi
Lesson 1 The United Nations Framework 12
Section 1.1 Foundations and Nature of the United Nations System 13
Section 1.2 Working Organization of the United Nations 16
Section 1.3 UN Organs and Agencies 18
Section 1.4 Financing the United Nations 25
Section 1.5 Continual UN Reform 26
Lesson 2 Development of UN Peace Operations 30
Section 2.1 UN Missions in the Field 31
Section 2.2 Peace Operations and the Charter of the United Nations 32
Section 2.3 Initiation of UN Peace Operations 35
Section 2.4 Defining UN Peace Operations 36
Section 2.5 UN Peacebuilding and Political Missions 37
Section 2.6 UN Peace Operations 37
Section 2.7 Status of Forces 39
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Section 2.8 Agreements between the UN and Member States on Contributions 40
Section 2.9 Guidelines for Troop- and Police-Contributing Countries 41
Annex I: Recent Security Council Resolutions 42
Annex II: Model SOFA – A/45/594 48
Annex III: Status of Mission Agreement – UNSOM 62
Lesson 3 UN Strategic Planning and Preparation 82
Section 3.1 The UN Peace and Security Architecture: the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) 83
Section 3.2 The Department of Peace Operations (DPO) 85
Section 3.3 UN Peace Operations Doctrine 85
Section 3.4 UN Planning Process 87
Section 3.5 Strategic Assessment 88
Section 3.6 Components in a Peace Operation 91
Section 3.7 UN Training Guidance 94
Section 3.8 Development of Mission ROE and Directives on the Use of Force 94
Section 3.9 Obtaining Military and Police Capability 95
Lesson 4 Regional Organization, Member State, and National Issues 100
Section 4.1 Relationships Between the UN and Regional Arrangements 102
Section 4.2 Peace Operations Doctrine 102
Section 4.3 Training and Preparation Responsibilities 103
Section 4.4 UN Administrative and Logistical Support Requirements 104
Section 4.5 Memorandum of Understanding 104
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Section 4.6 Deployment Periods, Rotations, and Standardization 105
Section 4.7 Command and Control 106
Section 4.8 National Contingent Headquarters and National Support Elements 107
Annex IV: Model Memorandum of Understanding 111
Annex V: 2008 UN Administrative and Logistics Guidelines 122
Annex VI: Outline of the 2017 UN Contingent-Owned Equipment Manual 146
Annex VII: Authority, Command, and Control in UN Peacekeeping Operations 150
Lesson 5 Selection and Preparation of UN Mission Leaders 176
Section 5.1 The Need to Change 177
Section 5.2 Policy and Head of Mission 179
Section 5.3 UN Chain of Command 180
Section 5.4 Selection and Appointment of Mission Leadership 181
Section 5.5 Training of Key Personnel 184
Section 5.6 Appointment and Other Directives 185
Annex VIII: Standard Directives for Special Representatives of the Secretary-General 187
Lesson 6 Integration and Cooperation in UN Peace Operations 198
Section 6.1 Integrated Mission Structures 200
Section 6.2 Mission Components 200
Section 6.3 Mission Integration 207
Section 6.4 Working with the UNCT 208
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Section 6.5 Civil-Military Coordination 209
Section 6.6 Cooperation with Non-Governmental Organizations 210
Section 6.7 Coordination with Humanitarian Affairs 210
Lesson 7 Cross-Cutting Issues in UN Peace Operations 214
Section 7.1 Protection of Civilians 216
Section 7.2 Use of Force 217
Section 7.3 Human Rights 220
Section 7.4 Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration 221
Section 7.5 Security Sector Reform 222
Section 7.6 Gender 223
Section 7.7 Safety and Security 224
Section 7.8 Public Information 226
Section 7.9 Conduct and Discipline 227
Annex IX: DPKO/DFS Policy: Protection of Civilians 228
Annex X: UNMIL Soldier’s Card: Rules of Engagement 232
Lesson 8 Command and Leadership Issues in Peace Operations 236
Section 8.1 Command and Control in Peace Operations 237
Section 8.2 Guidance to Leaders 240
Section 8.3 Medical Responsibilities of Leaders 244
Section 8.4 Welfare of Contingents 245
Section 8.5 Accommodation 245
Section 8.6 UN Medals and Commendations 246
Annex XI: Ten Rules: Code of Personal Conduct for Blue Helmets 248
Annex XII: We Are United Nations Peacekeepers 250
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Appendices
Appendix A: List of Acronyms 256
Appendix B: Current Peacekeeping Missions 261
About the Author: Major General Tim Ford, Australian Forces (Retired) 262
Instructions for the End-of-Course Examination 263
Additional Resources »
Go to POTI’s Quizlet page to access virtual flashcards forLeading Within United Nations Peace Operations and other UN-related topics. Available from:
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ix Leading Within United Nations Peace Operations
Foreword
Dynamic leadership of United Nations peace operations is critical to success. This course is designed for those who may find themselves in leadership positions in UN peace operations or for those wishing to understand the issues associated with leading peacekeeping missions and peace operations. It should prove useful to both senior and junior leaders, those appointed to UN command and staff positions, and those with national command or staff responsibilities. Applicable to civilian, military, and police appointments, this course covers issues for participants at the strategic, operational, and tactical levels. The lessons should also be useful to those in organizations who need to interact with leaders within UN and international peace operations or with the UN Secretariat, such as Member States, regional organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and other UN and international organizations and agencies.
The course first considers the strategic and international issues that define UN peacekeeping and peacemaking, including the relationships that exist between the UN and its Member States and other organizations. Subsequent lessons consider how Member States and the wider international community support the UN in its authorization and deployment of peace operations. The course also looks at how field missions are structured and organized, and at the various issues associated with leadership within UN peace operations at the operational, national, and tactical levels, including security, force protection, and sustainment concerns.
This course was previously titled Commanding United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. It has been revised and renamed to recognize the critical role of all leaders in peace operations and to respond to ongoing developments in UN policy and reform and recent experiences in UN and international peace operations.
–Major General Tim Ford (Retired), 2018
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Method of Study
This self-paced course aims to give students flexibility in their approach to learning. The following steps are meant to provide motivation and guidance about some possible strategies and minimum expectations for completing this course successfully:
• Before you begin studying, first browse through the entire course. Notice the lesson and section titles to get an overall idea of what will be involved as you proceed.
• The material is meant to be relevant and practical. Instead of memorizing individual details, strive to understand concepts and overall perspectives in regard to the United Nations system.
• Set personal guidelines and benchmarks regarding how you want to schedule your time.
• Study the lesson content and the learning objectives. At the beginning of each lesson, orient yourself to the main points. If possible, read the material twice to ensure maximum understanding and retention, and let time elapse between readings.
• At the end of each lesson, take the End-of-Lesson Quiz. Clarify any missed questions by rereading the appropriate sections, and focus on retaining the correct information.
• After you complete all of the lessons, prepare for the End-of-Course Examination by taking time to review the main points of each lesson. Then, when ready, log into your online student classroom and take the End-of-Course Examination in one sitting.
» Access your online classroom at
• Your exam will be scored electronically. If you achieve a passing grade of 75 per cent or higher on the exam, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion. If you score below 75 per cent, you will be given one opportunity to take a second version of the End-of-Course Examination.
• A note about language: This course uses English spelling according to the standards of the Oxford English Dictionary (United Kingdom) and the United Nations Editorial Manual.
Key Features of Your Online Classroom »
• Access to all of your courses;
• A secure testing environment in which to complete your training;
• Access to additional training resources, including multimedia course supplements;
• The ability to download your Certificate of Completion for any completed course; and
• Forums where you can discuss relevant topics with the POTI community.
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xi LEADING WITHIN UNITED NATIONS PEACE OPERATIONS
LESSON 1 The United Nations Framework
The United Nations was created by a world determined to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”.1
UN Photo #194660 by Paulo Filgueiras.
In this lesson » Lesson Objectives »
Section 1.1 Foundations and Nature of the • Understand the background to the creation of the UN. United Nations System • Appreciate the overall role of the UN and its complexity Section 1.2 Working Organization of the and international nature. United Nations • Identify the principal organs of the UN.
Section 1.3 UN Organs and Agencies • Know the responsibilities of the General Assembly and
Section 1.4 Financing the United Nations the Security Council.
Section 1.5 Continual UN Reform • Describe the difference between the UN organs and UN agencies.
• Appreciate the evolving nature of UN financing and reform.
PEACE OPERATIONS TRAINING INSTITUTE
12 LESSON 1 | The United Nations Framework
Secretary-General António Guterres addresses the seventieth-anniversary celebration of the United Nations Correspondents Association at its annual directory reception at United Nations Headquarters in New York. 26 June 2018. UN Photo #767238 by Mark Garten.
Section 1.1 Foundations and Nature of the United Nations System
Creation
The United Nations was created by a world determined to “save succeeding generations from the scourge of war”1 during the United Nations Conference on International Organizations held in San Francisco in April 1945.2 The delegates, representing 50 countries, deliberated on the basis of proposals worked out by the representatives of China, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics from August to October 1944 at
1) United Nations, Charter of the United Nations, 26 June 1945. Available from:
13 LESSON 1 | The United Nations Framework
Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, D.C., United States.3 This origin of the UN accounts for the increased responsibilities granted to the victorious nations of the Second World War within the organization; their leading role still prevails today in the constitution of the five permanent members of the Security Council. Its creation was marked by the signing of the treaty that describes its status: the Charter of the United Nations.
The establishment of the UN characterizes the changes seen in international relationships during the twentieth century. Even though the idea of setting up an international organization with political objectives is not new, its achievement is quite recent. The only other organization in modern history to gain this distinction was the League of Nations. Conceived under similar circumstances and established in 1919 after the First World War under the Treaty of Versailles, the League of Nations aimed “to promote international cooperation and to achieve peace and security.” The Treaty of Versailles also created the International Labour Organization (ILO) as an affiliated agency of the League. The League of Nations ceased its activities in 1946 after failing to prevent the Second World War, but the ILO continues to operate.
The Charter of the United Nations
Fifty nations signed the Charter of the United Nations on 26 June 1945.4 The General Assembly has amended the Charter several times; it currently consists of 111 Articles and 19 Chapters, which describe the purposes, principles, membership, organs, and scope of UN activities.
Key Principles of the UN Charter include:
• Sovereign equality of all Member States;
• Peaceful settlement of disputes;
• Restraint from the use of force; and
• Non-intervention in the domestic affairs of nations (except for enforcement measures under Chapter VII).
View the UN Charter online »
To read the entire founding document of the United Nations and to reference the articles mentioned in this course, access the Charter online at
UN Photo #101834 by United Nations.
3) United Nations, “1944–1945: Dumbarton Oaks and Yalta”, accessed 24 August 2018. Available at:
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Outline of the UN Charter »
“We the peoples of the United Nations determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war...”i
» Chapter I – Purposes and Principles » Chapter II – Membership » Chapter III – Organs » Chapter IV – The General Assembly » Chapter V – The Security Council » Chapter VI – Pacific Settlement of Disputes » Chapter VII – Action with Respect to Threats to the Peace, Breaches of the Peace, and Acts of Aggression » Chapter VIII – Regional Arrangements » Chapter IX – International Economic and Social Co-operation » Chapter X – The Economic and Social Council » Chapter XI – Declaration Regarding Non-Self-Governing Territories » Chapter XII – International Trusteeship System » Chapter XIII – The Trusteeship Council » Chapter XIV – The International Court of Justice » Chapter XV – The Secretariat » Chapter XVI – Miscellaneous Provisions » Chapter XVII – Transitional Security Arrangements » Chapter XVIII – Amendments » Chapter XIX – Ratification and Signature
i) United Nations, Charter of the United Nations, Preamble.
International Agreements
Since its creation, the United Nations has played a leading role in multinational discussions and the development of international law; however, a full understanding of the background of international peace and security issues and peacekeeping activities must include an awareness of the previous treaties and principles that continue to influence the conduct of international organizations, such as the Hague Convention of 1907,5 which is included in today’s understanding of the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC).6 We also need to be aware of the wide range of international and regional organizations and agreements that exist and have an impact on the international process.
5) Convention (IV) respecting the Laws and Customs of War on Land and its annex: Regulations concerning the Laws and Customs of War on Land, The Hague, 18 October 1907. Available from:
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Membership
The United Nations began in 1945 with the 50 nations that were its “original members”. As of 2018, the UN included 193 nations, such that nearly all of the world’s recognized nations participate as active members. Additionally, there are two permanent non-member observer States at the United Nations (the Holy See and Palestine),7 and 21 intergovernmental organizations participate as observers and maintain permanent offices at UN Headquarters (UNHQ) in New York.8
Although the Charter does not make it compulsory, most Member States establish a diplomatic mission in New York to represent them on a permanent basis at UNHQ. These permanent missions are normally comprised of a Permanent Representative, usually of ambassadorial rank, plus national staff appointed by their respective governments who can represent the Member State as a national delegation in UN agencies and meetings. Many now include national military and police officers as counsels or attachés who advise the permanent mission on relevant technical aspects associated with UN peace operations and represent their nations at appropriate UN committees and working groups.
Section 1.2 Working Organization of the United Nations
The United Nations today is a large and complex system. It comprises six major branches (called organs) and has many associated specialized agencies, programmes, and related organizations that operate around the world. In addition to its headquarters in New York, the United Nations maintains a significant presence in Addis Ababa, Bangkok, Beirut, Geneva, Nairobi, Santiago, and Vienna, and it has offices worldwide. Figure 1-1 illustrates this structure.
International professionals and general service and field staff conduct the day-to-day functions of the UN offices and field missions, and they provide continuity in the administration of this complex organization. As of December 2016, the Secretariat had more than 10,000 permanent staff members. The Secretary-General and other staff are international civil servants who “answer to the United Nations alone for their activities and take an oath not to seek or receive instructions from any government or outside authority. Under the Charter, each Member State vows to respect the exclusively international character of the responsibilities of the Secretary-General and the staff and to refrain from seeking to influence them improperly.”9
Worldwide, the UN staff, including local personnel and civilian peacekeepers, totals more than 44,000 individuals.10 Additionally, the United Nations deploys more than 100,000 military, police, and civilians from 124 Member States to peace operations around the world.11
7) United Nations, “Non-member States”, accessed 24 August 2018. Available from:
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The United Nations System © 2019 United Nations. All rights reserved worldwide reserved rights All Nations. United © 2019 UN PRINCIPAL Subsidiary Organs Funds and Programmes1 Research and Training Other Entities Related Organizations ORGANS • Main Committees UNDP United Nations Development Programme UNIDIR United Nations Institute for ITC International Trade Centre (UN/WTO) CTBTO PREPARATORY COMMISSION Disarmament Research Preparatory Commission for the Comprehen- • Disarmament Commission • UNCDF United Nations Capital Development UNCTAD1,8 United Nations Conference on Trade sive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization Fund UNITAR United Nations Institute for and Development • Human Rights Council 1, 3 Training and Research 1 IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency • International Law Commission • UNV United Nations Volunteers UNHCR Office of the United Nations UNSSC United Nations System Staff UNEP8 United Nations Environment Programme High Commissioner for Refugees ICC International Criminal Court • Joint Inspection Unit (JIU) College GENERAL UNOPS1 United Nations Office for IOM1 International Organization for Migration • Standing committees and UNFPA United Nations Population Fund ASSEMBLY UNU United Nations University Project Services ad hoc bodies UN-HABITAT8 United Nations Human ISA International Seabed Authority 1 Settlements Programme UNRWA United Nations Relief and Works ITLOS International Tribunal for the Law Agency for Palestine Refugees in the of the Sea UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund Near East OPCW 3 Organization for the Prohibition of WFP World Food Programme (UN/FAO) 1 UN-WOMEN United Nations Entity for Gender Chemical Weapons Equality and the Empowerment of Women WTO1, 4 World Trade Organization
SECURITY COUNCIL • International Residual Mechanism for • Peacekeeping operations and political missions Subsidiary Organs Peacebuilding Commission HLPF High-level political Criminal Tribunals • Sanctions committees (ad hoc) forum on sustainable • Counter-Terrorism Committee • Military Staff Committee • Standing committees and ad hoc bodies development
ECONOMIC AND 8 1, 5 SOCIAL COUNCIL Functional Commissions Regional Commissions Other Bodies Specialized Agencies Communications Global of Department Nations United by the Published • Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice ECA Economic Commission for Africa • Committee for Development Policy FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of UNWTO World Tourism Organization • Narcotic Drugs ECE Economic Commission for Europe • Committee of Experts on Public Administration the United Nations UPU Universal Postal Union • Population and Development ECLAC Economic Commission for Latin • Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations ICAO International Civil Aviation WHO World Health Organization America and the Caribbean Organization • Science and Technology for Development • Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues WIPO World Intellectual Property Economic and Social Commission IFAD International Fund for Organization • Social Development ESCAP UNAIDS Joint United Nations Programme on for Asia and the Pacific Agricultural Development HIV/AIDS WMO World Meteorological Organization • Statistics ILO International Labour Organization Economic and Social Commission 7 ESCWA UNGEGN United Nations Group of Experts on WORLD BANK GROUP • Status of Women or Western Asia IMF International Monetary Fund SECRETARIAT Geographical Names • IBRD International Bank for • United Nations Forum on Forests IMO International Maritime Organization Research and Training Reconstruction and Development ITU International Telecommunication Union • IDA International Development UNICRI United Nations Interregional Crime and UNESCO United Nations Educational, Association Justice Research Institute Scientific and Cultural Organization • IFC International Finance Corporation 9 Office for the Coordination of Departments and Offices OCHA UNRISD United Nations Research Institute for UNIDO United Nations Industrial Humanitarian Affairs Social Development Development Organization EOSG Executive Office of the ODA Office for Disarmament Affairs Secretary-General OHCHR Office of the United Nations Notes: INTERNATIONAL DESA Department of Economic and High Commissioner for Human Rights Social Affairs UNISDR United Nations Office for Disaster 1 Members of the United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination (CEB). COURT OF JUSTICE OIOS Office of Internal Oversight Services 2 UN Office for Partnerships (UNOP) is the UN’s focal point vis-a-vis the United Nations Foundation, Inc. DGACM Department for General Assembly Risk Reduction 3 IAEA and OPCW report to the Security Council and the General Assembly (GA). and Conference Management OLA Office of Legal Affairs 1 UNODC United Nations Office on Drugs 4 WTO has no reporting obligation to the GA, but contributes on an ad hoc basis to GA and Economic and DGC Department of Global OSAA Office of the Special Adviser on Africa and Crime Social Council (ECOSOC) work on, inter alia, finance and development issues. Communications SRSG/CAAC Office of the Special UNOG United Nations Office at Geneva 5 Specialized agencies are autonomous organizations whose work is coordinated through ECOSOC (inter- Representative of the Secretary-General governmental level) and CEB (inter-secretariat level).
DMSPC Department of Management January 2019 18-00159—1 UN-OHRLLS Office of the High Representative 6 The Trusteeship Council suspended operation on 1 November 1994, as on 1 October 1994 Palau, the last Strategy, Policy and Compliance for Children and Armed Conflict for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked United Nations Trust Territory, became independent. DOS Department of Operational Support SRSG/SVC Office of the Special Developing Countries and Small Island 7 International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Representative of the Secretary-General Developing States TRUSTEESHIP DPO Department of Peace Operations Agency (MIGA) are not specialized agencies in accordance with Articles 57 and 63 of the Charter, but are on Sexual Violence in Conflict part of the World Bank Group. 6 UNON United Nations Office at Nairobi COUNCIL DPPA Department of Political and 8 The secretariats of these organs are part of the UN Secretariat. SRSG/VAC Office of the Special 2 Peacebuilding Affairs Representative of the Secretary-General UNOP United Nations Office for Partnerships 9 The Secretariat also includes the following offices: The Ethics Office, United Nations Ombudsman and DSS Department of Safety and Security on Violence Against Children UNOV United Nations Office at Vienna Mediation Services, and the Office of Administration of Justice. This Chart is a reflection of the functional organization of the United Nations System and for informational purposes only. It does not include all offices or entities of the United Nations System.
ii) United Nations, "The United Nations System Chart", January 2019. Available from: Figure 1-1ii
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Section 1.3 UN Organs and Agencies
The six principal organs of the UN are:
• the General Assembly;
• the Security Council;
• the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC);
• the Trusteeship Council;
• the International Court of Justice; and
• the Secretariat.
In particular, three UN organs significantly affect international peace and security issues. These are theUN General Assembly, the Security Council, and the Secretariat.
The General Assembly
“The General Assembly is the main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ of the UN.”12
Each Member State appoints a representative to the General Assembly, and each Member State has one vote. Decisions on important questions — such as those on peace and security, admission of new members, and budgetary matters — require a two-thirds majority. Decisions on other questions require a simple majority.
The General Assembly holds its annual regular session from September to December. Every September, “[a]t the start of each regular session, the General Assembly elects a new president, 21 vice presidents[,] and the Chairpersons of the Assembly’s six Main Committees.”13 To ensure equitable geographical representation, the presidency of the Assembly rotates each year among five groups of States: the African Group, the Asia-Pacific Group, the Eastern European Group, the Latin American and Caribbean Group, and the Western European and Others
Group. When each regular session begins, “the Assembly Felipe García-Landa, Representative of Mexico for the Administrative and Budgetary Committee (Fifth Committee), holds a general debate, often addressed by heads of state addresses the General Assembly meeting. 4 April 2018. UN and government, in which Member States express their Photo #756440 by Eskinder Debebe. views on the most pressing international issues.”14
The General Assembly can request special sessions, which are called to order by the Secretary-General as required by particular circumstances, either at the request of the Security Council or of a majority of the Member States, or of one member if the majority of the Member States agree. Special emergency sessions may be called within 24 hours in the same manner.
12) United Nations, “Main Organs”, accessed 24 August 2018. Available from:
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During sessions, the General Assembly works either in plenary session or committee sessions. Most questions come up for discussion in its six Main Committees:
• First Committee – Disarmament & International Security;
• Second Committee – Economic & Financial;
• Third Committee – Social, Humanitarian & Cultural;
• Fourth Committee – Special Political & Decolonization;
• Fifth Committee – Administrative & Budgetary; and
• Sixth Committee – Legal.
The responsibilities of the General Assembly include:
• Shared responsibilities:
– With the Security Council – issues concerning peacekeeping and international security; and
– With the Trusteeship Council – monitoring of administration of territories under supervision.
• Unique responsibilities:
– Study of reports from other United Nations agencies;
– Statement of general principles of cooperation for peacekeeping, particularly concerning disarmament;
– International cooperation in various fields and for the protection of human rights;
– Approval of supervision agreements; and
– Approval of the organization’s budget.
Wide view of the Security Council as Nickolay Mladenov (on screen), UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Personal Representative of the Secretary-General to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority, briefs the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. 24 July 2018. UN Photo #770523 by Rick Bajornas.
The Security Council
The Security Council’s primary responsibility is to maintain international peace and security. It consists of five permanent members — China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States — and 10 non-permanent members. The General Assembly elects the non-permanent members for a term of two years each. Traditionally, the Security Council allots the 10 non-permanent seats on a regional basis as follows:
• Africa and Asia (5)
• Eastern Europe (1)
• Latin America and the Caribbean (2)
• Western Europe and other States (2)
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The presidency of the Security Council rotates monthly according to the English alphabetical listing of its members. The Security Council’s structure and organization allow it to perform its tasks on a permanent basis, and it keeps the Secretary-General and the General Assembly informed of its activities.
The Secretariat15
In addition to its administrative functions, the Secretariat records and issues the international treaties signed by Member States of the United Nations. The Secretary-General, “the Senior Official in the Organization”, manages the Secretariat. Appointed every five years by the General Assembly upon the recommendation of the Security Council, the Secretary-General plays an important political role over and above his specific function at the UN. For example, UN agencies may request the Secretary-General to perform specific missions — political mediations, in particular.
An Under-Secretary-General heads each of the departments and offices in the Secretariat. The Under-Secretaries- General coordinate their departments’ activities through the Executive Office of the Secretary-General. The heads of departments and agencies meet periodically with the Secretary-General and the Deputy Secretary-General in the Senior Management Group and the Executive Committee on Peace and Security.
All departments and offices have some input in peacekeeping and resolving conflicts. For example, the Office of Legal Affairs is deeply involved in developing the rules of engagement (ROE) for peace operations, memorandums of understanding (MOU), and the Status of Forces/Mission Agreements (SOFA/SOMA) with Member States. Additionally, the Department of Management authorizes the budget for field missions.
Lesson 3 of this course discusses the functions of the departments involved in conflict management in greater detail, including the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), the Department of Peace Operations (DPO), the Department of Operational Support (DOS), the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the Department of Safety and Security (DSS).16
The Secretariat building at UNHQ bathed in the light of the setting sun. 28 November 2011. UN Photo #496435 by Rick Bajornas.
15) United Nations, “Secretariat”, accessed 24 August 2018. Available from:
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A wide view of the ECOSOC Chamber as the Council opened its 2017 operational activities segment. 28 February 2017. UN Photo #715504 by Eskinder Debebe.
The Economic and Social Council
The UN Charter established the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) as the principal organ to coordinate the economic, social, and related work of the United Nations and its specialized agencies and institutions, also known as the United Nations family of organizations. Some of the functions and powers of ECOSOC are:
• To serve as the central forum for the discussion of international economic, social, humanitarian, and environmental issues of a global or interdisciplinary nature and the formulation of policy recommendations on those issues addressed to Member States and the United Nations system;
• To conduct or initiate studies and reports and make recommendations on economic, social, cultural, educational, health, and related matters; and
• To promote respect for and observance of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Today, ECOSOC comprises 54 members with one vote each. Of these 54 members, 18 are elected each year and serve a three-year term. The Council meets annually in a four-week session that alternates between New York and Geneva. ECOSOC is not a decision-making body; rather, it prepares items for the General Assembly to decide on and assists the Security Council when required.
The International Court of Justice
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the UN. It settles legal disputes between States according to international law and provides advisory opinions to the United Nations and its specialized agencies.
The Court is open to all States that are parties to its Statute, including all Members of the United Nations. Only States may be parties in contentious cases before the Court and submit disputes to it. The Court is not open to private persons and entities or international organizations.
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The General Assembly and the Security Council can ask the Court for an advisory opinion on any legal question. Other organs of the United Nations and the specialized agencies, when authorized by the General Assembly, can ask for advisory opinions on legal questions within the scope of their activities.
The Trusteeship Council
The Charter established the Trusteeship Council in 1945 to provide international supervision for 11 Trust Territories placed under the administration of seven Member States. The Trusteeship Council ensured that the UN took adequate steps to prepare the Territories for self-government or independence. The UN Charter authorized the Trusteeship Council to examine and discuss reports from the administering authority on the political, economic, social, and educational advancement of the peoples of Trust Territories; to examine petitions from the Territories; and to undertake special missions to the Territories.
By the end of 1994, “all Trust Territories had attained self-government or independence, either as separate States or by joining neighbouring independent countries. The last to do so was the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands”, now known as Palau, which became the 185th Member State in December 1994.17 Its work completed, the Trusteeship Council — consisting of the five permanent members of the Security Council — amended its rules of procedure to meet where occasion may require.
A general view of the Trusteeship Council Chamber at United Nations Headquarters. 1 January 1993. UN Photo #64538 by Andrea Brizzi.
The UN and Other Agencies
The UN includes a number of agencies that depend mainly on the General Assembly and ECOSOC. Additionally, other international agencies do not belong to the UN but maintain close relations with the organization through ECOSOC. Peacekeepers may encounter some of these programmes, agencies, or commissions when working with or as a part of a peace operation.
17) Model United Nations, “Trusteeship Council,” accessed 24 August 2018. Available from:
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Financing for the programmes and funds comes in large part through voluntary rather than assessed contributions. Some of these include:
• The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) extends international protection to 19.9 million refugees throughout the world, seeking to ensure that they receive asylum and favourable legal status in their asylum country. Its headquarters are in Geneva, but its staff operate in 128 countries.18
• The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is a semi-autonomous organization that helps developing countries, at their request, to improve the quality of life of children through low-cost, community-based services in maternal and child health, nutrition, sanitation, and education, as well as emergency relief. Its headquarters is in New York, but the bulk of the staff carry out activities in the field in more than 190 countries and territories.19
• The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is the world’s largest channel for providing UNHCR and partners opened a new settlement multilateral technical and pre-investment assistance area in Arua district, northern Uganda, in February to developing nations and supports projects in nearly 2017, to host thousands of refugees arriving from 170 countries.20 As the principal political representative South Sudan. A young girl and boy at the Imvepi settlement. 20 June 2017. UN Photo #726719 by to developing nations, UNDP has an operational role Mark Garten. coordinating with national representatives on behalf of the UN and coordinating the activities of different UN agencies in each country.
• UN Women works toward achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women and helps set global standards for achieving gender equality. UN Women strives to better the lives of women and girls worldwide by working with and supporting Member States to form legislation, policies, and services while keeping the gender perspective in mind.21
• The World Food Programme (WFP) is the world’s largest international food aid organization. WFP is responsible for handling around 12.6 billion rations of food aid each year. Its mandate is to help poor people in developing countries by combating world hunger, natural catastrophes, and poverty. Annually, it provides over 80 million people in around 80 countries with basic foodstuffs.22
A wide range of other UN and international organizations make a significant contribution to international peace and security, development, and humanitarian assistance around the world. These include the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the ILO, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), among others.
18) UNHCR, “Where We Work”, accessed 24 August 2018. Available from:
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The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), based in Switzerland, is the founding institution of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. This movement includes three branches: the ICRC, the 191 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (National Societies), and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC).
The ICRC’s mandate is to operate in areas of armed conflict and internal disturbance. Originally, it focused on protection work, such as promotion among the conflicting parties of the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols, regarding matters such as the treatment of civilians and prisoners of war. In recent years, the provision of assistance in complex emergencies became a significant component as well, especially inside conflict zones (and on both sides of conflict lines).
The ICRC was originally a Swiss organization, in part to promote its fundamental principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence. It now incorporates a staff of different nationalities in its assistance efforts (e.g. doctors and mechanics); however, its delegates, who handle protection matters and the more sensitive negotiations regarding aid, remain almost exclusively Swiss.
» National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
National Societies operate in more than 190 countries around the world (National Societies in Islamic countries use the Red Crescent symbol). These Societies act as auxiliaries to the public authorities in these countries. They provide a range of services, including disaster relief, health and social assistance, and first aid courses. During wartime, National Societies may support the army medical services.
» International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
The IFRC supports the actions of various National Societies around the world, assisting with the coordination of international assistance provided to victims of natural disasters and of human-made disasters outside of conflict areas (where the ICRC takes the lead).
The Syrian Arab Red Crescent, with the support of IFRC, delivered a convoy of humanitarian aid supplied by the UN agency offices in Damascus to Yalda, Babila, and Bet Sahem, suburbs of Damascus, where many families fleeing from the violence in the Palestinian camp of Yarmouk took shelter. The convoy contained hygiene kits for families and children, baby diapers, children's clothes, plastic sheets, kitchen sets, mattresses, blankets, and sanitary napkins, which were distributed to 12,000 Palestinian and Syrian families. 1 May 2015. Photo by Ibrahim Malla – IFRC.
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Section 1.4 Financing the United Nations
United Nations funding comes from three sources: assessed contributions to the regular budget, assessed contributions for peace operations, and voluntary contributions for specialized agencies and subsidiary organizations.23
The Fifth Committee of the General Assembly determines the scale of assessments for contributions to the regular budget Scale of Assessment of Major every third year. The scale of assessments reflects a country’s Contributors (2018)i » capacity to pay, determined by factors such as a country’s national income and population. The peacekeeping budget United States 22 % assessments are based on the regular budget rates, and Japan 9.68 % developing countries receive discounts. The five permanent China 7.92 % members of the Security Council, which approves all peace operations, pay extra fees to compensate for those discounts. Germany 6.39 % A “ceiling” rate sets the maximum amount of any Member France 4.86 % State’s assessed share of the regular and peacekeeping budgets. Apart from these contributions, revenue from the United Kingdom 4.46 % sale of items such as UN souvenirs, special stamps, books, and Brazil 3.82% brochures finances the regular budget. The Fifth Committee has recommended a budget of $5.4 billion for the 2018-2019 Italy 3.75 % biennium. Russian Federation 3.08 %
In addition to their contributions to the regular budget, Canada 2.92 % Member States contribute to the peace operations budget and the cost of international courts and tribunals. Initially, Spain 2.44 % a country’s assessed contributions to the regular budget Australia 2.33 % determined the level of these contributions. However, the Korea, Republic of 2.04 % actual level of assessed contributions to the peace operations budget also considers the political responsibility of the Netherlands 1.48 % permanent members of the Security Council. Since peace Mexico 1.43 % missions vary in number and duration, contributions to the peacekeeping budget also fluctuate more widely from year to Switzerland 1.14 % year than contributions to the regular budget. The approved Saudi Arabia 1.14 % budget for UN peace operations for the fiscal year 1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018 was $6.8 billion.24 i) UNESCO, “Scale of assessments, currency of Member Member States also contribute to the many projects and States’ contributions and working capital fund”, 8 September 2017. Available from:
Section 1.5 Continual UN Reform
23) Assessed contributions are the dues countries pay in order to be a member of the organization. The amount each Member State must pay is calculated relative to the country’s wealth and population. 24) DPKO, “How We Are Funded”, accessed 24 August 2018. Available from:
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The United Nations is a large, multidimensional organization that operates in a complex political and financial environment. To remain relevant, it must respond to the concerns of its Member States, and it must meet the demands of the present international situation. The UN must adjust to new conditions and new needs constantly. At the same time, it must adhere to its Charter and the enshrined principles of sovereign equality of all Member States and non-intervention in the domestic affairs of nations. To meet these challenges and to respond to concerns about how various UN activities have evolved in the past, the membership and the Secretariat have undertaken various major reform programmes and reviews over the years.
After the United Nations failures to prevent genocide in Rwanda in 1994 and to protect the inhabitants of Srebrenica (Bosnia and Herzegovina) in 1995, Secretary-General Kofi Annan appointed the Panel on United Nations Peace Operations. The panel was tasked with assessing the shortcomings of the peace operations system and making specific and realistic recommendations for change. The final report of the Panel, known as the “Brahimi Report”25 after Panel Chair Lakhdar Brahimi, “called for renewed political commitment on the part of Member States, significant institutional change, and increased financial support. The Panel noted that in order to be effective, UN peacekeeping operations must be properly resourced and equipped, and operate under clear, credible, and achievable mandates.”26
In 2015, a High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations (HIPPO) completed a major review of UN peace operations, known as the HIPPO Report, the first of its kind since the 2000 Brahimi Report.27 This took place in parallel with three other major reviews:
• A Global Study on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace, and security (WPS) that reviewed the challenges and lessons learned across regions in implementing the WPS agenda over the past 15 years;28
• The review of the UN peacebuilding architecture;29 and
• The review of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda
30 for Sustainable Development. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Executive Director of UN Women, addressed a press conference on the 15th anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325 and a new Global Study on Women, Peace and Security Since taking office in January 2017, Secretary-General marking the anniversary. 12 October 2015. UN Photo António Guterres has presented the broad strokes of a reform #648847 by Devra Berkowitz. plan in response to the HIPPO recommendations and other
25) UN General Assembly and UN Security Council, “Report of the Panel on United Nations Peace Operations”, A/55/305–S/2000/809, 21 August 2000. Available from:
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Further Reading »
For more details on the UN system, readers should refer to the POTI e-learning course Introduction to the UN System: Orientation for Serving on a UN Field Mission (Revised in 2015). The course is available online at:
concerns noted in these reviews along five parallel streams:
1) A renewed focus on prevention and sustaining peace;
2) A new UN Office of Counter-Terrorism;
3) A reform of the UN development system;
4) Restructuring of the peace and security architecture; and
5) Management reform.
While the first three streams are much broader than peace operations and focus both on mission andnon- mission settings, they do have potential implications for peace operations. The last two streams have more direct and far-reaching consequences for the design and conduct of UN peace operations. On 1 January 2019, a new peace and security architecture came into effect. The Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and the Department of Peace Operations (DPO) were formed from the previous departments and now jointly oversee eight new regional divisions, each managing a mix of peacekeeping operations, special political missions, and non-mission settings.
The United Nations needs to continue to adjust to meet the challenges facing Member States and their citizenry in the twenty-first century. In areas like the environment, public health, and human security, the world faces threats and challenges that know neither borders nor boundaries. However, “by their nature, these challenges also expand the possibilities for collective action by States and other entities and actors, such as civil society and the private sector, enabling the UN to become the focus for concerted action to advance the common good.”31
31) United Nations – Jordan, “UN Reform”, 2018. Available from:
27 LESSON 1 | The United Nations Framework End-of-Lesson Quiz »
1. The United Nations was founded _____. 6. The five permanent members of the Security Council are _____. A. in 1908 B. in 1945 A. China, India, Japan, the Russian Federation, C. after the Cold War and the United States D. before the Second World War B. Argentina, France, Japan, the Russian Federation, and the United Kingdom 2. The Security Council’s primary C. China, France, the Russian Federation, the responsibility is to _____. United Kingdom, and the United States A. maintain international peace and security D. France, India, the Russian Federation, the B. act as a World Parliament United Kingdom, and the United States C. enact international humanitarian laws 7. Which of the following statements is D. None of the above TRUE of ECOSOC?
3. Which of the following is NOT one of the A. There are 54 members of ECOSOC six principal organs of the UN? B. ECOSOC has more power than the Security A. The Security Council Council B. The Secretariat C. ECOSOC was founded by the League of C. The Trusteeship Council Nations D. The International Criminal Court D. ECOSOC is a decision-making body
4. The United Nations General Assembly is 8. The Secretary-General is appointed composed of _____. _____.
A. all Member States A. every four years by the Security Council B. five permanent members and 20 elected upon the recommendation of the Secretariat members B. every five years by the General Assembly C. 10 permanent members upon the recommendation of the Security D. a proportion of Member States representing Council the different regions in the world C. every three years by the Secretariat upon the recommendation of the General 5. The UN Security Council is composed of Assembly _____. D. every 10 years by the General Assembly A. five members upon the recommendation of the Secretariat B. ten members C. fifteen members D. twenty-five members
Answer Key provided on the next page.
28 LESSON 1 | The United Nations Framework End-of-Lesson Quiz »
9. Prior to the establishment of the United 10. The regular budget of the UN is financed Nations, only one other entity ever by _____. existed as an international organization A. mandatory contributions by the five with political objectives. This now- permanent members of the Security Council defunct organization was called _____. B. voluntary contributions by Member States A. the Geneva Conventions Society C. assessed contributions determined every B. the International Federation of Red Cross three years based on factors such as a and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) country’s national income and size of C. the Security Council population D. the League of Nations D. None of the above
Answer Key »
1. B 2. A 3. D 4. A 5. C 6. C 7. A 8. B 9. D 10. C
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Appendix A: List of Acronyms
AFISMA African-led International Support Mission in Mali
AMISOM African Union Mission in Somalia
C2 command and control
CDT conduct and discipline team
CDU Conduct and Discipline Unit
CIMIC civil-military coordination
CISS Chief of Integrated Support Services
CMO Chief Military Observer
CMOC Civil-Military Operations Centre
CMS Chief of Mission Support
COE contingent-owned equipment
CONOPS concept of operations
CPTMs Core Pre-Deployment Training Materials
CSD Chief of Service Delivery
D1 Director Level 1
D2 Director Level 2
DDR disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration
DFC Deputy Force Commander
DFS Department of Field Support
DMS Director of Mission Support
DO Designated Official
DPA Department of Political Affairs
DPET Division for Policy, Evaluation and Training
DPKO Department of Peacekeeping Operations
DPO Department of Peace Operations
DPPA Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs
DSRSG Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General
DSS Department of Safety and Security
DUF Directive on the Use of Force
ECOMOG Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group
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ECOSOC Economic and Social Council
ECOWAS Economic Community of West African States
ECPS Executive Committee for Peace and Security
FARDC Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo
FC Force Commander
FHQ force headquarters
FPDO Friends of Peace and Development Organization
FPU formed police unit
HC UN Humanitarian Coordinator
HIPPO High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations
HOM head of mission
HOMC Head of the Military Component
HOPC Head of the Police Component
ICJ International Court of Justice
ICRC International Committee of the Red Cross
IDDRS UN Integrated Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration Standards
IDP internally displaced person
IFRC International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies
ILO International Labour Organization
IMF International Monetary Fund
IMPP United Nations Integrated Mission Planning Process
IMTCs Integrated Mission Training Centres
IMTF Integrated Mission Task Force
INTERFET International Force East Timor
IOM International Organization for Migration
IOT Integrated Operational Team
ISS Integrated Support Service
ITS Integrated Training Service
JLOC Joint Logistics Operations Centre
JMAC Joint Mission Analysis Centre
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JOC Joint Operations Centre
LI Letters of Intent
LOA Letter of Assist
LOAC Law of Armed Conflict
LOE letters of exchange
MACC mine action coordination centre
MINURSO UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara
MINUSMA UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali
MINUSTAH United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti
MLO Military Liaison Officer
MLT Mission Leadership Team
MOA memorandum of agreement
MONUC United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
MONUSCO United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
MOU memorandum of understanding
MSA mission subsistence
NGO non-governmental organization
NSE national support elements
NSE(A) NSE administration
NSE(L) NSE logistics
NSE(O) NSE operational
OCHA United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
OHCHR Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
OPLAN operation plan
OROLSI Office of theule R of Law and Security Institutions
P5 Professional Level 5
PC Police Commissioner
PCC police-contributing country
PCRS Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System
PET Policy Evaluation and Training Division
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PIO Public Information Officer
POC protection of civilians
RC UN Resident Coordinator
RDL Rapid Deployment Level
ROE rules of engagement
SADC South African Development Community
SCR United Nations Security Council resolution
SDS strategic deployment stocks
SEA sexual exploitation and abuse
SHIRBRIG Standby High-Readiness Brigade
SitCen Situation Centre
SLP Senior Leadership Programme
SML UN Senior Mission Leadership
SMT Security Management Team
SOFA Status of Forces Agreement
SOMA Status of Mission Agreement
SPC Standing Police Capacity
SPO senior political officer
SRSG Special Representative of the Secretary-General
SSR security sector reform
STM Specialized Training Materials
TCC troop-contributing country
UN Women United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women
UNAMA United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan
UNAMI United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq
UNAMID United Nations–African Union Mission in Darfur
UNAMSIL United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone
UNCT UN Country Team
UNDOF United Nations Disengagement Observer Force
UNDP United Nations Development Programme
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UNDSS United Nations Department of Safety and Security
UNEF I First United Nations Emergency Force
UNFICYP United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus
UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
UNHQ United Nations Headquarters in New York
UNICEF United Nations Children’s Fund
UNIFIL United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon
UNMAS United Nations Mine Action Service
UNMEE United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea
UNMIK United Nations Mission in Kosovo
UNMIL United Nations Mission in Liberia
UNMIS United Nations Mission in Sudan
UNMISS United Nations Mission in South Sudan
UNMIT United Nations Mission in Timor-Leste
UNMO United Nations Military Observers
UNOCC UN Operations and Crisis Centre
UNOG United Nations Office at Geneva
UNOMSIL United Nations Observer Mission in Sierra Leone
UNOSOM II Second United Nations Operation in Somalia
UNPOL United Nations Police Division
UNRWA United Nations Relief and Works Agency
UNSMIL United Nations Support Mission in Libya
UNTAET United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor
UNTSO United Nations Truce Supervision Organization
UNV United Nations Volunteers
WFP World Food Programme
WHO World Health Organization
WPS women, peace, and security
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Appendix B: Current Peacekeeping Missions
UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS
MINUSMA MINURSO UNAMID UNMIK UNFICYP UNIFIL UNMOGIP Mali Western Sahara Darfur Kosovo Cyprus Lebanon India and Pakistan
MINUJUSTH MINUSCA MONUSCO UNMISS UNISFA UNTSO UNDOF Haiti Central African Republic Dem. Rep. of the Congo South Sudan Abyei Middle East Syria
Map No. 4259 Rev. 25 (E) UNITED NATIONS Department of Field Support April 2018 Geospatial Information Section (formerly Cartographic Section) UN Peacekeeping Map from the UN Cartographic Section, April 2018:
MINURSO United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara established: 1991 MINUSCA United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the established: 2014 » LookingCentral Af riforcan Republistatisticsc or other data about United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali established: 2013 MINUSMA peacekeeping around the world today? Visit MINUJUSTH United Nations Mission for Justice Support in Haiti established: 2017 MONUSCO theUnited UN Nations Peacekeeping Organization Stabilization resource Mission in pagethe Dem. forRepublic the of the Congo established: 2010 African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur established: 2007 UNAMID most up-to-date information about current UNDOF United Nations Disengagement Observer Force established: 1974 UNFICYP peacekeepingUnited Nations Peace operationskeeping Force in and Cypru others UN established: 1964 UNIFIL missions:United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon established: 1978 UNISFA United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei established: 2011 UNMIK
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About the Author: Major General Tim Ford, Australian Forces (Retired)
Major General Tim Ford is a retired soldier and peacekeeper now based in Sydney, Australia. During his forty-year military career, General Ford served in a wide variety of command, staff, and training appointments in Australia and overseas,
General Ford including operational service in South Vietnam.
For the last five years of his military career, he served in UN appointments as Head of Mission of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization in the Middle East from 1998–2000 and as Military Adviser in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations at UN Headquarters in New York from 2000–2002.
Since leaving the Defence Force, General Ford has continued to undertake significant overseas projects and reviews for the United Nations, the Australian Government, and other international organizations on international peace and security issues. Both throughout and following his military career, he has travelled to conflict areas and contributed to a wide range of international seminars, training courses, and conferences as a keynote speaker and presenter. He was a mentor for the UN Senior Mission Leadership courses from their inception in 2004 until 2011 and has written on leadership in peace operations in several forums.
General Ford continues to be involved in the development of UN peace operations policy. He served as Chair of the Board of the Peace Operations Training Institute from 2010–2017.
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Instructions for the End-of-Course Examination
Format and Material
The End-of-Course Examination is a multiple-choice exam that is accessed from the Online Classroom. Most exams have 50 questions. Each question gives the student four choices (A, B, C, and D), and only one is the correct answer. The exam covers material from all lessons of the course and may also include information found in the annexes and appendices. Video content will not be tested.
» Access the exam from your Online Classroom by visiting
Time Limit
There is no time limit for the exam. This allows the student to read and study the questions carefully and to consult the course text. Furthermore, if the student cannot complete the exam in one sitting, he or she may save the exam and come back to it without being graded. The “Save” button is located at the bottom of the exam, next to the “Submit my answers” button. Clicking on the “Submit my answers” button will end the exam.
Passing Grade
To pass the exam, a score of 75 per cent or better is required. An electronic Certificate of Completion will be awarded to those who have passed the exam. A score of less than 75 per cent is a failing grade, and students who have received a failing grade will be provided with a second, alternate version of the exam, which may also be completed without a time limit. Students who pass the second exam will be awarded a Certificate of Completion.
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