United Nations 2012 Peace Operations Cover photos (clockwise from top):

A member of MINURSO’s Military Liaison Office chats with a group of local Western Saharans, June 2010. (UN Photo/Martine Perret) Crowds of locals surround the recently-dispatched UN monitoring team as they walk through the streets of Homs, Syria, April 2012. (UN Photo/Neeraj Singh) Women taking part in traditional dances in Dili, Timor-Leste. (UNMIT/Bernardino Soares) A Ghanaian peacekeeper serving with the United Nations Mission in Liberia, on guard duty during a visit by the Special Representative Karin Landgren, in Cestos City, Liberia, November 2012. (UNMIL/Staton Winter)

2 Year in Review 2012 Table of Contents

Introduction: Evolving to meet new challenges 1

Interview: Hervé Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations 2 Interview: Ameerah Haq, Under-Secretary-General for Field Support 4 Interview: Jeffrey Feltman, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs 6

PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS

MINURSO: Ensuring a path to safety 9 MINUSTAH: From reconstruction to stabilization 11 MONUSCO: Progress interrupted 13 UNAMID: Protection of civilians, peace process at the forefront 15 UNDOF: Challenged like never before 17 UNFICYP: A delicate balancing act in Cyprus 18 UNIFIL: Helping to stabilize a region in turmoil 20 UNISFA: Volatility to stability 22 UNMIK: Promoting dialogue and freedom of movement 24 UNMIL: Meeting challenges on the path to lasting peace 25 UNMISS: Ensuring the security of civilians 27 UNMIT: A story of successful cooperation 29 UNOCI: Scaling up protection efforts 31 UNSMIS: Military solution not possible 33 UNTSO: Nimbleness as a guiding concept 35

Women in Peacekeeping 36

POLITICAL AND PEACEBUILDING MISSIONS

BNUB: Consolidating peace through political dialogue 39 BINUCA: Back from the brink, but still fragile 40 UNAMA: Positioning itself for post 2014 41 UNAMI: Paving the way for elections 43 UNIOGBIS: Advancing Security Sector Reform 45 UNIPSIL: Peacebuilding efforts play a role in peaceful elections 47 UNOAU: Supporting the African Union’s first Formed Police Unit 49 UNOCA: Partnering with regional organizations 50 UNOWA: Mobilizing regional efforts to address crises in West Africa 52 UNPOS: Historic Year for Somalia’s Political Progress 54 UNSCO: Challenges in pursuit of the peace process 57 UNSCOL: Maintaining Stability in Lebanon 59 UNSMIL: Elections: A Success for Libya 61 FACTS AND FIGURES

Peacekeeping Operations Facts and Figures 63 United Nations Peacekeeping Operations 65 United Nations Political and Peacebuilding Operations 67 List of Peacekeeping Operations 1948 - 2012 69 Peacekeeping Contributors 71 Peacekeepers of MALBATT (Malawi Battalion in Ivory Coast) in Ayama camp. (UNOCI/Patricia Esteve)

INTRODUCTION Evolving to meet new challenges

Peace operations, both peacekeeping to more than a decade-long United for UN peace operations in 2012. A good and political, remain one of the most Nations peacekeeping engagement in that example of this was in Somalia, where cost effective and critical United Nations country. On the other hand, however, in heightened diplomatic efforts, facilitated activities. With over 110,000 personnel August, the UN Supervision Mission in by the UN Political Office (UNPOS), serving in around 30 peacekeeping Syria (UNSMIS), which had been called helped to complete an eight-year and political missions in 2012, they upon to monitor a cessation of armed political transition with the adoption of a were also one of the most visible violence there and support the full provisional Constitution and the election undertakings of this global organization. implementation of Joint Special Envoy of a President by a newly established As peace operations continued to evolve Kofi Annan’s six-point plan, had to be Parliament, the first democratic process encompassing larger and more complex terminated only four months after its of its kind in more than two decades. In mandates, the United Nations, working deployment due to the unabated conflict Mali, the UN special political mission in close partnerships with Member and unwillingness of the opposing parties was established by the Security Council States, regional organizations, national to engage in meaningful dialogue to stop in December to provide coordinated and authorities and other stakeholders, the bloodshed. coherent support to the ongoing political strived to adapt its peacekeeping and and security processes in that country. peacemaking tools to address new, Elsewhere, while UN missions in Africa ever-growing challenges and additional were challenged, sometimes to the limits, The Year in Review looks at these and demands. by their host country specific crises and other issues and attempts to show how, developments, field operations in the in practical terms, UN peacekeeping and The past year will go down in UN Middle East had to adapt, to a varying political missions were supporting in peacekeeping history with an eventful degree, to the regional ramifications of 2012 a range of critical activities vital record featuring it all, from hope to the continuing conflict in Syria. to maintaining international peace and accomplishment to setback. On the one security, including monitoring ceasefires; hand, the UN mission in Timor-Leste The United Nations also continued to stabilizing post-conflict environment; successfully completed its mandate in hone its range of tools in peacemaking. disarming and reintegrating ex-combatants December following two rounds of Conflict prevention, preventive diplomacy into civilian life; strengthening governance, successful presidential and parliamentary and mediation, some of the key priorities rule of law, dialogue and reconciliation; elections and the inauguration of the established by the Secretary-General in protecting civilians and helping build new Government, thus bringing an end his second term were important markers democratic institutions.■

Major General Robert Mood (centre), Chief Military Observer and Head of the UN Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS), meets with members of the opposition in Al-Rastan, Syria, May 2012. (UN Photo/Neeraj Singh)

1 Year in Review 2012 INTERVIEW

UN Peacekeeping must adapt to new challenges Interview with Hervé Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations

When he took over the position of Under-Secretary-General for the UN’s Department of Peacekeeping Operations in 2011, Hervé Ladsous brought with him the extensive experience from a long career in diplomacy. Now, in his second year as head of DPKO, Mr. Ladsous zeroes in on the past successes, challenges ahead and what is needed to improve the effectiveness of the peacekeeping operations.

Q. What were the biggest challenges for UN peacekeeping in 2012? in November, they evacuated dozens in Côte d’Ivoire. Our peacekeepers of activists, government officials and helped Haitians recover from the 2010 Syria, the Sudans and the Democratic journalists opposed to the M23 and earthquake; they supported the second Republic of Congo (DRC) were among whose lives were at risk. This crisis re- post-conflict election in Liberia; and they the most challenging situations we faced ignited regional political efforts and led helped Côte d’Ivoire consolidate stability. last year. to the signing of the Peace, Security and These positive trends are allowing us to Cooperation Framework, as well as the reduce our presence in these countries. In Syria, an observer mission was authorization of a Force Intervention established in April 2012, but lack of Brigade (FIB) by the Security Council in Q. In 2013, where do you expect UN progress in a political resolution and the March 2013, on an exceptional basis. peacekeeping to be most active? intensification of armed violence obliged Through the FIB, the Council authorized the mission to draw down after four our peacekeepers to conduct targeted Our deployment in Mali, the use of months. Peacekeepers are most effective offensive operations to neutralize and new tools in DRC and, potentially, the when they are deployed in support of a disarm armed groups. evolving situation in Syria rank high on viable peace process and when the parties our agenda for 2013. All three contexts have decided to give peace a chance. One figure, I think, tragically reflects the are high-risk environments. challenges we faced: In 2012 we lost 111 Unresolved post-independence questions peacekeepers, many in the line of duty. In Mali, as we set up our newest led Sudan and South Sudan to the brink We mourn every fallen colleague and operation - taking over from an African- of war. At the same time South Sudan send our heartfelt condolences to their was confronted with inter-communal loved ones. violence, especially in Jonglei state. Our peacekeepers reinforced their patrols Q. What do you rate as the major and adopted a robust posture to protect accomplishments of UN peacekeeping civilians. They have also assisted, through in 2012? mediation efforts, in finding a political solution. I welcome the progress we Timor-Leste comes to mind first. In have seen in recent months, including December, after more than 13 years of the signing of a number of agreements a peacekeeping and political presence, between Sudan and South Sudan, and our mission left behind a vibrant and the resumption of oil production and rising country. A series of peaceful and exploitation. free elections had taken place in the meantime. Timorese must be proud of From April, after a new armed group their progress. We are proud to have been (the M23) caused some of the worst part of it. suffering we have seen in eastern DRC, USG Ladsous briefs journalists on priority peacekeepers took robust steps to protect We can also be proud of the progress areas of the year for UN peacekeeping, civilians. Following the fall of Goma we have seen in Haiti, in Liberia or February 2012. (UN Photo/JC McIlwaine)

Year in Review 2012 2 INTERVIEW

led peace operation (AFISMA) - we are aware of the particular volatility of the situation and the risks posed to our peacekeepers and UN staff more widely. Our peacekeepers will not be conducting counter-terrorism activities; these types of actions will be carried out by others. But they will use force to protect civilians and the UN presence. We are working very closely with our partners, including Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union. We will do our best to support Malian authorities to put in place a legitimate and representative government.

We must be ready to meet new challenges and to USG Ladsous and Louis Aucoin (right), Deputy Special Representative (Rule of Law), are greeted at the helipad on arrival in Gbarnga, Liberia. April 2012. (UN Photo/Staton Winter) adjust to changing security situations. UNDOF and United Nations Interim Council has made clear that United Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL). Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of The DRC will also remain a major Q. Beyond countries or regions, what do the Congo (MONUSCO)’s Intervention challenge, especially as our Force you see as the challenges of the future Brigade is an exception, not the rule. And Intervention Brigade takes on the task for UN peacekeeping? again, the Intervention Brigade must be of neutralizing and disarming armed seen in the broader political context as a groups. The deployment of the Brigade Four related challenges are increasingly way of addressing those who attempt to has started. The Brigade must be seen in facing UN peacekeeping and they are spoil peace efforts. the broader political context of the Peace, likely to continue in the foreseeable Security and Cooperation Framework for future. Third, we must improve the effectiveness DRC and the region. It is a tool designed and performance of peacekeeping to support the peace process, and a First, UN peacekeepers are increasingly operations. We need to deliver more way of addressing those who attempt operating in contexts where risks and robustly on our mandates. This to spoil this peace process. It will also threats are higher. In Mali, for example, requires, for the UN, a clear political be supported by an additional tool – peacekeepers must be prepared for framework, adequate capabilities, and an unmanned aerial system which will improvised explosive devices, suicide adequate political will on the part of our conduct surveillance over impenetrable bombers, and other asymmetric threats. contributors. border areas and give the mission We will need improved capacities and enhanced situational awareness. innovation to respond. We must be ready The final challenge I see relates to to meet new challenges and to adjust to partnerships. UN peacekeeping is a global We will remain particularly vigilant changing security situations. In coming partnership. We must keep building our about the situation in the Middle East. years flexibility will continue to be our partnerships with the Security Council, Not only because we need to be ready if focus. Member States, regional organizations, the Security Council eventually calls for a and the wider UN family. A significant peacekeeping mission in Syria when and Second, there are concerns on the part percentage of our missions are deploying if a political settlement is reached, but of some of our stakeholders that UN alongside parallel missions and our also because the Syrian conflict is already peacekeeping may be sliding into roles interaction with other actors is becoming affecting two of our missions (United better left to others, such as enforcement a regular element of our operations that Nations Disengagement Observer Force, actions. But this is a misperception. The we need to further strengthen.■

3 Year in Review 2012 INTERVIEW

Support to peacekeeping: it’s all about the field Interview with Ameerah Haq, Under-Secretary-General for Department of Field Support

Ameerah Haq has had nearly equal time in the field and at Headquarters in her UN career which spans 37 years, making her an ideal candidate to lead the Department of Field Support. Having done so for the last year, Ms. Haq reflects on what it takes to support a collective 122,000 personnel in peace operations around the globe in a changing economy and changes she would like to see.

Q. You moved from United Nations Q. Before taking up your position Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste as USG for Field Support you were (UNMIT) to head up the Department Special Representative of the Secretary- of Field Support in mid-2012. What are General (SRSG) in Timor-Leste, coming your impressions and what do you find from your positions as Deputy Special most interesting about the assignment so Representative of the Secretary-General far? (DSRSG) in Sudan and prior to that DSRSG in Afghanistan. What have you We currently support 15 Department learned in these mission leadership roles of Peacekeeping Operation (DPKO)- that you will apply to your senior role in led missions, one Department of Field Headquarters? Support (DFS)-led support mission in Somalia, and 21 special political I can sum it up in a simple phrase: it’s all and good offices missions led by the about the field. As one who has served Department of Political Affairs (DPA.) These operations, with some 122,000 in peacekeeping missions for the past personnel, range from support to African decade, I believe firmly in the goal of Union troops in Somalia to our large providing the best possible support to peacekeeping missions in South Sudan, our operations, in terms of quality and the Democratic Republic of the Congo in terms of cost-effectiveness, so that (DRC) and our mission in Darfur; two peacekeepers can focus on implementing USG Haq at Headquarters, June 2012. (UN Photo/JC McIlwaine) regional political offices in western Africa their mandate and addressing the needs of and a range of operations in the Middle conflict-affected communities. East. The magnitude and variety of the Like the Member States we serve, we in challenges we face every day to support The safety and security of the men the Secretariat must seek the efficiencies such a diverse range of field operations and women working in peacekeeping demanded by the current financial climate. has impressed me. operations is a top priority. Having Improving our support to the field means served in countries and situations where making better use of human and financial Just as there is no one-size-fits-all for attacks against peacekeepers were not resources through economies of scale, peacekeeping operations, DFS must be uncommon, this is an issue very close to specialization, and a clearer division of ready to adapt and be flexible in how my heart. I know first-hand the difficult labour among the key actors in mission we do business to ensure teams on the conditions in which our troops, police support. ground receive the support they need in and civilian personnel serve. We are a timely fashion and at the requisite level committed to doing the utmost for their This will result in less duplication, less of high quality. I have been struck by the safety, security and welfare. stress and less confusion in how missions quiet dedication of DFS colleagues at are supported: in short, better results and the Headquarters and in the Missions I Q. How has the global financial crisis more efficient use of resources. have visited, even under the most difficult affected the work of supporting the security and physical conditions and the field? What is DFS doing to meet the most demanding time constraints. expectations of Member States?

Year in Review 2012 4 INTERVIEW

Q. The Global Field Support Strategy (GFSS) is now half-way through. What of existing field operations, we must contributing countries (TCCs) and police- can we expect in the second half of its also be ready to support new ones contributing countries (PCCs) must implementation? or ones going through significant continue to strengthen accountability changes. For example, in 2013 we are for prevention, enforcement and response The full implementation of the GFSS looking at the establishment of a new including criminal accountability where is key to greater efficiency and use of peacekeeping mission. The remarkable warranted — and in accordance with resources. It will achieve improved progress in Somalia means that we are national laws. Victim assistance must support with fewer redundancies and ready to support the relocation of full also remain a priority. bottlenecks. Achieving the GFSS end UN operations inside Somalia, and we state means integrating and improving are ready to support a reconfiguration services in all the pillars of work: of the current mission structures there. “The safety and security human resources, finance, supply We continue to support a small team in of the men and women modularization, and the service centres. Syria, under difficult safety and security working in peacekeeping The next two years will be critical. conditions, in support of Joint Special operations is a top priority.” GFSS must become mainstreamed at all Representative Lakhdar Brahimi’s efforts levels of mission support: Headquarters, to help broker an end to the conflict. And Global Service Center in Brindisi, the Security Council is discussing new Regional Service Center in Entebbe approaches in DRC; this will require A key personnel issue I want to highlight and the field missions. Our efforts will maximum flexibility and the ability to is our need to address the challenge of focus on achieving a clearer division of move quickly on multiple support fronts improving the recruitment and retention labour, more specialization at each of the will remain critical to success. of women in peacekeeping. Increasing four levels, and realizing the benefits of the number of women in peacekeeping economies of scale. Staff conduct and discipline remains a key remains a challenge: currently only 29 to successful peacekeeping. Misconduct per cent of international and 17 per cent Q. What are some of the main challenges destroys the confidence in, and support of national civilian field staff are women. you see for DFS in 2013? for, the work we do, in particular Despite our efforts, these statistics have because such incidents involve the very remained largely unchanged for several Let me highlight just a few, among population we are mandated to protect. years.■ many. Just as we support a wide range We in the Secretariat and in troop-

USG Haq inspects the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) troops from Rwanda at the team site in Kabkabiya, Darfur North, as part of her four-day trip to Sudan, November 2012. (UNAMID/Albert González Farran)

5 Year in Review 2012 INTERVIEW

Pursuing the political solution Interview with Jeffrey Feltman, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs

The past year brought new leadership to the Department of Political Affairs, as Jeffrey Feltman took up the position of Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs following a distinguished career as a U.S. diplomat focused mainly on the Middle East. In his current position, USG Feltman advises Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on matters of peace and security globally, while overseeing the work of the organization in preventive diplomacy and mediation.

Q. As a newcomer to the United Nations what have been your first impressions? far more time traveling in Africa and What are your priorities? Asia than in the Middle East, and I have been helped in climbing a pretty Let me first say how great an honor it was steep learning curve by DPA’s impressive to be chosen for this position and to have staff in Headquarters and in the field. an opportunity to help the Secretary- To a certain extent, diplomacy is still General and the United Nations, an diplomacy, but the multilateral setting organization I have long admired, as it is also different. I am getting used to strives to prevent conflict and promote working in an organization of 193 peace around the world. I feel quite Member States, in which the extent fortunate to be coming to this position of our impact on a given situation can at a time of increased focus by the UN depend greatly on the strength of the leadership and its Member States on using coalitions that are built. Of course one political instruments to deal with conflict. of the real strengths and unique features Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in our of the United Nations is its impartiality first meeting after my swearing-in last and the values it represents, rooted in July, emphasized the priority he places the UN Charter. USG Feltman speaks to the press at the noon briefing, New York. (UN Photo/Rick on mediation and preventive diplomacy. Bajornas) He sees the potential for preventive Q. How is the UN making better use of diplomacy to spare us from costlier fixes political instruments such as diplomacy working in Africa, Central Asia and the to problems and to spare populations to prevent and resolve conflict? Middle East. While working sometimes from enduring the costs of war. We are under the radar, they play a constant working hard to meet the Secretary- We are doing a lot of work in this area, role in trying to foster dialogue and General’s expectations on prevention. but perhaps it is a story that is not being reconciliation in countries undergoing We are also dealing with complex and told as well as it could. Everybody is tension or recovering from conflict. They sometimes deeply entrenched conflicts familiar with peacekeepers and the UN’s are a key platform in the field to launch where the odds for resolution, I must humanitarian operations. Preventive preventive diplomacy initiatives. admit, can be long. diplomacy and mediation are by nature more discreet, and their impact more We also have travelling envoys who Q. What are the biggest differences for difficult to measure. But it is important are mediating actively between parties you personally? to keep in mind that at the heart of most in conflict. We increasingly focus our conflicts are political issues requiring electoral assistance in ways that can help Working with a global focus is one big political solutions in order to bring them to discourage elections from becoming change. After a career focused mostly on to any kind of lasting resolution. flashpoints for conflict. one region of the world, it is a fascinating intellectual and professional challenge We have political instruments that focus Within DPA we have been transforming to now be providing leadership on UN in these areas, particularly the more than our work in mediation by building up political concerns globally. I have spent two dozen political missions currently our expertise and our ability to deploy

Year in Review 2012 6 INTERVIEW

it quickly to the field. Last year alone, democratic reform of the security forces Still, we believe Somalis do have before the members of our Standby Team of and reconciliation. them the best opportunity in a generation mediation experts deployed on more than to rebuild their country and offer a better 70 occasions to over 30 countries. Q. Somalia finished its long period of future. And, we in the United Nations, transitional administration last year. and in the Department of Political Q. What have been your main concerns How hopeful are you for Somalia’s Affairs, are preparing an entirely new in Africa? future? political mission to be established in Mogadishu in 2013 under the authority We have a wide range of concerns in Somalia still has a hard-to-shake of the Security Council, to help nurture Africa. The two issues highest on my reputation as a failed state, yet Somalia these new directions, while ensuring that agenda regarding Africa have been Mali is experiencing some truly hopeful Somalis play the key role. and Somalia. progress for the first time in many years. I could see this in Mogadishu, which Q. The Middle East and North Africa Until relatively recently, Mali was is undergoing a type of construction remain a major concern at the United considered a bulwark of democracy in boom and even a renaissance of sorts. Nations. How do you assess the West Africa. Obviously, as we can see And I could really feel the enthusiasm continued transitions and turbulence in in hindsight, there were deep problems of the leadership which came into place the Arab world? below the surface, linked to broader last year after concluding the most fragilities across the Sahel band. representative political process in many There have been historic transitions in years in Somalia. Egypt, Tunisia, Libya and Yemen, but The United Nations fully shares the view there are major fragilities still in all of that there needs to be a full restoration these places. In Syria, we have a full of Mali’s democracy and its territory, “It is important to keep in blown tragedy that is rippling outward and we have strongly backed the military in the region. mind that at the heart of actions that have been taken, first by France, and then African countries, to most conflicts are political In countries that you could once have reverse the push by armed groups in the issues requiring political described as having strong authoritarian north. solutions in order to bring states with weak popular legitimacy, them to any kind of lasting you now in some cases have stronger Our own role in Mali has had to adjust resolution.” legitimacy but weaker states. And all of to the rapidly changing circumstances on these states are struggling to deliver on the ground. The Security Council late in expectations and to govern inclusively. the year authorized a multidisciplinary office in Bamako, UNOM, which The security improvements are The Secretary-General has been was deployed in January under DPA’s substantial, thanks to the sacrifices of the outspoken to encourage real reforms as leadership. UNOM has worked to make African peacekeepers alongside Somalia opposed to grudging cosmetic changes. UN advice and expertise available on forces, and thanks to their success in We are providing assistance where it is aspects such as mediation, reconciliation, pushing the Shabaab out of Mogadishu desired, while acknowledging that the elections and human rights. and other areas. The political progress transitions are nationally-led. in 2012 was remarkable. The UN’s All signs point now to the transition to political mission, UNPOS, played an In Egypt and Tunisia, the UN’s message in a peacekeeping operation in Mali. While important role in encouraging dialogue the broadest sense has been to stay true to military stabilization is indeed crucial, and compromise between Somalis. the ideals of the revolutions. In Libya, we we believe it will be equally important have a political mission on the ground to to keep concentrating on the political I would not want to underestimate support the transition. Perhaps the most track because without political progress the challenges still present in Somalia. tangible example I can give is the role in Mali, the security gains will not be State institutions in many cases lack the we played in helping Libya to organize sustainable. A political process is needed capacity to deliver on even the most basic last year’s historic elections. There is still to end the crisis and address the root social services. Security remains fragile, much to be done in that country, but one causes of the conflict and instability and the Government has a lot of work should not forget the size of challenges of in Mali: the longstanding situation of to do in reaching out to all groups and building a democratic state after 40 years the Tuareg and other minorities, the all regions of Somalia. of dictatorship.

7 Year in Review 2012 INTERVIEW

In Yemen, we are also seeing fragile progress. We supported the Gulf countries in brokering the 2011 transition agreement, and I believe that agreement likely prevented civil war. There are still deep stresses in Yemen. We have worked hard to help prepare for a national dialogue, and hope this is successful in 2013.

Q. Can you say more about Syria and what the UN has been doing to try to bring that conflict to an end?

Syria is occupying a great deal of our time and energy; however there has USG Feltman disembarks from a plane after arriving at Aden Abdulle International Airport for been little hope so far for a peaceful his first visit to Somalia. (AU-UN IST PHOTO/Stuart Price) settlement. There was a major effort to broker a cease-fire through the mediation of former Secretary-General Kofi Annan, One of the factors that really hurt the There is real frustration with the lack working on behalf of the United Nations mediation has been the lack of unity in of political progress, which I think was and the League of Arab States. Cease- the Security Council, which translated evidenced in the vote on Palestine in the fire monitors were deployed by the into less leverage behind diplomacy. UN General Assembly. Yet there is no peacekeeping department in support This has been a major failure of the substitute for negotiations to achieve the of that political process. As we know, international community. needed two-state solution. however, the cease-fire did not hold for long. A political solution will be difficult, Right now we see a new opportunity to but we have no option but to continue try to push again seriously toward a final Lakhdar Brahimi took up the mediation searching for it. The end goal must be a status agreement. effort halfway through the year, and an clean break from the past. office was established to support his work We strongly encourage US engagement. in Damascus, backed by DPA. Still, the Q. Lastly, what are the prospects for The United States undoubtedly has a military dynamic has thus far prevailed. a renewed peace process between the critical role to play in fact and the visit Israelis and Palestinians? What are the of President Obama was a hopeful signal. The toll of the conflict in Syria is risks if this doesn’t happen? A revitalized Quartet and key Arab states horrifying: more than 70,000 dead, should be engaged. more than a million refugees and four On Israel-Palestine, throughout the past million people inside Syria in need of aid; year we expressed serious concern that The Israelis and the Palestinians need appalling atrocities, and serious spillover the window for a two-state solution was to engage constructively with any new in the region. We are particularly closing. Amid a region in flux, the Israeli- initiatives and refrain from actions that concerned about Lebanon, which so far Palestinian conflict cannot and will not erode trust. For Israel, this means a stop is showing remarkable resilience. stand still. to settlement activity in contravention of international law. At the same time, On the humanitarian side, we are We saw the volatility last November with the Palestinians need to understand that doing our utmost to deliver aid, in both the latest upsurge in fighting regarding Israel’s legitimate security concerns must government and opposition-held areas. Gaza. The situation was serious enough be addressed and there should be an end In the end, however, humanitarian action that the Secretary-General flew into to the inflammatory rhetoric from Gaza. does not really solve the problem. There the region himself to contribute to the must be a political process leading to a Egyptian efforts to broker a cease-fire. We at the United Nations are prepared to transition in Syria. If there is such a thing The UN’s political mission on the ground, support any credible initiative. ■ as military victory in Syria, in our view it UNSCO, played a helpful role through would be far too costly. its networks.

Year in Review 2012 8 Indian Peacekeepers in MONUSCO (DRC) with armored vehicle watching over Bunagana and Ruyoni hill, strong hold of M23 fighters, May 2012. (MONUSCO/Sylvain Liechti) PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS WESTERN SAHARA MINURSO Ensuring a path to safety

“I joined the United Nations because from the dangers of landmines and of information and by marking and it gives me the chance to contribute to explosive remnants of war (ERW) destroying mines and UXO. the peace process in different parts of throughout the territory. the world,” says Major Jose Amador, The Mine Action Coordination a United Nations Military Observer Sixteen years of fighting between the Royal Centre (MACC) in coordination with (UNMO) serving in Mijek, Western Moroccan Army and Frente Popular para MINURSO and the United Nations Sahara. Major Amador is one of over la Liberación de Saguia el-Hamra y de Mine Action Service (UNMAS) serves 200 UNMOs from 29 countries ensuring Rio de Oro forces (Frente POLISARIO) as the mine action focal point within that the UN Mission for the Referendum left a legacy of landmines and ERW, MINURSO, providing landmine safety in Western Sahara (MINURSO) meets which have claimed the lives of over briefings and refresher training to all UN its mandate, under the direction of 2,500 people on both sides of the earthen personnel. Since its inception, the MACC Wolfgang Weisbrod-Weber, the Special berm dividing Western Sahara. In 1991, has briefed over 1,200 UN personnel on Representative of the Secretary-General, MINURSO was established to monitor the dangers of landmines and ERW. It who took up the post in June 2012. As the ceasefire between the two parties to has also provided landmine/ERW threat UNMOs travel thousands of kilometres the conflict. Military Agreements 2 and 3, data to the mission, which is then used per month in the course of their duties, the which were signed between MINURSO in maps and GPS for UNMOs serving at MINURSO Mine Action Coordination and both parties in 1999, aim to reduce the team sites. Centre (MACC) endeavours to protect the threat of landmines and unexploded UNMOs along with the local population ordnance (UXO) through the exchange

AOAV/Mechem deminer works in a minefield in Mijek, Western Sahara, May 2012. (MINURSO MACC)

9 Year in Review 2012 WESTERN SAHARA

AOAV/Mechem Technical Advisor briefs MINURSO UNMOs in Mijek, Western Sahara, June 2012. (MINURSO MACC)

Clearing the tracks operations in a safe manner. AOAV is de-mining activities in Western Sahara, also an excellent support for demining which are a centrepiece of MINURSO’s Additionally, the MACC works in activities as they clear minefields and mandate. partnership with an international non- dangerous areas in order to help the governmental organisation, Action civilians of Western Sahara”, says Major Unfortunately, the job for MINURSO on Armed Violence (AOAV), and a Amador. And, he adds “the job is not easy, personnel does not seem to be getting commercial contractor, Mechem, to but the final, the most important task is any easier. Escalating violence and survey and clear tracks for routes for for UNMOs to help the population.” tensions across the Sahel, resulting UNMO patrols on the east side of the from growing jihadist movements and berm. Survey and clearance activities vulnerable governments in the aftermath ultimately serve to facilitate the “The job is not easy, of the Arab Spring, are responsible for monitoring of the parties’ compliance but the final, the most a volatile security situation in large to the ceasefire as UNMOs conduct an important task is for swaths of land that make up the Sahel. average of 700 ground patrols covering UNMOs to help the UNMOs will need to be more vigilant 100,000 km of routes per month on both in exercising their powers of observation sides of the berm. population.” and information-sharing as the threat levels rise as a result of turmoil in the The training and technical assistance region. Dealing with the conflict in that the MACC and its partners provide Through survey and clearance along with Western Sahara will be that much more ensures that UNMOs safely perform the provision of training and landmine/ of a challenge, but the dedicated staff at their duties. “The MACC continuously ERW threat data, the MACC continues to MINURSO will also rise to the occasion shares information, helping UNMOs to support the important work of UNMOs to ensure the safety and security of the avoid suspected mined areas and conduct like Major Amador to help advance population. ■

Year in Review 2012 10 HAITI MINUSTAH From reconstruction to stabilization

In 2012, much like in the previous two Over the course of 2012, MINUSTAH is working closely with MINUSTAH to years, for Haiti, the focus was both on Police trained 4,889 participants from address these issues in order to ensure strengthening the national police and on the Haitian National Police in a wide that the 24th promotion comprises at reconstruction, following the devastating range of basic and specialized topics, least 1,000 cadets. Already a recruitment earthquake of 12 January 2010. from crime scene management and campaign for 2013 has seen more than investigations to firearms and defense a doubling of the number of applicants On 12 October, while extending the UN tactics. UN police trainers thus passed on registering for admission exams. peacekeeping mission’s mandate for a knowledge critical to a professionalized year, the Security Council adopted a police service. By increasing the skills resolution that marked a shift back to and capacities of Haitian officers, UN In 2012, much like in the its original priorities. Indeed the Council peacekeepers are laying the groundwork previous two years, for emphasized the critical importance of for sustainability and helping their Haiti, the focus was both the development of Haiti’s National national counterparts to build safer Police (HNP); a central task for the communities for all. on strengthening the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti national police and on (MINUSTAH.) At the same time, the By the end of the year, however, with the reconstruction. Council endorsed the Secretary-General’s graduation of only 239 new cadets on proposal to reduce the mission’s military 21 December, the 23rd Haitian National component by 1,070 troops to 6,270. Police promotion fell far short of the As the capacity of the HNP increases, The reduction was an acknowledgement minimum of 1,000 cadets required per further reductions in the mission’s of the progress made in the area of promotion. This appears to have been uniformed strength over the coming reconstruction. It brought MINUSTAH’s due in part to the rigorousness of medical year and beyond will be considered military strength significantly below its tests and the short duration and limited by the Security Council. For the time pre-2010 earthquake strength of 6,940 geographic coverage of recruitment being, although the performance of troops. campaigns. The Haitian National Police Haiti National Police has continued to

MINUSTAH’s Community Violence Reduction program is employing 1,345 local residents in a Cash for Work program building rock walls and planting vegetation as a way of saving arable land and avoiding flooding in lower areas, May 2012. (MINUSTAH/Logan Abassi)

11 Year in Review 2012 HAITI

Deputy Chief of MINUSTAH Nigel Fisher looks on as engineers from the Haitian government team up with military engineers from MINUSTAH to clean up a major canal in downtown Port-au-Prince, May 2012. (MINUSTAH/Victoria Hazou)

improve, the institution is not yet in a earthquake priority areas identified by the security perimeter of Haiti’s International position to assume full responsibility Government of Haiti: the construction Airport in Port-au-Prince. for the provision of internal security or renovation of public buildings, the throughout the country. As a result, rehabilitation and protection of the Encouragingly, as reconstruction went MINUSTAH military and police environment, the supply of electricity on, some progress was recorded on the personnel continue to play a vital role in and solar lighting, the construction or political side too. In May, after months maintaining overall security and stability. rehabilitation of roads and bridges, and of deadlock, a new Prime Minister, the improvement of water and sanitation Laurent Lamothe, took office. In July infrastructure. the Superior Council of the Judiciary – Progress in reconstruction provided for in a 2007 law to strengthen In line with these priorities, the independence of the judiciary – was On the reconstruction front, once again MINUSTAH’s contingents contributed finally established. the country benefited from the assistance in the reconstruction efforts. In Port- of UN peacekeepers. In the wake of the au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, Brazilian In a report issued in October, the 2010 earthquake, the United Nations peacekeepers dredged canals and repaired Secretary-General noted, however, that Security Council tasked MINUSTAH roads. Troops from Chile and Ecuador “the political process in Haiti remains with a unique mandate: the mission was helped resettle internally displaced vulnerable to setbacks linked to political to help the Government in post-disaster people into their original communities instability, lack of respect for the rule efforts. Since then, MINUSTAH has by constructing new roads. In the West of law and unmet social grievances.” played a pivotal role in the coordination department, the Korean brigade drilled Indeed crucial reforms remained elusive. and mobilization of international wells and drained rivers. As a result, they Chief among them, the process to financial and logistical resources. provided greater access to drinking water establish the country’s first Permanent and prevented flooding in Léogane and Electoral Council stalled leading to the Building on its previous engagements, Gressier, two of the areas most affected postponement of legislative, municipal by mid-2012, MINUSTAH has helped by the earthquake. In the North-West and local elections. In response, the its partners (Government authorities, and Artibonite departments, Indonesian Security Council called on Haitian non-governmental organizations or other troops repaired roads while Japanese authorities to hold free, fair, inclusive and associations) complete more than 550 peacekeepers built schools, drained canals credible elections by the end of 2013. ■ infrastructure rehabilitation projects. The and collected debris. At the same time, mission’s support focused on five post- Paraguayan engineers were repairing the

Year in Review 2012 12 DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO MONUSCO Progress interrupted

For the Democratic Republic of the had started the year on the back foot. Their name is a reference to an agreement Congo (DRC) and the United Nations Robust efforts by the Congolese armed between the government of the DRC peacekeeping mission it hosts, 2012 forces supported by UN peacekeepers and another armed group, the Congrès could have been another year of steady had led to unprecedented gains. Among National pour la Démocratie et le Progrès progress. Initially at least, positive others, attacks by the Lord’s Resistance (CNDP), signed on 23 March 2009. indications seemed to be everywhere. Army, one of the most notorious armed The deal — aimed at ending a previous groups present in the country’s eastern political and military crisis­ — had not First, the political stalemate over another region, had dropped to historic levels. been implemented, the M23 contended. round of general elections was reaching Increasingly, civilians in eastern DRC its end. President Joseph Kabila and were starting to enjoy a semblance of his allies had been declared winners of normal life. By the end of the year a both the Presidential and the legislative total of 2.7 million people contests, prompting an outcry from their opponents. But with most observers New crisis, old grievances had been displaced in the judging the process acceptable, elected Kivus, up by a million on officials on all sides had decided to put From early April, however, in the North 2011. an end to the deadlock. By early March, Kivu province, soldiers of the Forces representatives from all parties had Armées de la République Démocratique joined the national assembly. It was a du Congo (FARDC) mutinied. They In the following weeks, the group welcome step in the right direction. formed a group calling itself the proceeded to take over large territories Movement of 23 March or M23, and from the FARDC. After fierce combat, it Equally promising, in the often crisis- gathered in the hills near the Virunga captured the town of Bunagana, on the prone eastern provinces, armed groups National Park. border between DRC and Uganda, on 6 July. From there, the M23 progressed further towards Goma, the provincial capital.

By September, the mutiny had displaced around 260,000 persons within the country, and 60,000 more had fled to neighboring Rwanda and Uganda. As civilians fled their homes, reports of serious human rights violations emerged. These included recruitment of child soldiers and summary executions by the M23. Reports also indicated that the group was establishing de facto administration in areas under its control while appearing to receive external support.

As the M23 mutiny intensified and other armed groups benefited from the security Anti-Government and pro-M23 demonstration in Goma, November 2012. (MONUSCO/Sylvain Liechti)

13 Year in Review 2012 DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

M23 rebels leave the city of Goma on looted trucks, November 2012. (MONUSCO/Sylvain Liechti)

vacuum it caused, many more civilians Political framework The International Conference of the fled their homes. By the end of the year Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) intensified a total of 2.7 million people had been On 17 November, despite wide its regional diplomatic efforts in response, displaced in the Kivus, up by a million condemnation, including from the with support from the United Nations. As on 2011. Security Council, the M23 took control a result, early in December, the M23 left of Goma as the Congolese armed forces Goma and some of the other territories it Faced with a deteriorating situation, retreated. The move marked a turning had occupied. Negotiations between the the UN Stabilization Mission in DRC point in the crisis. group and the government of the DRC (MONUSCO) stepped up its efforts. opened days later in Kampala, Uganda, It intensified its support to Congolese In the absence of Congolese armed led by the ICGLR. forces and multiplied patrols to better forces — which MONUSCO’s peacekeepers protect civilians. On the political front, are mandated to support — the mission At the same time, UN Secretary-General the United Nations sought to support provided much needed assistance to Ban Ki-moon pursued his efforts for the ongoing regional diplomatic efforts. Goma’s civilians. UN peacekeepers adoption of a regional framework to brought to safety dozens of well- address the root causes of the crisis in On 27 September, on the margins of known figures whose lives were most eastern DRC. The challenges posed by the UN General Assembly, Secretary- immediately at risk following their the M23 mutiny provided a new window General Ban Ki-moon convened a public opposition to the M23, including of opportunity for a comprehensive High-Level Summit on the situation in civil society leaders, human rights solution to long-standing problems in the eastern DRC. With both President Kabila defenders, journalists, activists, judges eastern DRC, and to bring to an end the from the DRC and President Kagame and administration officials. repeated cycles of violence which have from Rwanda in attendance — along plagued communities in the east for over with other dignitaries — the Secretary- As they invaded Goma and its surroundings, a decade. General noted that a decade earlier, M23 combatants were accused of serious it was an all-inclusive agreement that human rights violations. Accusations were With the Security Council requesting ended the country’s last major conflict. also made against retreating FARDC options for how to strengthen Now, he urged, the DRC needed a similar troops. In Minova, 20km from Goma, MONUSCO as part of this wider review, commitment from all actors. His words initial reports indicated that some 126 DPKO completed the year preparing for reflected an urgent need for action to end women and girls were raped by members of this new, strengthened approach.■ the suffering of thousands of civilians. the retreating national army. MONUSCO But a political solution remained elusive. soon started investigating.

Year in Review 2012 14 SUDAN UNAMID Protection of civilians, peace process at the forefront

The conflict in Darfur is multi-faceted, While the provisions of the Doha efforts toward an inclusive peace complex and, like many other conflicts, Document are being implemented agreement, it partners closely with civil does not respond to the usual prescriptions slowly, the AU-UN mediation team society organizations, traditional leaders, or solutions. The Government of Sudan continues its efforts, including dialogue internally displaced persons (IDPs), and the Liberation and Justice Movement and confidence-building measures women and youth groups to address local- adopted, on 14 July 2011, the Doha with the holdout movements to bring level conflicts and promote reconciliation Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD), them on board. These efforts, with the and peaceful coexistence. In 2012 alone, which was considered a substantive support of the State of Qatar and other the mission conducted 52 workshops on achievement of the peace process. partners, have yielded some encouraging local conflict resolution and mediation However, it fell short in reaching an outcomes. On 22 October 2012, a across the vast area of Darfur, with more inclusive and comprehensive resolution prominent group of field commanders than 5,000 Darfuris participating. These to the conflict, as the major Darfur armed of the Justice and Equality Movement forums and the lessons learned, together movements held out and did not sign. To (JEM) signed with the Government of with the mission’s support, helped initiate address this issue, the African Union (AU) Sudan, a Declaration of Cessation of reconciliation efforts between tribes and and the United Nations adopted a joint Hostilities and Commitment to the Peace communities. framework based on three pillars: DDPD Process. implementation; negotiations between Locally mediated agreements helped ease the Sudanese Government and holdout The mandate and work of the AU-UN tension in July 2012, when several died groups; and Darfur internal conference Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) as a result of tribal fighting over land use and dialogue. is challenging. Aside from supporting in South Darfur. The following month, a

UNAMID peacekeeper First Lieutenant Sigit Jatmiko, of the Indonesia Formed Police Unit, interacts with children in Abu Shouk camp for internally displaced persons (North Darfur), during a morning patrol, El Fasher, August 2012. (UNAMID/Albert Gonzalez Farran)

15 Year in Review 2012 SUDAN

dispute over access to farmland triggered clashes between nomads and IDPs near El Daein, East Darfur. In seeking a resolution, UNAMID worked with local authorities and traditional leaders to promote reconciliation between the groups to ease the tensions.

Bringing about peace and stability to Darfur undoubtedly is a process that involves the commitment of the international community and the determination of the Darfuris. A young woman works on the construction of a community centre in Althoura Shemal in El Fasher, North Darfur, as part of a Community-Based Labour- Intensive Project (CLIP) sponsored by UNAMID DDR (Disarmament Demobilization and Reintegration Section), August 2012. (UNAMID/Albert Protection of the civilian population, Gonzalez Farran) without prejudice to the responsibilities of the Government of Sudan, is the core Building peace in Darfuri communities mandate of the mission. The civilian population is generally the victim of The people of Althoura Shemal outside her home, but now is planning inter-communal fighting, clashes between district in El Fasher, North Darfur, to look for a job. “I learned from this the Government and armed movements, are enthusiastic about the new project how to build and how to work and competition over scarce resources. community centre built by 80 young with other people,” she says. In response, the mission has increased men and women from the area. its patrols in and around the towns The youths have been participating Even university graduates are finding and camps for those displaced. Also, in a new UNAMID initiative called value in the CLIPs program. Mr. UNAMID has worked to foster farmer- community-based labour-intensive Abdallah Adam Harun, a 25-year-old pastoralist relations during the harvest projects (CLIPs). university graduate with a degree in electrical engineering, is a beneficiary season to reduce the chances of clashes. Over the course of three months, the of the training. If he doesn’t find a job participants developed new skills as in his field of study, he explains, he In addition, the mission has revised its masons, painters and electricians. may seek work in construction. “My Protection of Civilian Strategy, which More importantly, they learned how to father asks me every morning to go includes an early-warning mechanism work as a team. to work at the project and make the to prevent and contain outbreaks community proud,” he says. “I have of violence. The multidimensional “The unemployment in the area is already applied my new knowledge strategy is designed to strengthen high,” says sheik (community leader) in doing some repairs at my own the relationship between UNAMID Ahmed Hashim Adam. “We need to house.” and the local community, combining train the youth because they don’t have any occupation.” In 2012, UNAMID’s Disarmament, physical protection of the population Demobilization and Reintegration on the ground with enhanced political While the profiles of the participants Section implemented 18 CLIPs engagement. may be diverse, the young workers throughout Darfur to address the all share a passion for acquiring needs of at-risk youth in violence- Despite some success, many challenges new vocational skills and having a affected communities.■ remain. Bringing about peace and rewarding experience. Ms. Huda stability in Darfur undoubtedly is a Abdallah Mohamed, a 32-year-old process that involves the commitment CLIPs participant, had never worked of the international community and the determination of the Darfuris.■

Year in Review 2012 16 SYRIAN GOLAN HEIGHTS UNDOF Challenged like never before

The deteriorating situation in Syria armed members of the opposition was in 2012 presented the United Nations In response to these taking place. Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) developments, UNDOF with serious and violent challenges, not least of which was the wounding of five adapted its operational Assuming new security measures Blue Helmets in a fire fight near Damascus posture and assumed in November. By year’s end, the situation the necessary security A few days earlier, Syrian arms fire in the had continued to deteriorate. measures to ensure the Israeli-occupied area was followed by a safety and security of its response from Israel. Secretary-General Despite almost daily firing of mortars, personnel. Ban Ki-moon called on both countries tanks, machine guns and anti-aircraft to exercise restraint and ceasefire. His guns from inside and outside its area of spokesperson said, “As today’s incident operation, UNDOF not only complied illustrates, the ongoing clashes between with its 1974 mandate to maintain an On 29 November, an UNDOF convoy the Syrian armed forces and the armed Area of Separation (AOS) between Israel carrying troops scheduled to rotate out members of the opposition affect and Syria without serious incident, but of the mission came under fire close to the UNDOF’s operations and pose a serious was also able to assist the International Damascus International Airport, resulting risk to United Nations personnel on the Committee of the Red Cross with the in injuries to five peacekeepers. The ground.” passage of persons through the AOS, and convoy came under gun fire in an area continued to clear mine fields which are a of Damascus where military operations In response to these developments, danger to the local population. between the Syrian armed forces and UNDOF adapted its operational posture and assumed the necessary security measures to ensure the safety and security of its personnel. This included using armoured cars, imposing vehicle movement restrictions, enhancing patrols and restricting movement as necessary. In addition, a third platoon was added to the Force Headquarters Company to support its activities.

In parallel with these developments, the mission continued to implement the rehabilitation programme to maintain and upgrade its equipment and infrastructure in an effort to maintain UNDOF’s operational and security capacity. New long-range observation equipment, night vision devices, and armoured vehicles were procured and deployed with a view to enhancing force protection, and specialized training was provided where necessary.■ The Commanding Officer of Force HQ Company, Capt. Christoph Seirer, briefs the platoon leaders, November 2012. (UNDOF/Sgt. Thomas Zoehrer)

17 Year in Review 2012 CYPRUS UNFICYP A delicate balancing act in Cyprus

The UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus police patrolling, military interaction levels and was an important element in (UNFICYP) aims first and foremost to with opposing forces or facilitating maintaining confidence and stability. prevent a recurrence of fighting between civilian activities in the buffer zone, the opposing military forces and to UNFICYP is rising to the challenge of contribute to the maintenance of law and “doing more with less.” Maintaining the buffer zone order and a return to normal conditions. Its mandate requires reconciling security UNFICYP police assisted and facilitated considerations and the maintenance of UNFICYP is rising to the a number of investigations by the parties’ the military status quo with the need to respective police services into criminal allow Cypriots who live and work in the challenge of “doing more and other incidents that occurred within buffer zone to pursue civilian activities with less.” the buffer zone. It maintained close and enjoy full and productive lives. Such contacts with local authorities to intercept an approach helps build confidence smuggling, hunting and burglaries. between the communities and contributes With a view to preventing the escalation UNFICYP police also continued to to the overall United Nations effort in of tensions, UNFICYP continued to provide escorts for convoys taking people support of the peace process. resist regular attempts by both opposing and supplies to the Kokkina enclave and forces to effect low-level changes to the humanitarian assistance to the Karpas In 2012, UNFICYP enhanced its activities military status quo across the buffer and the Maronite villages. along the 180-kilometer buffer zone zone. An effective observation, reporting which, in turn, resulted in an increased and liaison infrastructure, underpinned The mission fostered a return to workload for the mission’s three by regular patrolling, enabled issues to normal conditions in the buffer zone components: police, military and civil be resolved at the lowest appropriate by approving dozens of civilian projects affairs. Whether in terms of effective for both communities, mainly for the construction of houses and commercial ventures such as photovoltaic parks. To support such activities, UNFICYP regularly facilitated the provision of basic services to both communities and the improvement and maintenance of essential infrastructure for public utilities and services in the buffer zone.

UNFICYP also continued to address day-to-day humanitarian and welfare issues faced by Greek Cypriots and Maronites residing in the north and by Turkish Cypriots residing in the south. In the north, these include concerns over the deteriorating health of elderly Greek Cypriots and Maronites and the absence of Greek-speaking doctors to treat these patients. For the Turkish Cypriots in the south, the mission helped to address UNFICYP Observation Post #09, Xerovounos Forest, November 2012. (UNFICYP/Martin Mruz)

Year in Review 2012 18 CYPRUS

UNFICYP peacekeepers patrolling the buffer zone on bicycles, Nicosia, October 2011. (UNFICYP/Rastislav Ochotnicky)

issues related to welfare and impediments inmates at detention facilities in the other implemented by UNDP and its local to religious worship. UNFICYP also community to ascertain the conditions and partners. In October, UNFICYP supported facilitated religious and commemorative welfare of those serving sentences. an inter-regional civil society conference events, involving more than 5,000 people, in the buffer zone, between the Ledra which are held in the buffer zone or UNFICYP continued its weekly delivery Palace Hotel crossing points, organized require crossings to either side. of humanitarian assistance to 347 Greek by a Cypriot civil society network, Cypriots and 126 Maronites in the north. which brought together 200 civil society UNFICYP also observed the functioning delegates from 28 countries working on of the Greek Cypriot schools in the reconciliation in Central and Eastern In 2012, UNFICYP Karpas peninsula. The mission facilitated Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, enhanced its activities the supply of textbooks and teaching aids and Cyprus. along the 180-kilometer to the schools, although some delay in buffer zone. Turkish Cypriot approvals meant that this In essence, UNFICYP continued to was completed after the commencement of play an essential role on the island by the school year. exercising authority in the buffer zone and contributing to keeping the calm and to In 2012, UNFICYP also assisted in the resolution of various issues affecting addressing legal and humanitarian issues Keeping the calm the everyday lives of both communities. related to the imprisonment of Turkish However, its ability to play this role Cypriots in the south, and of Maronite UNFICYP also supported civil society depended on the commitment of the sides and Greek Cypriots in the north and the initiatives that foster bicommunal to refrain from challenging the authority temporary detention of individuals on cooperation and reconciliation. In 2012, and legitimacy of UNFICYP in the buffer both sides. UNFICYP conducted weekly UNFICYP lent support to a variety of zone.■ visits and facilitated family visits to bicommunal projects in the buffer zone

19 Year in Review 2012 LEBANON UNIFIL Helping to stabilize a region in turmoil

The year 2012 was one of the most could plunge back into the internecine area of responsibility, to redeploy them violent in the recent history of the Middle violence it endured during its 15-year to potential flashpoints elsewhere in the East as the civil war in Syria led to the civil war, which ended in 1990. country. death of tens of thousands of civilians and forced more than one million people This regional crisis posed great to leave their homes. challenges to the United Nations Interim Enhancing operations Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) — the UN Thousands of refugees entered Lebanon peacekeeping mission established in This led to some concerns that the from Syria and several incidents of 1978 with a mandate to ensure that the situation south of the Litani River cross-border shelling and small-arms fire area between the so-called Blue Line — and along the Blue Line could become between government forces and rebels separating Israel and Lebanon — and unstable and the hostilities between Israel were reported. the Litani River is free of unauthorized and Lebanon could resume. weapons, personnel and assets. For neighbouring Lebanon, the war UNIFIL responded to the redeployment proved to be a little too close to home. Among its tasks, UNIFIL cooperates of some Lebanese troops by enhancing its Fighting broke out in the summer with the Lebanese Armed Forces so they operational activities to maintain security between supporters and opponents of can fulfill their security responsibilities and stability in its area of operation in the Syrian Government in Beirut and under resolution 1701, which ended the close coordination with the Lebanese in the northern city of Tripoli. A series month-long fighting between Israel and Armed Forces (LAF). of kidnappings also contributed to an the Lebanese group Hezbollah over the escalation of tensions. summer of 2006. These coordinated efforts have proven to be overwhelmingly successful so far. The spillover effect from the violence in During 2012, the government decided to However, on two occasions unidentified Syria has raised concerns that Lebanon move some of its forces out of UNIFIL’s armed groups attempted to launch

UNIFIL peacekeeper in an observation post watching over the Blue Line at the UNIFIL Indian position 4-7c near the mountain town of Cheeba, South Lebanon, April 2012. (UN Photo/Pasqual Gorriz)

Year in Review 2012 20 LEBANON

UNIFIL Finnish peacekeeper leaving UN post 6-30 over the Blue Line for a patrol in armored vehicles, June 2012. (UN Photo/Pasqual Gorriz)

rockets from Lebanon into northern Commander and head of the UN Interim a political solution, but it cannot be a Israel, coinciding with the timing of the Force in Lebanon, Major-General Paolo substitute for political progress,” he said. conflict in the Gaza Strip and southern Serra, said that the success of his mission Israel from 14 to 21 November 2012. is contingent on effectively addressing the “It will thus be vital to take advantage root causes of the conflict between Israel of the window of opportunity that and the Lebanese group, Hezbollah. UNIFIL’s presence has created, to make UNIFIL commended progress towards the establishment of a permanent ceasefire and long-term When the Security Council extended the UNIFIL has many solution of the conflict.” Force’s mandate until 31 August 2013, it challenges ahead and it commended the positive role of UNIFIL, remains a major part of While helping to ensure continued saying its deployment together with LAF stability in its area of operation in has helped to establish “a new strategic the international efforts to Lebanon, UNIFIL was also able to help environment in southern Lebanon.” The bring peace to the peoples UN humanitarian efforts in neighboring Council further welcomed the expansion of the region. Syria. of coordinated activities between UNIFIL and LAF, and called for further The valuable work of UNIFIL in enhancement of this cooperation. “Resolution 1701 is just a tool which can maintaining security in the volatile only be effective if the political will of the Middle East has taken a new, critical In addition to the ongoing conflict in parties involved is translated into action,” dimension with the conflict in Syria Syria, UNIFIL has many challenges said Maj.-Gen. Serra. He added that, threatening to further destabilize the ahead and it remains a major part of the ultimately, UNIFIL’s success is dependent region. As the United Nations continues international efforts to bring peace to the on success in the political context. to help Syrians and press for a political peoples of the region. solution, UNIFIL will continue its “As a peacekeeping operation, UNIFIL mission for stability and peace.■ Speaking to the Security Council about supports diplomatic efforts to reach the challenges facing UNIFIL, the Force

21 Year in Review 2012 ABYEI, SUDAN UNISFA Volatility to stability

A few weeks before the birth of the from the absence of any government or Republic of South Sudan, the UN Security More than 13,500 people police institutions there. These efforts Council authorized the establishment had returned to their included strengthening the joint security of the United Nations Interim Security homes by the end of committees, regular interaction and Force for Abyei (UNISFA) on 27 June dialogue with the local communities and 2011. December 2012. promoting inter-communal dialogue between the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya The Council action came after a military groups. The force also continued to focus operation by the Sudanese army in UNISFA’s mandate, under Chapter VII, on quick-impact projects to promote Abyei, which displaced 110,000 persons includes overseeing the demilitarization conflict prevention initiatives. and resulted in widespread looting and of this resource-rich area contested by damage to property. Sudan and South Sudan and maintaining security. Since the deployment of the Migration The UNISFA force, comprising 4,200 force, barring some incidents of inter- Ethiopian troops, was rapidly deployed communal violence, the mission has In 2011, with the onset of the dry season in very challenging conditions under the been able to maintain relative stability in October and improvement in the leadership Lt. Gen. Tadesse Warede Tesfay and calm in the area. Between November road conditions, which enhanced the of Ethiopia, who was appointed as the 2011 and May 2012, armed forces and reach and security presence of UNISFA, Head of Mission and Force Commander. police of Sudan and South Sudan moved the annual migration of the Misseriya The challenges emanated not just from outside the Abyei area boundary. nomads southwards through the Abyei the political situation but also the rainy area commenced. The migration went season, which made movement extremely UNISFA continued its efforts to fill off peacefully. However, the start of the difficult in the area. the security vacuum in Abyei resulting 2012 migration was marred by clashes in November when some Misseriya tribal leaders were attacked by Ngok Dinka community members while travelling through the town in a bus. Barring this, UNISFA kept the situation peaceful by implementing its conflict prevention and mitigation strategy, which included the creation of buffer zones around the Ngok Dinka-dominated areas, the diversion of the migratory route and the provision of water points for the nomads outside the buffer zones. Further, the head of the mission engaged key community leaders to obtain commitments for a peaceful conduct of the migration season and to mitigate tensions over resources. UNISFA also established a number of Joint Security Committees (JSCs) in order to ensure that local communities participate in and take ownership of their Ethiopian soldiers watch a returnee at work in Abyei, March 2012. (UNISFA/Lieutenant- Colonel Gabreeziabher Tesfamariam Berhe)

Year in Review 2012 22 ABYEI, SUDAN

Ethiopian Battalion soldiers interacting with returnees at Abyei, March 2012. (UNISFA/Lieutenant-Colonel Gabreeziabher Tesfamariam Berhe)

security-related issues. This has served as two countries also could not agree on respectively, at the temporary headquarters an effective early warning and conflict a proposal tabled by the African Union of the Mechanism in Assosa, Ethiopia,” mitigation tool. High-level Implementation Panel, led by noted the Secretary-General’s report. former South African President Thabo UN agencies, working with partners, Mbeki to resolve the final status of the continued to support approximately Abyei Area by holding a referendum in UNISFA’s mandate, 110,000 persons displaced from Abyei as October 2013. under Chapter VII, well as the returnees. More than 13,500 includes overseeing people had returned to their homes by the end of December 2012. In order to support The way ahead the demilitarization of the IDPs and the returnees, UNISFA the resource-rich area implemented Quick Impact Projects for A key element of the agreements contested by Sudan the rehabilitation of water supply, carried between the two countries has been and South Sudan and out maintenance work in schools and the establishment of the Joint Border maintaining security. hospitals, constructed water yards for Verification and Monitoring Mechanism cattle and did general maintenance of (JBVMM). As the Secretary-General roads. noted in a report to the Security Council: “The Sudan and South Sudan have made In the months ahead, UNISFA will be progress towards the implementation working to deploy the JBVMM all Outstanding issues of their agreement to establish the Joint along the border between Sudan and Border Verification and Monitoring South Sudan with the ultimate goal of The overall progress in the implementation Mechanism, as provided in the Agreement achieving a peaceful and lasting solution of the 20 June 2011 Agreement on on Border Security and the Joint Political to the Abyei issue. It will also continue Temporary Security Arrangements for and Security Mechanism of 29 June 2011, to work closely with the AJOC and Abyei has been slow even though the Abyei the Agreement on the Border Monitoring maintain advocacy with both the parties Joint Oversight Committee (AJOC) has Support Mission of 30 July 2011 and the to expeditiously set up the Abyei Area continued to meet. In 2012, the Secretary- Agreement on Security Arrangements of Administration institutions, including the General and the Security Council noted 27 September 2012.” During the year, executive, legislature and Abyei Police that Sudan and South Sudan had not UNISFA continued preparations for the Service. Facilitating humanitarian access been able to finalize an administration operationalization of the Mechanism. and assistance to the people of Abyei will for the area as well as a police service in “The Sudan, South Sudan and UNISFA remain a high priority.■ line with the June 2011 agreement. The maintained 32, 30 and 34 monitors,

23 Year in Review 2012 KOSOVO UNMIK Promoting dialogue and freedom of movement

Over the last year, tensions escalated players together in open dialogue. The The Special Representative of the in northern Kosovo, threatening a initiative aimed at ensuring that KFOR Secretary-General (SRSG) engaged directly renewed stand-off between the Kosovo and the European Union’s Rule of Law and through the UNMIK-facilitated authorities and the northern Kosovo Serb Mission (EULEX) would see freedom of coordination meetings with Serb leaders population. At one stage, road barricades movement swiftly restored along with the in the north, alongside all stakeholders, were erected on most major roads in the ability to implement vital mandates in an stressing the unacceptability of impeding free area, and confrontations came to a head, unimpeded and non-politicised manner. movement and the importance of addressing including most dangerously between their grievances through political processes Kosovo Serbs and NATO/KFOR (Kosovo and dialogue. The SRSG also engaged all Force) forces. stakeholders toward an acceptable and UNMIK worked behind consensual approach to achieving both In close coordination with KFOR, the the scenes to encourage legitimate and functional representation in United Nations Mission in Kosovo Pristina and the northern the northern Kosovo municipalities. By the (UNMIK) worked behind the scenes end of the year nearly all road blocks had Serbs to de-escalate these to encourage Pristina and the northern been dismantled, and NATO, EULEX and Kosovo Serbs to de-escalate these dangerous tensions. UNMIK continued working in the north in mounting tensions, among other things support of their mandates and of a renewed by leading a security coordination body political process at the highest level among in the north, which brought the key the parties.■

In an effort to promote multi-ethnic and religious tolerance, during his visit to Kosovo, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, accompanied by his Special Representative Farid Zarif (left), visited several Islamic, Orthodox and Roman Catholic religious sites, including the Sinan Pasha Mosque in Prizren, July 2012. (UN Photo/Eskinder Debebe)

Year in Review 2012 24 LIBERIA UNMIL

Meeting challenges on the path to lasting peace

In 2012, the people and the Government Constitutional reform process be established to discuss critical issues of Liberia continued to make progress facing the nation. in the country’s post-conflict recovery The constitutional reform process, which and in consolidating its hard-won peace is central to national reconciliation and Long-term stability will require that and stability. In the six years since the to overcoming many of the structural Liberia’s security sector is able to stand country’s first post-conflict democratic imbalances and injustices, also gathered alone and is trusted by its citizens. It is elections, the national budget has grown momentum. This was due primarily especially critical following the Security considerably, allowing several significant to the establishment in August of the Council’s decision in September to initiate processes and reforms to go forward and Constitution Review Committee, which downsizing of UNMIL’s military strength enabling the Government to provide has been mandated to guide a nationwide in three phases between 2012 and 2015, some essential services to its citizens. consultative review of the Constitution starting with the implementation of the of Liberia. In a parallel effort, electoral first phase – reduction of 1,900 military “Since 2003, Liberia has transformed reform efforts advanced as well, with personnel – between October 2012 and itself from a failed state to one well along the National Elections Commission September 2013. The plan envisages the path to democracy and lasting peace,” beginning informal consultations with gradual handing over of the security Karin Landgren, the newly appointed the legislature on a draft election law, responsibilities of UNMIL to national Special Representative of the Secretary- which is expected, among other reforms, authorities, which would allow for a General’s (SRSG) and Head of the UN to clarify constitutional referendum phased transition. Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) told the procedures. Security Council in September 2012. Planning for transition In December, President Ellen Johnson “Since 2003, Liberia has Sirleaf launched Liberia Vision 2030, transformed itself from Following the successful joint Government- a long-term political and economic UNMIL transition workshop in August, the a failed state to one agenda for the country to realize activities of the Government-UNMIL joint its economic and social aspirations. well along the path to transition working group increased in Together with the consultations on the democracy and lasting momentum and shifted from planning National Reconciliation Road Map peace...” towards implementation. From October initiated in October and Liberia’s five- to December, several small facilities year long development plan (Agenda were handed over to the Government, for Transformation), these instruments These positive steps were actively as UNMIL military scaled down in provide for a viable platform for supported by UNMIL and the donor more stable areas. During this exercise, moving the country towards its political, community in the country. The mission however, it became clear that constraints economic and social goals. Proposed and and other UN officials/entities kept in planning capacity, equipment, financial ongoing reforms include decentralization stressing, however, that in order for resources and management, as well as processes which would help open the the reform processes to take root, the poor infrastructure, particularly roads, door for all Liberians to enjoy equitable Government must ensure that they reflect pose a major challenge to national access to services and to take part in the will of the people and include their security. In the meantime, the UN mission decisions that affect them. active participation, and that vibrant and the Government of Liberia have dialogue at all levels of society should developed a transition road map, with timelines, outlining all elements related to

25 Year in Review 2012 LIBERIA

Following this attack, UNMIL police units intensified joint patrols with Liberian security agencies in the border area and around refugee camps, while the UNMIL military component adopted a more robust posture, including by increasing the frequency of air patrols and air-inserted foot patrols. UNMIL and UNOCI also enhanced cooperation between their civilian and military components.

“Reinforcement of the national security sector should go hand in hand with national reconciliation and structural changes...”

UNMIL Special Representative Karin Landgren awards a female Ghanaian peacekeeper during a medal parade in Buchanan, November 2012. (UNMIL/Staton Winter) In the second part of 2012, the situation along the border of Liberia with Côte d’Ivoire improved, with only one cross- the security transition through June 2015, Bringing security and justice closer to border attack taking place during that including enhanced Government presence the population is also crucial. As part of period. The cooperation between UNMIL in areas vacated by UNMIL troops. the efforts in that field, the construction and UNOCI has expanded beyond security of the first pilot justice and security hub tasks and the sharing of resources, with UNMIL continued to support the in Liberia (Gbarnga, Bong County), both missions agreeing in September to Government’s efforts to strengthen the with the support of UNMIL and the identify targeted, longer-term initiatives National Police, the Bureau of Immigration UN Peacebuilding Fund, is an important aimed at stabilization, reconciliation and and Naturalization and other security step towards improving access to justice strengthening state authority in border agencies. A total of 245 recruits graduated for Liberians. The hub is expected to be areas. from the Liberian police academy in 2012, fully operational in the second quarter of including 48 women. 2013. Meanwhile, discussions are under way concerning the development of the National reconciliation Notwithstanding the need for additional second and third justice and security hubs. police personnel, addressing issues such Briefing the Security Council in September, as the quality of training, professional SRSG Landgren quoted the UN Secretary- standards, accountability, public trust UNMIL-UNOCI cooperation General by saying that “security measures and sustainability are central to the alone will not create lasting stability in ability of the police to perform their While the overall security situation Liberia.” She added that “reinforcement duties. With support from UNMIL, the in Liberia remained generally stable, of the national security sector should go national police made efforts to improve instability along the border with Côte hand in hand with national reconciliation civilian oversight to help professionalize d’Ivoire continued to be a major concern. and structural changes to address the the service and enhance public trust. Only The porous border with Côte d’Ivoire underlying causes of past conflict.” in the last six months of the past year, 13 was especially volatile in the first half Achieving this, however, “will take both projects to support the implementation of 2012. In addition to the killing of political commitment and financial of the national police strategic plan were seven peacekeepers serving with the UN resources.” The SRSG noted that with completed. They focused on improving Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) in Liberia “on the verge of becoming a true operational efficiency, investigative and an attack on 8 June, at least 27 civilians success story, the UN mission must walk a training capacity, and administrative were killed in attacks on Ivorian villages delicate balance: applauding successes and accountability. near the Liberian border. pulling back our support, while continuing to accompany Liberia in areas crucial to lasting peace.”■

Year in Review 2012 26 SOUTH SUDAN UNMISS Ensuring the security of civilians

UNMISS had a challenging year in 2012 protect civilians under five priority through its engagement with the as it helped the world’s youngest State situations: incidents in the border areas Government on issues of civilian exercise its responsibilities to prevent, affecting civilians; rebel militia activities; disarmament, including by alerting the mitigate and resolve conflict while inter-communal violence; threats to armed forces to reports of indiscipline. protecting the civilian population. civilians during security operations, including civilian disarmament; and The mission’s original mandate — spelled the activities of Lord’s Resistance Army The Security Council out in Security Council resolution (LRA). underscored once again 1996 — called for, among other tasks, the responsibility to monitoring and investigating threats As part of the implementation of prioritize protection of against the civilian population. The the strategy, UNMISS supported Security Council also mandated UNMISS reconciliation initiatives by government civilians. to deter violence through “proactive and civil society actors at the national, deployment and patrols in areas at high state and local levels. These activities risk of conflict, within its capabilities aimed to foster political dialogue with a One of the greatest challenges facing and in its areas of deployment.” When view to putting an end to recurring cycles the Government of South Sudan and the mission’s mandate was extended in of violence. UNMISS as they work to protect civilians 2012, the Security Council underscored is the threat of inter-communal violence, once again the responsibility to prioritize which is frequently linked to cattle protection of civilians. Engaging the government raiding. Ethnic Murle and Lou Nuer in the Pibor area of Jonglei State clashed To deliver on this core function, UNMISS In addition, the mission took part in from December 2011 until February devised and implemented a strategy to activities to directly protect civilians 2012.

Signing ceremony of Jonglei State Communities’ conference for peace, Bor, May 2012. (UN Photo/Isaac Billy)

27 Year in Review 2012 SOUTH SUDAN

According to an UNMISS human rights taken by UNMISS in 2012 to fulfill its The mission’s strategy of protection report, an estimated 6,000-8,000 armed responsibility to protect civilians facing of civilians included an early warning youth, militarily organized and primarily imminent violence. On the morning of system designed to alert the South from the Lou Nuer group, mobilized in 2 January 2012, peacekeepers from Sudanese authorities of an imminent Jonglei and launched a series of systematic the Indian Battalion joined the Sudan attack against unarmed civilians. attacks over 12 days in December 2011 People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) in on areas inhabited by the Murle group. preventing between 150 and 200 armed UNMISS staff members played a key role Lou Nuer youths from crossing the Pibor in monitoring a civilian disarmament In response, from 27 December, smaller River in an attempt to attack Pibor town. campaign launched by the South Sudanese groups of armed Murle youth began government and the SPLA in Jonglei state launching retaliatory attacks on Lou in March 2012 and documented reports Nuer and Bor Dinka areas until 4 UN provides refuge of abuses committed by members of the February. government’s security forces against local It is widely believed that the physical residents. These incidents were the latest in a cycle presence of the peacekeepers helped save of retaliatory attacks which had escalated hundreds of civilian lives in the process. The mission’s ongoing efforts to increase over the course of 2011. Also during the crisis, UNMISS operated the protection of civilians in South Sudan 242 helicopter flights, evacuated 180 have been noted by many citizens of The six weeks of violence led to nearly wounded civilians in need of emergency the young nation. “I think the presence 900 deaths, incidents of abductions of medical treatment and sheltered up to of UNMISS is very important,” said women and children, the destruction of 3,500 civilians in UNMISS military Ader Akoy, a 31-year-old government homes and the displacement of thousands compounds. employee in the Jonglei state capital of of civilians. Bor. “It’s trying to convince people to In late October 2012, fighting erupted in live peacefully and work for peace and According to the report, “The failure of the vicinity of Pibor town between SPLA stability with other communities. This is the Government to protect civilians from troops and a rebel militia allegedly led by the work and achievement of UNMISS violence, investigate incidents and hold David Yau Yau. Hundreds of civilians in the state.” perpetrators accountable is believed to from Pibor county took refuge inside the have contributed to this cycle of attacks local UNMISS County Support Base over As part of its mandate, UNMISS also which have resulted in increasing the course of two days until the violence helps with police and security sector numbers of casualties and been marked subsided. reform, advising the Government on by acts of deliberate cruelty.” disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants, The report provided recommendations to It is widely believed that supporting an inclusive constitutional avert future major outbreaks of violence, the physical presence of process, and helping the new nation plan and identified constraints that had for its first elections. the peacekeepers helped prevented UNMISS from more effectively fulfilling its mandate to protect civilians save hundreds of civilian The mission is also supporting efforts under the imminent threat of physical lives in the process. to build the country’s human rights violence. capacities and institutions. It also carries out quick impact projects to help with “To end the cycle of violence in Jonglei tangible basic service delivery such as for good, we need to understand what Similary, on 19 December, around 5,000 providing drinking water systems and happened and make sure that the civilians, mostly women, children and the repairing schools. perpetrators are held accountable,” the elderly, took refuge inside the UN camp Special Representative of the Secretary- in the town of Wau, the capital of Western While 2012 was a challenging year for General for South Sudan and head of Bahr el-Ghazal state, in the northwest of the new nation, peacekeepers contributed UNMISS, Hilde F. Johnson, said. “This the country. They had escaped violence to efforts by the Government to protect needs to be part of a comprehensive and protests that began a few days earlier civilians and to build a more stable future peace process in the state.” after officials said they would move the in South Sudan.■ seat of local government out of Wau to The defence of Pibor town in the the nearby town of Baggari. opening days of the new year was the first in a series of significant actions

Year in Review 2012 28 TIMOR-LESTE UNMIT A story of successful cooperation

The end of the United Nations Integrated Timor-Leste achieve stability, strengthen falling short of a majority, a coalition Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) on 31 rule of law and improve the capacities of government would be formed. December 2012 brought to a close over state institutions. 13 years of UN peacekeeping and political missions in the country. Established in This was a banner response to the internal crisis that shook Achieving benchmarks year for UNMIT and the the country and displaced up to 150,000 Timorese people in terms people in April and May 2006, UNMIT This was a banner year for UNMIT of achieving benchmarks, provided interim law enforcement and the Timorese people in terms of prior to the Mission’s and public security until Timor-Leste’s achieving benchmarks, prior to the national police could be reconstituted mission’s departure. The nation’s second departure. and resume its role. independent presidential elections were held in two phases on 17 March and 16 UNMIT was composed of more April 2012. The election saw an end to With both elections conducted in a than 1,600 police officers from 41 Jose Ramos-Horta’s five-year term, as largely peaceful manner, the international countries, and about 1,900 national and Taur Matan Ruak, a former military community and the UN felt confident international civilian personnel. Since commander, became the victor in a second about UNMIT’s impending departure. UNMIT’s creation, mission personnel round run-off. Parliamentary elections Furthermore, the full certification of the worked with all segments of Timorese followed in July, with Prime Minister reconstitution of the National Police on society, including the Government, police Xana Gusmao’s National Congress for 31 October confirmed its capacity to and armed forces, the National Parliament Timorese Reconstruction winning over conduct all police functions, following and political parties, the judiciary, civil Fretilin, the main contender. However, substantial training programmes by UN society groups and the media to help Police. Also of significance was the fact

Timor-Leste thanks Portuguese Police for helping secure peace, November 2012. (UN Photo/Sandra Black)

29 Year in Review 2012 TIMOR-LESTE

that Timor-Leste had celebrated its 10 years of hard-won independence on 10 May 2012.

“The Timorese people and its leaders have shown courage and unswerving resolve to overcome great challenges. Although there remains much work ahead, this is an historic moment in recognising the progress already made,” the Secretary-General’s Acting Special Representative and Head of UNMIT, Finn Reske-Nielsen, stated in December 2012 just prior to the closing of the Mission.

The results of the strong partnership between Timor-Leste and the UN were evident at every level. National institutions, in their infancy in 2002, Pakistani police officers shortly before boarding a return flight home as they end their service are now safeguarding stability and with UNMIT, November 2012. (UN Photo/Bernadino Soares) democracy. Successive governments have taken concrete steps to improve the lives Timorese staff to find employment and One significant area in which the mission’s of citizens and enhance development. The to continue to help contribute to the work could not be completed by the end judiciary has made important progress nation’s development after the departure of its mandate was the investigations into in upholding the rule of law. With the of UNMIT. cases relating to crimes against humanity National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) and other serious crimes committed responsible for policing since March between 1 January and 25 October 1999. 2011, reported crime has remained low. The results of the strong The Serious Crimes Unit, however, had Beyond its borders, the country has partnership between completed 319 of 396 investigations and assumed a leadership role with the g7+ Timor-Leste and the UN expected to conclude an additional 16 and is a key contributor to the New Deal investigations by end of the year, leaving were evident at every on Aid Effectiveness. 61 investigations outstanding. level. The UN family will continue to provide Youth and development support to national institutions in While significant progress has been designing and implementing programmes Ms. Ameerah Haq, the UN Under- achieved, challenges lie ahead, including for accelerated development, through the Secretary-General for Field Support, who tackling poverty and unemployment, UN agencies, funds and programmes. previously served as the head of UNMIT promoting education and improving between 2010 and June 2012, said in an health services. As President of Timor-Leste Taur Matan interview, “The Timorese leadership has Ruak said at the closing ceremony of set a course for development. This will be One of the key priorities for Timor- UNMIT, “for the past 13 years, Timor- critical in the days and years ahead. The Leste is to develop the non-oil economy, Leste and the United Nations have youth of the country need opportunities especially the private sector, to ensure worked hand in hand to bring peace, for education and jobs to be able to make sustainable and equitable growth, which stability and development to our country. their own contribution to building their translates into jobs. nation.” “The mission (UNMIT) deserves Education, youth employment, and recognition and should be long To that end, UNMIT created the equitable development will require remembered as a successful peacekeeping National Staff Capacity Building continued close cooperation between operation. Our partnership with the Programme (NSCBP) meant to provide a Timorese authorities and international United Nations family will however comprehensive range of training offerings partners. continue, as we work towards building that would ultimately help the mission’s a more prosperous nation.”■

Year in Review 2012 30 CÔTE D’IVOIRE UNOCI Scaling up protection efforts

The people from Pékan Houebli, a forget this day. “We were so frightened of Pékan Houebli heard that the situation village located near the border between that we did not know which way to run, had improved in their village and decided Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia, 600 km west but we knew we had to run for our lives. to return to their community with the of the capital Abidjan, are happy that We ran and left everything behind,” he assistance of the United Nations High the peace and quiet they once enjoyed recalls. Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is progressively coming back into their and the International Organization for community. Migration. “When we talk to the blue In the early hours of 13 August 2012, the population of the village woke up to helmets, they tell us they Villagers return home the sound of gunfire. Unidentified armed are here for us and that individuals attacked the village, forcing makes us feel happy...” “We always wanted to return home, but its inhabitants to flee. Some of them we did not know what was happening crossed the border and sought refuge in in our village. We had nothing to do in Liberia. More than 20 homes were burnt Liberia but here we have a lot to do,” to the ground and several people killed Shortly after the event, the United explained Kele, who returned to his during the attack. Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire village along with other villagers in (UNOCI), together with Ivorian security October 2012. Alex Kele, leader of the youth association forces, began to conduct regular patrols of Pékan Houebli, says he will never in the area. By October 2012, the people

UNOCI peacekeepers carrying out patrols with Ivorian forces in a village, December 2012. (UN Photo/Ky Chung)

31 Year in Review 2012 CÔTE D’IVOIRE

UNOCI peacekeepers on foot patrol with Ivorian forces, December 2012. (UN Photo/Ky Chung)

With the support of UNOCI’s Moroccan working closely with the national security particular cross-border movements of contingent, Ivorian police and gendarmes forces to protect them. Our patrols also armed groups and weapons, continue to have been conducting joint patrols three act as deterrent to criminals,” explained pose a significant threat to Côte d’Ivoire, times a week. Kele says that these patrols Commander Hakizimana. Liberia and the sub-region. UNOCI have enabled the return of some 45 and the United Nations Mission in families, who are now trying to rebuild Following the violent post-electoral crisis Liberia (UNMIL) have enhanced their their lives. “We feel safe when we see from December 2010 to April 2011, intermission cooperation and related these patrols. When we talk to the blue there have been sporadic but deadly activities in the border area, in support helmets, they tell us they are here for us attacks against Ivorian security forces of the authorities on both sides of the and that makes us feel happy,” said Kele. and UNOCI peacekeepers. To further border. enhance security, UNOCI periodically According to the commander of the UN redeployed its troops in different areas At the end of 2012, the Secretary- Police in the nearby locality of Toulepleu, near Côte d’Ivoire’s border between General’s Special Representative and Onesphore Hakizimana, whose men take Liberia and Ghana. head of UNOCI, Bert Koenders, said that part in the joint patrols, a challenge was the country’s economy was recovering, to establish trust between the Ivorian it was progressively reintegrating into security forces and the population. Crossborder threats the West African region and the overall security situation had improved since the “Our goal is to make them feel safe On 8 June 2012, seven peacekeepers end of the post-electoral crisis. enough to go about their daily business from Niger were killed when they came without any fear. In order to do this, we under attack from an armed group while “Yet, this positive picture should have to make sure we all work together on patrol in the west along the border not obscure the fact that the country and ensure that people trust not only with Liberia. They had been deployed continues to face important challenges the UN peacekeepers, but also their own in response to reports of an attack on and significant threats as it transitions to security forces. By carrying out joint civilians in the village of Sao the night a peacebuilding phase,” he stated.■ patrols the population can see that we are of 7 June. Insecurity in the West, in

Year in Review 2012 32 SYRIA UNSMIS Military solution not possible

Syria began the year in conflict, and establishment of a ceasefire monitoring in support of all aspects of the six- ended the year in war. mechanism. point plan including engaging with the Syrian population in Government and As the year began amid increased In April, UNSMIS was set up to monitor opposition-held areas. violence, the Secretary-General engaged and supervise a cessation of violence. in intensive diplomatic efforts to end the Initially set up for a 90-day period, the Despite a brief initial reduction of military confrontation and move towards mission deployed 300 unarmed military violence, by mid-June it was clear that a political settlement. observers from 47 countries in record the ceasefire was not being respected. As time. By the end of May 2012, UNSMIS, clashes intensified between the Syrian In March 2012, the Joint Special Envoy under the leadership of Major-General army and opposition fighters, UN of the United Nations and the League of Robert Mood, was fully operational with convoys and personnel came increasingly Arab States, Kofi Annan, put forward a a presence in Damascus and in eight sites under direct and indirect fire. six-point proposal that was endorsed by across the country. the Security Council, and accepted by the While the situation was being reviewed Syrian authorities and the opposition. “Our mission is to build bridges, creating daily, the presence of military observers The six-point plan was designed to de- confidence and trust. A key challenge is to was consolidated in four team sites, escalate the conflict through a series of stop the violence,” Major General Mood including Aleppo, Deir-ez-Zor and Rif steps and create space for talks between told reporters shortly after taking up his Damascus. The mission reoriented its the parties. The plan also included the functions. The unarmed observers, later efforts with a focus on visiting schools joined by civilian staff, worked actively and medical facilities to assess the impact

United Nations observers inspecting a residential area with Free Syrian Army gunmen at Talbisah in Homs city, June 2012. (UN Photo/David Manyua)

33 Year in Review 2012 SYRIA

Ahmed Himmiche (centre), UN Military Observer dispatched to Syria, is approached by citizens of Homs as he and his team patrol the city, April 2012. (UN Photo/Neeraj Singh) of the conflict on the civilian population On 20 July 2012, the Security Council Arab League in August 2012, focused and enable humanitarian assistance to be extended the mission for 30 days stating his efforts to help move the parties to a delivered. that any further extension could be cessation of violence and a political path, possible only “in the event that the and on addressing the humanitarian Secretary-General reports and the crisis that was getting dramatically worse Accessing options Security Council confirms the cessation of by the week. the use of heavy weapons and a reduction Reporting to the Security Council in early in the level of violence sufficient by all July, the Secretary-General outlined a sides” to allow the UNSMIS monitors “We can only succeed if all set of options for a future reorientation to implement their mandate. As those sides take the necessary of UNSMIS, notably a withdrawal, an conditions were not met, the Council steps...” increase in the number of observers brought UNSMIS to an end on 19 August accompanied by armed force protection, 2012. and the maintenance of UNSMIS in the “A military solution will not bring an end same configuration under a renewed Major-General Mood’s assignment to violence in Syria. It will plunge Syria mandate with emphasis on civilian in Syria concluded in July and he was into a destructive process from which it activities. replaced shortly after by General Babacar will be very hard and take very long to Gaye. recover, with dangerous consequences “Whatever decision the Security Council for the entire region,” the Secretary- makes, the international community’s Despite the violence and the challenges, General told the General Assembly late continued responsibility to the Syrian the 300 unarmed military observers in 2012. “We can only succeed if all sides people is moral as well as political,” conducted their duties and demonstrated take the necessary steps, and if there are Major-General Mood said. “We cannot the United Nations’ commitment to Syria converging actions by the international and will not turn our eyes and ears and the region. community, in particular the Security away from your plight and will continue Council,” he added. our work to find new paths to political By year’s end, over 40,000 Syrians had dialogue and peaceful resolution to the lost their lives, hundreds of thousands “If we genuinely unite behind Brahimi crisis.” were displaced. Lakhdar Brahimi, and behind one process, it is still possible who had been appointed Joint Special to avert the worst and enable a Syria in Representative of the United Nations and peace to emerge from this crisis.”■

Year in Review 2012 34 MIDDLE EAST UNTSO Nimbleness as a guiding concept

The year 2012 was one of proactive Mission and Chief of Staff, “nimbleness” The military observers carried out adaptation and nimbleness, undertaken in became the guiding principle for carrying their activities under difficult security difficult security conditions, for the United out its tasks. conditions and encountered safety and Nations Truce Supervision Organization security risks. In addition, the mission (UNTSO), which works in five countries leveraged its long experience in unarmed in a region in flux. Syrian conflict spreads military observation to become the first field operation to redeploy observers As one of the longest-serving peacekeeping The conflict in Syria and its expansion during the start-up phase of the UN missions, UNTSO’s mandate has remained to the Golan in 2012, changed the Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS). the same since 1949 — to monitor ceasefires environment in which the UNTSO and agreements between Israel and its military observers conduct their tasks. Arab neighbours and prevent isolated The ways of implementing incidents from escalating. The ways of Entrusted with a mandate which calls implementing the mandate, however, for “observation” and “assistance”, the the mandate must must continuously and concretely adapt mission combined military expertise continuously and to changing circumstances. And changing with broad political access, not limited concretely adapt to circumstances were the hallmark of 2012 by its mandate to a single country. Thus changing circumstances. in the region, deeply affecting some of the UNTSO, with its more than 50 military host countries, which include Lebanon, observers, some 90 international civilian Israel, Egypt, Jordan and Syria. personnel and more than 130 local civilian staff, was able to work on a regional basis The mission’s presence in the five Under the direction of Major-General during the continuing conflict. countries enabled it to provide the Juha Kilpia of Finland, UNTSO’s Head of Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) with reporting on the military, political and security developments in the region, helping to defuse incidents on the ground and informing the decision- making process at UN Headquarters during an eventful year in the area. Helping to facilitate this mission was the presence on the ground of specialists in UNTSO’s headquarters in Jerusalem and in liaison offices in Beirut, Ismailia and Damascus.

The Head of Mission, with access to numerous military and political actors in multiple nations, made the mission an important mechanism for identifying and analyzing regional trends based on regional political-military dialogue and direct observation in the field.■

Major-General Juha Kilpia of Finland, UNTSO Head of Mission and Chief of Staff (seated, second from the right) with Observer Group Golan, December 2012. (UNDOF photo)

35 Year in Review 2012 Corporal Natascha Vestermayer Corporal Mariam Kakwira Sergeant Ji-Young Lee Firefighter - Austria Military Police - Tanzania EOD Unit - Republic of Korea WOMEN in Peacekeeping

Recognising the critical role that women play in peacekeeping, the United Nations continues to work towards empowering women, increasing their numbers in senior management positions and advocating for women’s rights and gender equality, with a focus on ending violence against women.

On these pages, some of the female peacekeepers who have served in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) provide a small window into what the UN continues to aspire to — more women in peacekeeping; more women in leadership roles.

Captain Dr. Barsha Bajracharya Lieutenant Emma Stanley Dr. Zahra Shaitly Medical Doctor - Nepal Signals Officer - Ireland Pharmacist - Lebanon

Year in Review 2012 36 Captain Eun-Bi Jeong Nurse Officer - Republic of Korea

37 Year in Review 2012 Sergeant Mercedes Sanina Military Police Officer - Spain

Year in Review 2012 38 POLITICAL AND PEACEBUILDING MISSIONS

Girls wave and flash victory signs at a passing helicopter during a military parade on the anniversary of the revolution in the western city of Zawiya, Libya, June 2012. (UNSMIL/Iason Athanasiadis)

BURUNDI BNUB

Consolidating peace through political dialogue

At the end of October 2012, the The United Nations Office in Burundi violations documented by the United Government of Burundi (with support (BNUB) strongly supported and Nations decreased in 2012, compared from the United Nations, the World welcomed this engagement from both to the previous year. The Independent Bank, the African Development Bank, national stakeholders and international National Human Rights Commission, the European Union, and bilateral partners. “Recent history from around which was established in 2012 with UN partners) organized a major conference the globe points to a clear lesson; the support and continued to benefit from in Geneva, bringing together all of final stage of peace consolidation is capacity-building support, extended its Burundi’s development partners, to especially critical in a country’s post- operations to the regions. mobilize support for the implementation conflict recovery process. And this is of its poverty reduction strategy. Though the crossroads at which Burundi now final figures are still to be confirmed, finds itself,” Special Representative Following the Arusha Accords donors pledged more than $2.6 billion. of the Secretary-General for BNUB In doing so, they commended the Onanga-Anyanga stated at the Geneva However, the path ahead is not without Government, and the people of Burundi, Conference. “This is why strong support challenges. The United Nations will for their commitment to promoting good from internal and international partners therefore continue supporting Burundi governance and strengthening the fight is needed now more than ever,” he added. in achieving the objectives set out in against poverty. This was the second the Arusha Accords over 10 years ago: year of impressive advances for Burundi Burundi witnessed other positive consolidating a vibrant democracy where in the World Bank’s “Doing Business” developments during 2012. BNUB all citizens can live in peace, building a indicators, making Burundi Africa’s continued to support efforts to society that respects diversity and human “Most Improved” for 2012, and, among strengthen political dialogue. Two formal rights, promotes reconciliation, and the 10 countries globally deemed to have meetings have taken place between putting in place institutions that strive most improved in the same year — the the Government and the opposition for good governance and equitable only low-income country among the parties, and one member of the extra- growth. The UN will continue to support 10. Thanks to the efforts of the Office parliamentary opposition returned from efforts to promote broad-based political Burundais des Recettes, state revenues exile, in time for the celebration of the dialogue to pave the way for peaceful and continued to increase dramatically from 50th anniversary of independence. At the inclusive elections due to be held in 2015. what was a very low base. same time, the number of extra-judicial executions and other human rights In collaboration with its partners in Burundi, the UN will also focus its efforts on strengthening the independence of the judiciary and the judicial follow-up to human rights violations and other crimes so as to tackle the persistent issue of impunity.

Ahead of the 2015 elections, a major challenge in Burundi will be to ensure that the gains made so far become sustainable, that peace becomes firmly entrenched in Burundian society, and that all citizens can freely engage and participate in the democratic process.■ SRSG Onanga-Anyanga during the Conference for Burundi’s Development Partners, Geneva, October 2012. (UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferré)

39 Year in Review 2012 CENTRAL AFRICAN REPUBLIC BINUCA Back from the brink, but still fragile

Faced with chronic political instability, Briefing the Security Council in January deals, they are not implemented. “The including a succession of coups over 2013, BINUCA Special Representative of opportunity must be seized to put in the past decades, the conflict in Central the Secretary-General (SRSG) Margaret place an effective Government capable African Republic (CAR) remained one of Vogt said that she had embarked on of addressing the country’s myriad the most overlooked crises in the world. intensive diplomatic consultations to challenges.” Tensions between politico-military facilitate a peaceful resolution of the groups and the Government culminated crisis. Complementing SRSG Vogt’s BINUCA will be involved in the follow- in renewed unrest at the end of 2012. efforts was a team of experts dispatched up mechanism on the implementation of from the Department of Political the 11 January peace agreement. Through In December 2012, a coalition of armed Affairs’ Standby Team of Mediation its resolution 2088 (2013), the Security groups called “Séléka” claiming that Experts, who assisted in the drafting of Council extended the peacebuilding President François Bozizé failed to a declaration of principles and a ceasefire office’s mandate for a year, tasking it to honour the terms of a 2008 peace deal, agreement. SRSG Vogt also told the work with all parties to facilitate the full took up arms against the Government Council that three days of talks held in implementation of the agreement. and swiftly gained control of nearly half Libreville, Gabon, were concluded by a the country. new peace deal between the Government Urging the international community and the rebellion on 11 January 2013, to “engage more forcefully both The United Nations Integrated paving the way for power-sharing and a diplomatically and financially to pull Peacebuilding Office in the Central political transition in the Central African the CAR from the brink,” SRSG Vogt African Republic (BINUCA) has been Republic. added in a press conference via video link engaged in the country with a mandate from Bangui that “it was now critical to to consolidate peace, support national educate cadres throughout the Central reconciliation and mobilize international Urging effective governance African Republic on the provisions of the support for socio-economic recovery. The agreement and to start disarmament and mission has also been working closely While these accords would contain the re-integration programmes in earnest, by with the government and international immediate flare-up, SRSG Vogt told the overcoming obstacles that stalled them in partners in the disarmament, Council that another meltdown down the past year, as well as making progress demobilization and reintegration of ex- the line is quite possible if, like previous in political and security sector reform.”■ combatants as well as in countering the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), whose increased presence in the southeast has caused the displacement of more than 20,000 civilians.

Following the renewed eruption of violence at the end of 2012, BINUCA provided technical support and political advice to regional efforts aimed at facilitating peace talks under the aegis of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS).

SRSG Vogt at a conference, October 2012. (UN Photo/Jean-Marc Ferré)

Year in Review 2012 40 AFGHANISTAN UNAMA Positioning itself for post 2014

A challenging year ended in Afghanistan rights, to reinforcing the work of groups and security gains of the past decade with the United Nations Assistance that advocate for gender equality to may be in jeopardy, if the attention of Mission for Afghanistan (UNAMA) ensuring that upcoming elections are the international community wanes. reiterating its commitment to remain transparent and inclusive. By promoting At two important international fora in in the country post-2014, when most the inclusion of non-mainstream voices 2012, the Chicago NATO Summit and international military forces will have such as civil society and the loyal the Tokyo Conference, international departed. The mission has repositioned opposition, the Mission plays a vital partners committed to continuing to itself to better support the Afghan political outreach function. provide security and socio-economic government’s vision of Afghan leadership support after 2014, giving a degree of and economic self-reliance during the “We will, as the United Nations and predictability to assuage Afghan fears of country’s “Transformation Decade” definitely as the international community, abandonment. (2015-2024). be here with you also for the post- 2014 period,” Ján Kubiš, the Special This stance is in line with the current Representative of the Secretary-General Looking at long-term support UNAMA mandate which defines the (SRSG) told a group of Afghan civil UN as an active partner of the Afghan society leaders. In a speech to the Chicago Summit, government, leading and coordinating SRSG Kubiš called on the international international civilian efforts to support The transition of security responsibility community to commit to solid and and to strengthen the Government to Afghan forces and the drawdown of meaningful long-term support for and its institutions to deliver on their the international military presence set Afghanistan. The result of that responsibilities. UNAMA’s involvement to be completed by the end of 2014 conference was a commitment to provide in supporting the government and civil has created a sense of uncertainty and security forces with $4.1 billion in annual society is far-reaching, ranging from anxiety about the future amongst support. initiatives like providing forums for Afghans and internationals alike. Many Afghan leaders, to promoting human are concerned that the social, economic

SRSG Kubiš (left) briefs the media in Kabul after returning from a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit held in the US city of Chicago, May 2012. (UNAMA/Fardin Waezi)

41 Year in Review 2012 AFGHANISTAN

the most. This year’s Annual Report on Protection of Civilians in Armed Conflict, produced by the mission’s human rights unit, reported that the number of Afghan civilians killed or injured in 2012 decreased (by 12 per cent) for the first time since the United Nations began keeping track of such figures. Attacks on women and children, however, were found to be on the rise. Particularly disturbing were targeted killings of women by anti-Government elements, as demonstrated by the killings of the head and deputy head of the Laghman Department of Women’s Affairs in July and December 2012, respectively.

The number of Afghan civilians killed or injured in 2012 decreased (by 12 An Afghan health worker (left) administers polio drops to a child. A large-scale, UN-backed per cent) for the first time vaccination campaign was completed in Afghanistan in 2012, preventing up to 40,000 cases of measles and averting some 2,000 deaths. (UNAMA/Fardin Waezi) since the United Nations began keeping track of such figures. Two months later in Tokyo, UNAMA Afghanistan and the international played a vital role in supporting the community,” said Mr. Kubiš. Government to marshal international donors to pledge $16 billion for In addition to helping to lay the Monitoring and reporting on these Afghanistan’s economic and development groundwork for a successful transition, incidents helps to focus attention on needs post-2014. That pledge was addressing Afghanistan’s humanitarian the urgency of these issues, and assists conditioned on the realization of challenges remains a major concern of UNAMA in coordinating efforts to previous commitments made by the the UN in Afghanistan. Large parts of ensure the protection of civilians and Afghan Government on governance, the country are hard to reach and are promoting accountability. political and human rights issues and prone to droughts, flooding and local- by the international community on level conflicts. In such an environment, Addressing journalists in Kabul, SRSG meeting aid effectiveness targets. A providing emergency support remains a Kubiš said, “There is a 700 per cent key conference outcome, the “Tokyo key challenge and UNAMA continues increase, 700 per cent, in the killing and Mutual Accountability Framework”, to work closely with and supports the harming of civilians, and I’m stressing endorsed by Afghanistan and the UN Office for the Coordination of civilians who are perceived to be working international community, provides Humanitarian Affairs as it coordinates in favour of the Government – different a roadmap for future engagement the humanitarian response. officials, tribal leaders, religious leaders, between the international community those that are speaking in favour of and Afghanistan in terms of development peace.” support. In the words of UN Secretary- Monitoring human rights General Ban Ki-moon, the Framework UNAMA continues to advocate for should give confidence to Afghans and UNAMA also continues to play a pivotal civilian protection, elimination of violence donors that the commitments that they role through monitoring and reporting against women, humane treatment have made to each other will be honored. of abuses of international humanitarian in detention, and accountability and and human rights. UNAMA’s human inclusivity in peace and reconciliation “The recent series of successful high-level rights unit produces targeted, fact- processes and to make recommendations meetings has redefined and reinvigorated based assessments on the human rights which have resulted in the mission being long-term partnership between issues that impact the Afghan people able to shape debate and policy.■

Year in Review 2012 42 IRAQ UNAMI Paving the way for elections

In October 2012, Iraq announced that in its efforts to build a professional and In April 2012, the mandate of the existing Governorate Council elections will take sustainable electoral administration in IHEC Board of Commissioners was due place on 20 April 2013. This will be the Iraq throughout all these events. to expire. With major elections on the eighth major electoral event since 2005. horizon, it was vital that a new board be From that year, millions of Iraqi men appointed on time. and women have made their way home An Independent Electoral from polling booths across the country, Commission proudly holding up their fingers dyed bright purple by the ink that symbolizes The focus of the UN IEAT’s capacity The UN IEAT continued to their contribution to the political process. building efforts is the Independent stress the importance of The UN Integrated Electoral Assistance High Electoral Commission (IHEC), merit-based selection and Team (IEAT), led by the United Nations an institution which is critical for inclusion of minorities and Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) the democratic process. According to working together with the United Iraq’s 2005 Constitution, the IHEC is women. Nations Development Programme responsible for planning elections that (UNDP) and the United Nations Office ensure a credible and legitimate electoral for Project Services (UNOPS), has outcome. supported the Iraqi electoral commission

SRSG Kobler meets with the new IHEC Board of Commissioners, October 2012. (UNAMI)

43 Year in Review 2012 IRAQ

UN electoral staff with their IHEC colleagues, Baghdad, November 2012. (UNAMI)

With its history of conflict and instability, vying for the nine positions, the UN IEAT electoral administration which received Iraq is not always an easy place to continued to stress the importance of training from the UN IEAT in various build consensus among the multiple merit-based selection and inclusion of areas, including operations, data centre political actors. Debate can be intense minorities and women. management and public outreach. and protracted. Ensuring an Iraqi-led, open, inclusive and transparent selection At the end of September, the new board The UN IEAT is the only UN team that process for the members of a new was appointed. This lengthy yet successful works alongside Iraqi counterparts inside board was therefore essential. With the process represented a major achievement. an Iraqi institution on a daily basis. It has support of the UN IEAT, the Council of “This appointment now paves the way done so continuously since 2004. Representatives formed a Committee for the conduct of Governorate Council of Experts that published the selection elections in 2013,” Martin Kobler, the As Iraq’s IHEC has become increasingly criteria and opened the process to NGO Special Representative of the Secretary- experienced, it has started providing observation. General for Iraq and Head of UNAMI, support and sharing expertise with other said at the time. “The UN remains electoral processes in the region. In early 2012, the Committee began committed to supporting IHEC and its reviewing over 7,200 applications. More new Board of Commissioners in the than 4,400 of the applicants were deemed preparations and conduct of elections.” Looking ahead to have met the criteria stipulated in the electoral law. Interviews and a scoring An experienced IHEC is now steering system helped to constitute a short-list Iraqi expertise Iraq steadily towards the April 2013 of candidates. Governorate Council Elections and The eight men and one woman of the new onwards to the parliamentary election By April 2012, the process was nearing board bring valuable qualifications and in 2014. The UN IEAT will continue to completion. Strong voices came from all expertise, seven of them having served in be at its side when needed.■ sides as debate intensified over the final the previous electoral commission. The selection. With many qualified candidates new IHEC will be supported by a strong

Year in Review 2012 44 GUINEA-BISSAU UNIOGBIS Advancing Security Sector Reform

Guinea-Bissau faced tremendous and coordinated fashion, synchronizing of the civilian criminal and military challenges in 2012, a year marked by its efforts — based on identified needs — justice systems to discuss and gradually instability, at the political, security with national political processes and harmonize their respective jurisdictions and social levels, compounded by a incorporating gender and human rights with regard to due process, notably on worsening economic situation as a result standards. This fosters the essential link investigations and prosecutions, and to of military intervention in political and between security, sustainable peace and advise on legal review proposals. judicial life, amid reports of increased development. drug trafficking. When a section of the To facilitate access to legislation for military staged a coup d’état on 12 April legal practitioners, other professionals, 2012, deposing the country’s civilian Building national capacity government officials and civil society, rulers during elections, international UNIOGBIS has produced a 550-page donors curtailed their assistance to Despite the setback of the coup d’état, compendium of all criminal laws Guinea-Bissau, including in the area of UNIOGBIS has continued to deliver on and related legislation of the country. Security Sector Reform (SSR). its commitment to building national Launched by the mission, in collaboration capacity in order to enhance good with Guinea-Bissau’s Supreme Court Since its establishment by UN Security governance, constitutional order and in mid-November, the publication Council resolution 1876 (2009), the public security, to encourage full respect was hailed as a means of facilitating UN Integrated Peace-building Office in for the rule of law and to promote and the functioning of the judiciary and Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS), which was respect human rights. enhancing the various actors’ familiarity preceded by a political mission created with the national system of criminal in 1999, received an enhanced mandate, justice and its norms. especially in the area of Security Sector UNIOGBIS has continued to Reform/Rule of Law (SSR/RoL). deliver on its commitment A mechanism at the core of UNIOGBIS’ to building national SSR activities is the vetting and Some of the most tangible contributions capacity. certification process, a form of “internal of the United Nations to enhanced audit” of the personnel of defence, policing civilian and military cooperation in and internal security institutions. Its aim Guinea-Bissau include an innovative is to update an existing census, establish system of community policing with a Within this framework, the mission demobilization lists, design training plans model police station, the establishment refurbished the National Defence and, finally, award certification based on of a vetting and certification system of Institute, towards providing an enabling integrity and skills. UNIOGBIS has been defense and security institutions and a environment for civilian oversight of supporting this Government-led process, rehabilitated National Defence Institute. defense and security institutions, and in which more than 4,000 police and The mission also provided training and to create a space for new channels of internal security personnel have already mentoring with a view to helping the dialogue and cooperation between the registered. The process is being extended country to build capacity in the areas country’s military and the political to the armed forces and, possibly, public of Security Sector Reform and Rule of leadership as well as civil society and administration as a whole. Law, which are at the core of the peace- international partners. This initiative is building effort. complemented by UNIOGBIS’ ongoing At the same time, the mission has carried engagement with national partners out a mentoring programme under which In SSR/RoL, UNIOGBIS follows an within the framework of the National SSR experts, including members of the inclusive approach aimed at addressing Criminal Justice Forum. This body brings UN police, are co-located with local human security needs in an integrated together representatives of all institutions military, judicial and law enforcement

45 Year in Review 2012 GUINEA-BISSAU

officers. Similar mentoring programmes was to forge a collaborative partnership policing programmes in other parts of the have been conducted by UNIOGBIS between the police and the community, country. regional offices, including in the towns while paying particular attention to the of Bafata and Mansoa. protection of women, youth and the elderly. Support by the Peacebuilding Fund Transforming a “no-go” zone In less than a year, the community policing initiative of Bairro Militar has The consolidation of peace, democratic A concrete example of cooperation had a positive impact on the life of its governance and long-term sustainable between UNIOGBIS and its partners in residents. The model police station was development requires sustained Guinea-Bissau is the country’s first model chosen by the community to jointly investment. Through the UN police station. It was inaugurated on 12 organize with UNIOGBIS an open Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) two projects September 2011, anniversary of the birth day event to celebrate UN Day on 24 were launched to enhance security and of late national hero Amilcar Cabral, in October 2012. This event would have access to justice by supporting and Bairro Militar, a Bissau neighbourhood been unimaginable years ago, when the professionalizing police institutions, of some 180,000 residents. For years, area was considered a “no-go” zone and building model police stations in all Bairro Militar had been notorious for the was the scene of a high level of violence. regions, and decentralizing judicial and tension between Government authorities legal services. and residents, which sometimes led to Regular discussion sessions between clashes, forcing the former to abandon representatives of the police and The projects also seek to boost reform of the neighbourhood. area residents, including women’s the defence institutions by rejuvenating the organisations and youth groups, reflect armed forces through the disarmament, In 2012, UNIOGBIS introduced the the new interaction between community demobilization and reintegration into concept of community policing in Bairro and police. Crime statistics are declining. society of former combatants, including Militar, a first in the country. The new Civil society organizations are engaged the establishment of a special pension philosophy focuses on “service” as in several security, justice and social fund. However, following the freezing of opposed to “force,” transforming the development projects. Drawing on the the PBF funds in the wake of the 12 April police into social actors, with an emphasis success of Bairro Militar, the Government coup d’état a number of activities had to on preventive and proactive action, is planning to launch similar community be suspended.■ rather than repression. The objective

Police training at Bairro Militar Police station, July 2012. (UNIOGBIS)

Year in Review 2012 46 SIERRA LEONE UNIPSIL Peacebuilding efforts play a role in peaceful elections

For both United Nations Integrated urged them to abide by the 18 May 2012 (NEC), the police and security sector Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone Declaration. This Declaration laid the agencies and the PPRC — played a major (UNIPSIL) staff and the people of Sierra ground rules and responsibilities for a wide role in arranging elections themselves. Leone, the highlight of the last year range of actors including politicians. The This was no mean feat. In an election were undoubtedly the elections on 17 mission worked with the Political Parties’ marked by “firsts,” four polls took place November, the third since the end of the Registration Commission (PPRC) to on the same day. Voters were asked civil war in 2002 and a crucial test of the promote dialogue and ensure compliance to choose not only the president and peacebuilding process. with an agreed Code of Conduct for members of parliament, but also local Political Parties. Equally important to and district councillors. The UN played an important role leading peacebuilding efforts was UNIPSIL’s up to the elections. Technical and financial work with cross-party women’s and assistance was provided to Sierra Leone’s youth groups. These platforms promoted electoral management bodies through the national cohesion and proved valuable as In an election marked by UNDP-managed Electoral Basket Fund a mechanism for conflict resolution. “firsts,” four polls took with contributions from international partners. Before, during and after the This was the first election since 2002 in place on the same day. elections, UNIPSIL maintained close which Sierra Leone’s own institutions contact with the political parties and — the National Electoral Commission

Sierra Leoneans take to the polls in Freetown, the capital of the West African nation, to vote in the third presidential and parliamentary elections since the end of civil war in 2002, November 2012.(UNIPSIL)

47 Year in Review 2012 SIERRA LEONE

Voters display their new voter registration cards, November 2012. (UNIPSIL)

Simplifying the process Although Sierra Leone covers an area its share of seats from 59 to 67 while the of just over 71,000 square kilometres, SLPP’s share dropped from 44 to 42. In a society struggling with high levels there were major logistical challenges in of illiteracy, there was clearly a need to distributing electoral material to some Long before the polls, UNIPSIL had set simplify such a complex process. It was parts of the country. Forty-three trucks up an initiative supported by the UN also important to clarify the powers were borrowed from the police and Peacebuilding Fund in which different of the NEC to nullify results should armed forces while the NEC rented an groups, such as paramount chiefs, problems arise with issues such as over- additional 400 vehicles. musicians, women’s and youth groups, voting. Hence, a comprehensive legal were called upon to help promote reform programme was carried out peaceful elections. This “Non-State months before the election campaign The UN played an Actors Project” as it is known, engaged period started. important role leading up academia and the media with a view to to the elections. mitigating political and ethnic tensions. With technical assistance from UNDP, the NEC opted to introduce for the first Overall, the elections were considered time in the country’s history a biometric credible and fair. Organizations such system of registering voters. The process On 23 November, the NEC declared that as the National Election Watch, a was rolled out nationwide starting in incumbent President Ernest Bai Koroma coalition of civil society groups, the January 2012 and by July a total of of the All People’s Congress (APC) had European Union, the African Union, 2,692,635 citizens had been registered been re-elected with 58.75 percent of the the Commonwealth and the Economic to vote. In another first, regional tallying total registered voters. His main rival, Community of West African States centres were established in the provincial Brigadier General (Rtd) Julius Maada Bio (ECOWAS) fielded observer missions, headquarter towns of Bo, Kenema and of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) later reporting their satisfaction with the Makeni alongside the main centre in received 37.4 percent. According to the outcome. the capital, Freetown. With help from 1991 Constitution, there was no need for UNDP, these centres were equipped a run-off since one candidate had secured As UNIPSIL considered its next steps, with large data-processing facilities to more than 55 percent of the votes cast. a popular slogan from one civil society enable prompt and accurate processing In parliament, the ruling APC increased group resounds: “Peace is in our hands.” ■ of results.

Year in Review 2012 48 AFRICAN UNION UNOAU Supporting the African Union’s first Formed Police Unit

The first-ever Formed Police Unit (FPU) in sub-regions for ongoing operations such character, as part of the efforts to attain an African Union (AU)-led peace support as AMISOM and the AU-led Regional full operational capability of the Force operation was deployed to Somalia in Cooperation Initiatives against the by 2015. August 2012 to serve under the police Lord’s Resistance Army as well as component of the African Union Mission future operations, including the African- In delivering its mandate, UNOAU also in Somalia (AMISOM). This milestone led International Support Mission in coordinates with AU partner groups in was a culmination of a two-year long Mali (AFISMA). In addition, UNOAU order to mainstream technical support process involving the United Nations delivers strategic advice towards the and ensure coherence and compliance Office to the African Union (UNOAU). operationalization of the African with international policing guidelines With the view to bolstering law and Standby Force. In this regard, UNOAU as well as the AU Strategy for the order in Mogadishu and assisting the recently supported the AU in planning Development of Police Capacity. In Somali police in consolidating peace and and conducting the Police and Civilian particular, UNOAU shares UN lessons security, a contingent of 140 FPU police Focused Exercise “NJIWA” launched on learnt and best practices with AU and officers from Uganda, including seven 31 October 2012 at the AU Headquarters its sub-regions that are relevant to the women, was deployed in August 2012. in Addis Ababa. The exercise, which development and operationalization This was followed, in September 2012, drew the training audience from AU of the African Standby Force police by another contingent of 140 officers sub-regions and Member States, aimed component. As such, the AU and its from Nigeria, including 25 women. at enhancing the police and civilian sub-region police planning elements capacities of the African Standby are ultimately acquiring the requisite The deployment of the FPUs increased Force in planning and conducting AU- capacity to plan, deploy and manage the total AU police presence in AMISOM mandated peace support operations, as peace support operations.■ to 364, including 78 individual police well as to enhance its multi-dimensional officers from various African police- contributing countries including Burundi, Kenya, Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda and Zimbabwe who have been playing a critical role in strengthening the capacity of the Somali police. Building on the progress made in Somalia towards the end of the political transition, UNOAU will continue to provide technical and expert advice to the AU with the view to expand the presence of the AU police in other liberated areas and further support the Somali Police Force.

Providing strategic advice

UNOAU is mandated to provide police Signing of a memorandum of understanding between the AU and the Government of Uganda expertise and advice to the AU and its regarding the FPU insertion in AMISOM, Addis Ababa, June 2012. (UNOAU/ Benjamin Namanya)

49 Year in Review 2012 CENTRAL AFRICA UNOCA Partnering with regional organizations

The Special Representative of the forming alliances that will aid in and resolution of conflicts. “The Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head preventing conflicts. “The match for cooperation with the ICGLR takes into of the United Nations Regional office peace and security in Central Africa,” account the determination of the United for Central Africa (UNOCA), Mr. which took place on 7 December 2012 Nations to support sub-regional and Abou Moussa, and the President of in Brazzaville between “Diables noirs” of regional organizations in their efforts to the Confederation of African Football Congo and “Tout puissant Mazembé” of contribute to the search for solutions to (CAF), Mr. Issa Hayatou, signed on 10 the Democratic Republic of the Congo the challenges that threaten international November 2012 in Malabo, Equatorial (DRC), was the first experience of this peace,” said SRSG Moussa. That same Guinea, a framework of partnership. The important cooperation. The match was spirit was behind the formalization partnership highlighted the importance organized on the occasion of the 20th of the partnership with the Economic the two organizations place in the power anniversary of the United Nations Community of Central African States of football as a tool for preventive Standing Advisory Committee on Security (ECCAS) on 3 May 2012 in Libreville, diplomacy through the implementation of Questions in Central Africa (UNSAC), to Gabon. As in other cases, an action plan a set of measures to resolve disagreements which UNOCA has provided secretariat was set up to facilitate this collaboration before they degenerate into conflict. functions since May 2011. which deals with issues such as political governance, economic integration, In the same way, the Head of UNOCA communication, training, electoral The sporting spirit and the Executive Secretary of the processes, humanitarian operations, International Conference on Great Lakes peace support and security governance. The CAF will organize sporting events Region (ICGLR), Mr. Alphonse Daniel and, in cooperation with UNOCA, will Ntumba Luaba Lumu, had initialed, on stage these activities for the enjoyment of 6 August 2012 in Kampala, a document The partnership the local communities with the underlying outlining the cooperation of their offices highlighted the importance aim of establishing camaraderie and in the fields of peace, security, prevention the two organizations place in the power of football as a tool for preventive diplomacy.

In that regard, 10 staff members of ECCAS took part in a training workshop on mediation from 12 to 14 November at the UNOCA headquarters in Libreville. The training was aimed at reinforcing their professional and operational capacities with regard to the facilitation of dialogue processes and deepening their understanding of the challenges related to negotiating peace agreements. “ECCAS will count on UNOCA to help organize similar training for Member The match for peace and security in Central Africa, Brazaville, December 2012. States in order to enable them to improve (UNOCA/Norbert N. Ouendji) their capacity for the prevention and

Year in Review 2012 50 CENTRAL AFRICA

management of conflicts”, said Mr. Solomon Abba Nyerambaye, Chief of Staff to the Secretary-General of ECCAS, who SRSG Abou Moussa: participated in the training organized with “Together we can win the war against the LRA” the assistance of the Policy and Mediation Division of the Department of Political Affairs. Efforts to address the impact of the activities of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) were a major priority for UNOCA in 2012. The SRSG for “We will not spare any effort Central Africa, Abou Moussa, and to continue to accompany Special Envoy of the African Union ECCAS in its efforts on (AU) for the LRA, Francisco Madeira, conflict prevention and carried out several joint missions in the countries affected by this peace consolidation.” armed group. In Uganda, Central African Republic, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, authorities renewed their commitment to the fight against the “We will not spare any effort to continue LRA, whose conflict has hampered to accompany ECCAS in its efforts on development and destabilized conflict prevention and peace people of those countries. SRSG SRSG for Central Africa Abou Moussa consolidation. Sustainable development Moussa and Mr. Madeira saw first- and the successful integration of Central hand the plight of those affected Africa depend on it,” Mr. Moussa said. He by the conflict during a visit in April was pleased with the good working 2012 to a camp of displaced people The ceremony in Yambio followed relationship between ECCAS and in Dungu (north-eastern DRC) and one organized in Obo where 360 soldiers of the Forces Armées UNOCA. The two institutions also of refugees in Obo (south-eastern Centrafricaines (FACA) joined cooperated on several other fronts. For CAR) where people live in precarious conditions. “If nothing is done, it the RTF on 12 September 2012. example, they carried out joint activities is likely going to become a serious According to AU Special Envoy with other sub-regional entities including crisis,” warned SRSG Moussa, Madeira, the authorities of the DRC the Commission of the Gulf of Guinea and impatient to see all those families gave assurances that they would the Economic Community of West African return to their homes. also contribute troops to the RTF. States (ECOWAS) as part of efforts to In the meantime, Mr. Madeira drew organize a regional Heads of State summit The LRA strategy, coordinated by attention to the remaining challenges, on maritime piracy and armed robbery in UNOCA and endorsed by the Security highlighting the urgency to mobilize the Gulf of Guinea. In resolution 2039 of Council on 29 June 2012, highlighted more logistical and financial 29 February 2012, the United Nations this important humanitarian aspect. resources to facilitate the work of the Force. According to several Security Council requested the Secretary- The implementation of this strategy observers, the arrest, on 12 May General, through the UN Office for West constituted one of the current main concerns of the office. UNOCA 2012 in the Central African Republic, Africa (UNOWA) and UNOCA, to support worked in support of the efforts of the of Caesar Acellam Otto, one of the the organization of the summit, in AU, in particular by helping to mobilize commanders of the LRA, should cooperation with the African Union. resources for the AU Regional Task motivate partners to heed the call for Force (RTF) established to track additional resources to capture the The purpose of the summit is to reflect on Joseph Kony (leader of the LRA) and remaining LRA leaders. “Together, the ways and means of addressing maritime his lieutenants. On 18 September we can win the war against the insecurity, which threatens international 2012 in Yambio (South Sudan), LRA”, SRSG Moussa firmly assured navigation, security, safety and the SRSG Moussa took part in the official during a global summit organized in economic development of the countries joining ceremony of South Sudanese Washington from 17 to 18 September concerned. The summit will be preceded troops (500) and Ugandan troops by the NGO, Invisible Children.■ by a preparatory meeting at the ministerial (2000) to the RTF. level in Benin, one of the countries most affected by the scourge of piracy.■

51 Year in Review 2012 WEST AFRICA UNOWA Mobilizing regional efforts to address crises in West Africa

The United Nations Office for West for conflict prevention addressing cross- the country’s return to civilian rule and Africa (UNOWA) was the first regional border and cross-cutting threats to peace constitutional order, including in close conflict prevention and peacebuilding and security, with a particular focus cooperation with the ECOWAS, the office of the United Nations, established on election-related instability, security African Union (AU), and the Malian in 2002, mandated to address cross- sector reform, mediation, terrorism and authorities in Bamako. UNOWA also border conflict in the region and help transnational organised crime, including helped to manage election-related build peace and security. Based in Dakar, illicit drug trafficking; and 3) it focuses tensions and supported the consolidation UNOWA covers the 15 countries that on the promotion of good governance, of democratic processes and institutions make up the Economic Community of human rights and gender mainstreaming in the region, particularly in Senegal, West African States or ECOWAS: Benin, in conflict prevention strategies. Guinea and Togo. Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, In 2012, the political landscape in West Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Africa was dominated by the crisis in Addressing cross-cutting issues Sierra Leone and Togo as well as Mali and the Sahel as well as the post- Mauritania. Its mandate was extended by coup developments in Guinea-Bissau. Given the changing security landscape, the Security Council in December 2010 The SRSG for West Africa, Mr. Said UNOWA has had to address a number (S/2010/661), for an additional three Djinnit, informed the Security Council of cross-cutting issues in the region to years until December 2013. in July 2012 that the security situation tackle these growing threats to peace in the region remains “precarious and and stability. The office serves three core functions: 1) it reversible as the root causes of instability supports the good offices mandate of the are yet to be fully addressed.” SRSG West Africa is frequently used as a transit Special Representative of the Secretary- Djinnit dedicated most of his good offices point to European consumer markets General for West Africa (SRSG); 2) it activities in 2012 towards supporting by international criminal networks works to enhance sub-regional capacity regional and international efforts for trafficking cocaine and heroin, and

Field assessment mission on the Cameroon-Nigeria border, Gotel Mountains, June 2011. (UNOWA/CNMC)

Year in Review 2012 52 WEST AFRICA

is thus increasingly vulnerable to the laundering entities in four pilot countries: the implementation of Security Council threat of transnational organized crime Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, resolutions 1325 (2000) and 1820 (2008) and terrorism. As such issues continue and Sierra Leone. In 2012, the program in West Africa. UNOWA also advocated, to jeopardize governance and security in was expanded to include Guinea. in collaboration with UN WOMEN, for West Africa, UNOWA has lent its support full involvement and participation of to international and sub-regional efforts Along with posing serious threats to women in mediation and negotiation to combat these scourges. maritime security, the escalation of processes to address current crises in the piracy and armed robbery in the Gulf sub-region. Over the past year, UNOWA, together of Guinea has a negative impact on land with the UN Office of Drugs and Crime too, by weakening the economies of the In June 2012, UNOWA organized, (UNODC) and other international sub-region’s coastal countries, such as in partnership with the International partners, contributed to the renewal of the Benin as well as the hinterland States Organization of la Francophonie (OIF), 2008-2011 ECOWAS Regional Action served by these ports. In the context of ECOWAS and the United Nations Plan to Address the Growing Problem of the implementation of Security Council peacekeeping missions in the sub- Illicit Drug Trafficking, Organized Crime resolution 2039 (2012), UNOWA, with region, a regional forum on “Media, and Drug Abuse in West Africa and to the United Nations Office for Central Peace and Security in West Africa” in support its implementation. Africa (UNOCA), continued to engage Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire). The seminar with regional and international partners aimed at fostering mutual capacity- regarding the development of a regional building and collaboration between UNOWA has had to address anti-piracy strategy for the Gulf of various stakeholders to reinforce the a number of cross-cutting Guinea. The technical working group participation of media in promoting issues in the region to and the Steering Committee established peace and stability in the sub-region. tackle these growing jointly by ECOWAS, the Economic Community of Central African States The Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission, threats to peace and (ECCAS) and the Commission of the chaired by SRSG Djinnit, continued to stability. Gulf of Guinea, as well as UNOCA and make strides towards the implementation UNOWA, aims to organize a regional of the International Court of Justice’s summit of the Gulf of Guinea States in ruling (2002) on the states’ territorial Through the West Africa Coast Initiative 2013. dispute. The border had been a subject (WACI), UNOWA combined efforts of intense disagreement between the to address the issue with Interpol, two countries for decades until they ECOWAS and United Nations partners, Protecting human rights agreed to a UN-backed process to settle including UNODC and UN missions in the matter. To date, the parties have the region as well as the Department of In 2012, UNOWA promoted regional reached agreement on more than 1,845 Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), the efforts for the protection of human rights kilometers of an estimated distance Department of Political Affairs (DPA) and gender mainstreaming through a exceeding 2,000 kilometers of border and others. Among other areas, the WACI number of initiatives. The Working between the states. On 10 October aims to build the capacity of national and Group on Women, Peace and Security in 2012, the 10th anniversary of the ruling regional law enforcement institutions, West Africa, coordinated by UNOWA, of ICJ, the Mixed Commission entered border management and anti-money- organized several activities to foster the final stage of the demarcation process. During the year, the Mixed Commission developed several projects, jointly with the United Nations Country Team, which promote joint economic ventures and cross-border cooperation. On 27 July 2012, the Government of Cameroon approved four such projects aimed at enhancing food security, water supply, capacity in vocational training and energy distribution along the shared border. In Nigeria, the selected projects focused on livelihoods, water, education, energy, resettlement and infrastructure.■

Inaugural meeting of the Support and Follow-up Group on the Situation in Mali, held in Abidjan, June 2012. (AFP PHOTO/Sia Kambou)

53 Year in Review 2012 SOMALIA UNPOS

Historic Year for Somalia’s Political Progress

It was an historic moment. On 10 occurred at the end of 2011: the adoption African Union Mission in Somalia September 2012, a new Somali Federal of a “roadmap” and the withdrawal of (AMISOM) and Somali security forces, Parliament sitting in Mogadishu elected Al-Shabaab from Mogadishu. The signing the insurgent group Al-Shabaab — which a President — the first such democratic of the Kampala Accord, which broke a had until a few months prior controlled exercise in over 20 years. The transitional political stalemate that had paralyzed most of the capital city — retreated from period had ended peacefully following an already dysfunctional Transitional Mogadishu in August 2011. The timing an inclusive, transparent, legitimate, Federal Government, produced a of these two milestones provided an participatory and Somali-led process. ‘Roadmap on Ending the Transitional unprecedented opportunity for progress. Considered by many to be a hopeless, Period’. The roadmap set a target date of After many false starts, this time the failed state just months ago, Somalia August 2012 for the end of the transition Somalis stepped forward and seized the now has its best chance for peace in a and highlighted key areas for progress opportunity for peace. generation. In Mogadishu, long tarred in security, constitution, reconciliation with the moniker of “most dangerous and good governance. The document city on Earth,” the sound of gunfire was signed by the major Somali political Peace process takes off and explosions has been replaced with players (the “Principals”) in Mogadishu the noise of construction and the hum in September 2011. Holding such a Following the adoption of the roadmap, of commerce. Flights into the city meeting in the Somali capital would have the reenergized peace process began to are booked months in advance. New been unthinkable just months before, and accelerate. Maintaining momentum restaurants and hotels open every day it sent an unambiguous signal to Somalis, required the constant engagement of and the city’s real estate boom produces to the region and to the international the United Nations Political Office for frequent concrete shortages. Hope and community that the winds of change were Somalia (UNPOS) and in particular the progress have returned to Somalia. blowing. The meeting itself could not good offices and mediation efforts of have taken place without the remarkable Special Representative of the Secretary- This sea-change on the political landscape concurrent progress on the security front. General (SRSG), Dr. Augustine P. Mahiga, was set in motion by two events that Faced with constant pressure from the who moved his office to Mogadishu

A member of Parliament votes in the election for Speaker in Mogadishu, August 2012. (UNPOS PIU)

Year in Review 2012 54 SOMALIA

by Parliament of a President. Despite allegations of coercion and attempted vote buying, Somali lawmakers refused to be intimidated. Using the guarantee of the secret ballot as their protection, on 10 September the new Parliament overwhelmingly and transparently voted for change, replacing the incumbent, Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, with Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, a civil and political activist who was a relative political unknown prior to the election. Thanks to UN-sponsored web streaming and live radio/TV broadcast, Somalis all over the world were able to watch in real time this historic event.

And progress continued. On 17 October, the President selected a new Prime Minister who after extensive The new Somali Federal Parliament elects the Speaker, First Deputy and Second Deputy consultations submitted the names of 10 Speaker. Around 230 members participated in the voting, which was held at the Police Training Academy in Mogadishu, August 2012. (UNPOS PIU) candidates to form the new government. This small cabinet was overwhelmingly in January 2012 as soon as security formula) plus two non-voting members ratified by Parliament on 13 November, conditions allowed. from UNPOS and seven international officially ending the eight-year-long observers. transition and ushering in a new era for The roadmap process was led by Somalis Somalia. through constant consultation at every stage, in spite of a number of challenges Adopting a draft Constitution Throughout this momentous year, including a split in the Somali parliament UNPOS continued to work alongside in December 2011 that paralyzed the The NCA adopted on 1 August a long- Somali partners from various sectors. legislature. Direct popular elections were debated draft Provisional Constitution, UNPOS closely cooperated with regional deemed impractical due to logistical and which will eventually be ratified through interlocutors to avoid divisiveness and security challenges. Instead, a system a referendum. This was one of the most ensure a unified approach on key political of indirect elections was established critical benchmarks in the completion of issues. A joint framework was established to move the process forward. These the roadmap process. The Provisional between the Inter-governmental included 1) the traditional leaders, Constitution provides for a new Authority on Development (IGAD), comprised of 135 recognized elders from federal system of government based on the UN and the African Union (AU), across the country, that was mandated democratic values, the rule of law, the ensuring close collaboration on issues to produce the list of delegates to the promotion of human rights and the ideal related to the Somali peace process. This National Constituent Assembly (NCA) of good and accountable governance, and joint international and regional response and the new Federal Parliament; 2) the serves as the supreme law of the country. played a critical role in enabling the NCA, comprising 825 delegates from a In August 2012, the traditional leaders international community to speak with broad cross-section of Somali society, proposed 275 names representing all of one voice in support of the peace process. that was to adopt the draft Provisional Somalia’s clans to form a new Federal Constitution; and 3) the new, inclusive, Parliament. The names were then Federal Parliament that was to select the painstakingly vetted by the TSC, with all Women in politics President and represent Somalis in the Committee members reaching across clan interim period. To ensure transparency lines to select candidates. On 20 August, The end of the transition period and provide quality control, all proposed the new Parliament in Somalia was sworn also provided an opportunity for names for the NCA and the Parliament in by the nation’s Chief Justice. This unprecedented women’s participation were screened by a Technical Selection was quickly followed by the selection in Somali politics and dramatically Committee (TSC) itself comprising of 27 of a new speaker of Parliament on 28 advanced the cause of gender equality Somali members (reflecting the 4.5 clan August, paving the way for the election in Somalia. In February 2012, principals

55 Year in Review 2012 SOMALIA

of the roadmap had endorsed a quota community’s engagement with and the UN also signed two action plans, of 30 percent of women in the Interim Somalia to promote a harmonized and one on stopping killing and maiming of Independent Electoral Commission comprehensive approach to maritime children in conflict and the second on (IIEC), the National Constituent security in the region. While piracy ending child recruitment. Assembly and the New Federal remains a challenge, the downward trend Parliament. Of the 825 members of the in 2012 demonstrated that international NCA, 24 percent were women. The New efforts to fight it can achieve progress. Throughout this Federal Parliament and the new cabinet UNPOS is committed to work with its have 14 and 20 per cent respectively partners to consolidate international momentous year, UNPOS and for the first time, a woman has been assistance and synergize activities in order continued to work appointed as Deputy Prime Minister and to deliver a comprehensive response to alongside Somali partners Minister of Foreign Affairs. the threat of piracy. from various sectors.

In the security and justice sector, UNPOS continued to coordinate international Human rights situation donor support through the auspices The road to stabilization will not be of the Joint Security Committee (JSC) Throughout 2012, the human rights without challenges. The security situation with its working groups on military, situation remained critical, with remains volatile with threats from Al- police, justice and corrections, as well continued reports of human rights Shabaab remaining real. Somalia remains as maritime security and counter-piracy. violations, including widespread targeted a weak state with fragile institutions. These groups used the Somali National killings of journalists and endemic Many outstanding issues linger, not least Security & Stabilisation Plan (NSSP), sexual violence. However, tangible steps the relationship between the Federal adopted by Presidential decree on 8 were taken to recognize the importance government and regional administrations. August 2012, as their principal planning, of human rights in the context of the While Somalia has the best chance for monitoring and reporting tool and made political transition. UNPOS supported sustainable peace in two decades, the significant progress particularly in the the development of the justice system challenges it faces are considerable. The military, police and maritime security through training of judges and lawyers, international community will therefore areas. technical cooperation on policies and need to continue to remain engaged and legislation and promotion of human re-invest generously to build on these UNPOS was also at the forefront rights in the military justice system. In the historic gains.■ of coordinating the international course of the year, the Somali authorities

New parliamentarians pray during their inauguration ceremony for members of Somalia’s first parliament in 20 years, Mogadishu, August 2012. (AU-UN PHOTO/Stuart Price)

Year in Review 2012 56 MIDDLE EAST UNSCO Challenges in pursuit of the peace process

As the Middle East undergoes rapid the conditions for the resumption of and profound changes, much is at meaningful negotiations to preserve stake for Israel and Palestine. The the viability of the two-state solution. Throughout 2012, UNSCO lack of meaningful progress towards Jordan engaged the parties for five face- pursued its efforts to put negotiations to achieve a two-state to-face discussions in Amman in January the peace process back on solution has led to a ‘make or break’ 2012, but this quiet engagement was not track. moment in the year ahead. Throughout sustained after 25 January. The Quartet 2012, the Office of the United Nations met in Washington, D.C. in April 2012 Special Coordinator for the Middle East and continued to advocate for direct Peace Process (UNSCO) pursued its talks while envoys continued work Meanwhile, Israel further intensified efforts to put the peace process back on toward this end. settlement-related activities, especially track. But moving the process forward after the General Assembly’s vote. This remains a major challenge. On 29 November, the United Nations included sensitive areas of East Jerusalem General Assembly (UNGA) approved a and plans to build more than 3,000 resolution according non-Member State housing units in the “E1 area” that is Preserving a two-state solution Observer status to Palestine. This was critical for maintaining the territorial a momentous event, but as the UNGA contiguity between East Jerusalem and The UN Special Coordinator, Mr. Robert resolution and the Secretary-General the West Bank. Ongoing Israeli settlement Serry, maintained close contact with both made clear, it cannot be a substitute building in East Jerusalem and the rest of parties, and worked with other Quartet for meaningful negotiations to end the the West Bank is contrary to international partners (United States, European Union, occupation and achieve the two-state law and Roadmap obligations, and Russian Federation) towards creating solution on the ground.

UN Special Coordinator Robert Serry celebrates UN Day with visually impaired children in Gaza, October 2012. (UNRWA/Shareef Sarhan)

57 Year in Review 2012 MIDDLE EAST

UN Special Coordinator Robert Serry celebrates UN Day in Gaza, October 2012. (UNRWA/Shareef Sarhan) seriously undermines prospects for a process that the Central Election end to weapons smuggling. On the same negotiated agreement. Commission had planned in advance of day, Mr. Serry also visited a suburb of Tel municipal elections in October 2012. Aviv, where a rocket from Gaza destroyed In September 2012, Mr. Serry further large parts of an apartment building, and reiterated to the Ad Hoc Liaison met with young residents whose safety Committee that “while the Palestinian New round of violence was at stake by the escalation. Authority continued building the institutions of a future Palestinian state, A new devastating round of violence On 24 October, Mr. Robert Serry, marked the prolonged absence of a credible between Israel and Palestinian militants UN Day by a visit to the UN Gaza office political horizon for a final status in the Gaza Strip erupted in mid- and the United Nations Relief and Works agreement, ongoing conflict and the November. The “Understanding for Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near occupation represent ever more acute Ceasefire” of 21 November resulted East (UNRWA) project. He highlighted challenges to this progress.” The United from intense diplomatic efforts by Egypt the vital role of the United Nations in Nations continues to support the effort to and the UN Secretary-General, who paid Gaza, including in addressing chronic develop the institutions of a Palestinian an emergency visit to the region. Mr. shortages of housing, education, water state while ensuring impressive progress Serry took an active role in the ensuing and sanitation and health facilities. The is preserved and built upon. discussions to solidify the understanding United Nations and its partners have reached on the ceasefire. Throughout continued to implement a $1 billion UNSCO also supported efforts to 2012, UNSCO continued its preventive programme of humanitarian assistance overcome the internal Palestinian divide diplomacy efforts in support of Egypt and development, including over $400 within the framework of the Palestinian to restore a fragile calm after violent million of reconstruction work. Liberation Organization (PLO) escalation on numerous occasions. commitments and under the leadership of A report entitled “Gaza in 2020 — a President Mahmoud Abbas. In February During his visit to Gaza immediately liveable place?” prepared by the UN 2012, Palestinian parties signed the after the ceasefire, Mr. Serry stressed Country team and coordinated by Hamas–Fatah Doha agreement towards that the eruption of violence was a UNSCO, was published in August 2012 implementation of the May 2011 Cairo stark reminder that the status quo was and highlighted the increasing stress accords, but disagreement continued. unsustainable and that it was at long last that population growth will place on In particular, efforts to advance an opportunity to address the underlying the provision of clean water, electricity, reconciliation were delayed again when causes of conflict, as set out in Security health and education in Gaza.■ the de facto authorities in Gaza decided Council Resolution 1860, including a in July to suspend the voter registration full opening of crossings into Gaza and

Year in Review 2012 58 LEBANON UNSCOL Maintaining Stability in Lebanon

Derek Plumbly took the post of United Syrian refugees fleeing the violence in the end of the year. They were receiving Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon their country. humanitarian assistance from United in February 2012 at a challenging time, Nations agencies and the Lebanese as the war in neighbouring Syria began government. As the conflict in Syria to increasingly affect Lebanon. As head Regional instability, and in escalated, Palestinians were also affected of the office of the United Nations Special and over 10,000 displaced Palestinian Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) and particular the conflict in refugees sought temporary shelter in in conjunction with the United Nations Syria, have cast a shadow Lebanon. Throughout the year, the Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), he over Lebanon’s once- provision of shelters to Syrian refugees engaged with all parties to support the booming economy. has been a key priority. cessation of hostilities between Lebanon and Israel, in line with Security Council Resolution 1701 (2006). The situation Improving border control in the south of the country remained During 2012, the Special Coordinator relatively calm. Lebanon’s borders with paid regular visits to the border areas “The United Nations has repeatedly Syria, however, saw an increase in cross- affected by the conflict in Syria where a underlined the importance of respect for border violence, the smuggling of people growing number of refugees, exceeding Lebanon’s borders,” Special Coordinator and weapons and a growing flow of 170,000, had been officially registered by Plumbly said during one of his visits to

Special Coordinator for Lebanon Derek Plumbly with displaced Syrians in Arsal, September 2012. (UNIFIL/Pasqual Gorriz)

59 Year in Review 2012 LEBANON

Mr. Plumbly visits the Lebanese Army Mine Action Center in Nabatieh, in south Lebanon, June 2012. (UNIFIL/Pasqual Gorriz)

Lebanon’s eastern border. Together with in neighbouring Syria might spill over The Deputy Special Coordinator, in international partners, and in line with its into Lebanon. his capacity as UN Humanitarian mandate, UNSCOL worked to support Coordinator, assisted the Government the Lebanese Government to develop The event further heightened the deep of Lebanon in mobilising donor funding plans to further improve border control divisions between Lebanon’s political for a national response plan, and worked and to strengthen the Lebanese Armed and religious groups. Lebanon’s President with local host communities to improve Forces. Michel Sleiman held consultations with livelihood opportunities. all parties to try to find a way forward In June 2012, Lebanese political leaders acceptable to all. UNSCOL has supported met at the President’s palace in Baabda the President’s initiative. On 22 October UNSCOL is working to and signed a declaration, which was 2012, Special Coordinator Plumbly led support the Lebanese welcomed by the Security Council, a delegation of Ambassadors from the Government in developing agreeing on a policy of “disassociation.” five permanent members of the Security plans to further improve By signing the “Baabda Declaration,” all Council to express their support for the parties committed to maintaining the President and state institutions in their border control and to neutrality of Lebanon in order to preserve efforts to preserve stability and security strengthen the Lebanese the stability of the country, which is still in Lebanon. Armed Forces. recovering from its own civil war. Regional instability, and in particular the That stability was severely tested when conflict in Syria, have cast a shadow over With the growing impact of the Syrian a car bomb exploded in a residential Lebanon’s once-booming economy. The crisis on Lebanon, 2013 will likely present area in Beirut on 19 October 2012, influx of Syrian refugees has coincided new humanitarian and socio-economic killing Lebanon’s intelligence chief with a significant downswing in key challenges. Preserving Lebanon’s stability General Wissam El Hassan, his aide and employment sectors such as construction and security in light of the conflict in a passerby. Following two assassination and tourism. Local communities that Syria and continuing to promote the attempts of prominent politicians earlier had generously hosted Syrian refugees full implementation of resolution 1701 in the year, Hassan’s assassination have borne the brunt of these economic (2006) will be central to UNSCOL’s heightened fears that the raging conflict pressures, and have seen their resources efforts in the year ahead.■ erode, leading to increased social tensions.

Year in Review 2012 60 LIBYA UNSMIL Elections: A Success for Libya

With two days left for Libya’s landmark continuing this engagement with all electoral authorities in Libya started out elections, arson destroyed ballot papers the determination and perseverance it with absolutely no experience and had to and equipment in the city of Ajdabiya. deserves.” build electoral machinery from scratch.” This meant that Libya’s first voting in 42 years was at risk of being postponed in UN assistance was instrumental in one of the biggest constituencies in the An integrated team approach the electoral process. An integrated country’s east. team that brought together members Mitri’s predecessor who oversaw from UNSMIL, the United Nations Even before that incident, there were UN efforts during the elections, Ian Development Programme (UNDP) and serious concerns that the overall process, Martin, described Election Day as the United Nations Office for Project coming only a few months after a violent “an extraordinary triumphant day” Services (UNOPS) worked with their revolution that overthrew dictatorship, for Libyans. “The UN’s role has been partners in the Libyan High National was in jeopardy. But Libyans proved the of obvious importance given that the Election Commission to organize the skeptics wrong, surprising the world and observers by turning out enthusiastically in large numbers to cast their ballot.

On 7 July 2012, 1.77 million Libyans, 39 per cent of whom were women, flocked to 1,546 polling centres around the country to elect 200 members of the General National Congress.

Ensuring credible elections

While UN teams on the ground assisted in ensuring credible elections as the first major step towards democratic rule, the greatest credit goes to the Libyans themselves and their electoral authorities for embracing the democratic transition.

“UNSMIL has spent the last year working closely with the authorities, civil society and the international community to ensure that no effort is spared in helping achieve the objective of democratic state building,” the Special Representative for Libya and Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Tarek Mitri, said in the days after taking office in October. “I look forward to A woman in the eastern city of Benghazi flashes her inked finger along with twin key chains bearing the Libyan flag during celebrations marking the successful conclusion of national elections, July 2012. (UNSMIL/Iason Athanasiadis)

61 Year in Review 2012 LIBYA

SRSG Mitri converses with members of NGOs and civil society groups during a one-day visit to Benghazi, November 2012. (UNSMIL/Iason Athanasiadis) polls. They advised on best practices flew with a full load on a half-tank and drawn from experiences elsewhere and “UNSMIL has spent the last refueling in Cairo to arrive at dawn in provided technical expertise. year working closely with Benghazi. There, the delivery was held the authorities, civil society up for several hours by roadblocks of Panto Letic, UNSMIL’s Senior Electoral election opponents. Materials were finally and the international Advisor, recalls the race against time delivered to polling centres in time for when the Ajdabiya warehouse arson community to ensure thousands of Ajdabiyans who waited all destroyed election material on 5 July that no effort is spared day in line to vote. 2012. “All the work we had done in the in helping achieve the past few months along with our Libyan objective of democratic “Elections are an important step in counterparts was at risk of evaporating,” state building.” Libya’s transformation, which is an he said. evolving process,” SRSG Mitri said. “The Libyans are demanding more of their Within the next 48 hours, election elected officials. Building a democratic officials resupplied Ajdabiya with Arrangements were made with the original state is a cumulative process that needs electoral material from Tripoli, about Dubai printer for replenishments, but with time and patience, but it necessitates, first 1,000 kilometres away. “But missing only hours left before E-Day, delivering and foremost, a sustained, coherent and was the most important of all: hundreds four tons of ballots became the challenge. determined effort by the government. The of thousands of ballot papers for the Eventually, Libya’s electoral commission UN stands ready to assist Libyans in their constituency lost in the fire,” said Letic. secured a small private aircraft, which nation building as requested.”■

Year in Review 2012 62 Peacekeepers from the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti, Port-au-Prince, May 2012. (UN Photo/Logan Abassi) FACTS AND FIGURES PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS FACTS AND FIGURES

As of December 2012* UN Peacekeeping operations: Breakdown by Categories of Staff UN Peacekeeping operations: Missions and Budget

CIVILIAN l PEACEKEEPING INCLUDES l PERSONNEL 12,575 Loca

MI Internationars rs ve

5,384 luntee bser SS 20,174 Vo y o r ta

IONS *BUDGET 2,215 Mili 7. 33 1,950 BILLION lice Po 114,048 12,416 ACROSS 15 LESS THAN UNIFORMED OF WORLD TOTAL FIELD PERSONNEL CONTINENTS MILITARY PERSONNEL 4 0.5% EXPENDITURES oops Tr 93,874 79,508 COUNTRIES CONTRIBUTING *Approved budgets for the period from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013 TROOPS, POLICE & MILITARY PERSONNEL 115 UN Peacekeeping operations: Breakdown by Countries

Middle East est. 1948 386 personnel Golan Heights Gender Statistics: Female Uniformed & Civilian Peacekeepers Cyprus est. 1974 est. 1964 1,152 1,074 personnel Lebanon 654 personnel 129 WOMEN CONSTITUTE est. 1978 Lebanon Kosovo Kosovo 119 est. 1999 11,997 Cyprus 60 388 personnel 1,760 Golan Heights of the personnel Darfur 29% Western Sahara international est. 1991 55 492 India & Pakistan Western Sahara 5,398 civilians personnel est. 1949 working in peacekeeping Haiti 112 operations personnel 257 est. 2004 India & Pakistan Timor-Leste Timor-Leste 15 11,434 personnel est. 2006 Middle East 1,313 Haiti personnel 51 Liberia 838 South Sudan all-female UN police est. 2003 South Sudan units have been deployed est. 2011 Abyei 10,551 Côte d'Ivoire 710 3 around the world 245 personnel 9,754 Liberia 471 personnel DRC 681 1,173 Cote d’Ivoire est. 2004 Abyei 12,408 est. 2011 personnel 4,117 personnel DRC Haiti Bangladeshi unit est. 2010 Darfur * Liberia Indian unit 23,622 TOTAL Uniformed 3,512 personnel est. 2007 Civilian 3,706 DRC Bangladeshi unit 25,248 7,218 personnel * Numbers include 15 peacekeeping operations only. Statistics on civilian personnel as of 31 October 2012. Statistics on UNMIT as of 31 November 2012. Statistics for UNAMA, a special political mission directed and supported by DPKO can be found on page 68 and at http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/documents/ppbm.pdf 63 Year in Review 2012 UN Peacekeeping operations: Breakdown by Categories of Staff UN Peacekeeping operations: Missions and Budget

CIVILIAN l PEACEKEEPING INCLUDES l PERSONNEL 12,575 Loca

MI Internationars rs ve

5,384 luntee bser SS 20,174 Vo y o r ta

IONS *BUDGET 2,215 Mili 7. 33 1,950 BILLION lice Po 114,048 12,416 ACROSS 15 LESS THAN UNIFORMED OF WORLD TOTAL FIELD PERSONNEL CONTINENTS MILITARY PERSONNEL 4 0.5% EXPENDITURES oops Tr 93,874 79,508 COUNTRIES CONTRIBUTING *Approved budgets for the period from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013 TROOPS, POLICE & MILITARY PERSONNEL 115 UN Peacekeeping operations: Breakdown by Countries

Middle East est. 1948 386 personnel Golan Heights Gender Statistics: Female Uniformed & Civilian Peacekeepers Cyprus est. 1974 est. 1964 1,152 1,074 personnel Lebanon 654 personnel 129 WOMEN CONSTITUTE est. 1978 Lebanon Kosovo Kosovo 119 est. 1999 11,997 Cyprus 60 388 personnel 1,760 Golan Heights of the personnel Darfur 29% Western Sahara international est. 1991 55 492 India & Pakistan Western Sahara 5,398 civilians personnel est. 1949 working in peacekeeping Haiti 112 operations personnel 257 est. 2004 India & Pakistan Timor-Leste Timor-Leste 15 11,434 personnel est. 2006 Middle East 1,313 Haiti personnel 51 Liberia 838 South Sudan all-female UN police est. 2003 South Sudan units have been deployed est. 2011 Abyei 10,551 Côte d'Ivoire 710 3 around the world 245 personnel 9,754 Liberia 471 personnel DRC 681 1,173 Cote d’Ivoire est. 2004 Abyei 12,408 est. 2011 personnel 4,117 personnel DRC Haiti Bangladeshi unit est. 2010 Darfur * Liberia Indian unit 23,622 TOTAL Uniformed 3,512 personnel est. 2007 Civilian 3,706 DRC Bangladeshi unit 25,248 7,218 personnel

Year in Review 2012 64 UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS

As of 31 December 2012

Peacekeeping operations since 1948 67 Current peacekeeping operations 15 Current peacekeeping operations directed and supported by the Dept. of Peacekeeping Operations 16

MISSIONS DIRECTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF PEACEKEEPING OPERATION

MINURSO UNAMID UNMIK UNFICYP UNIFIL UNDOF UNAMA* Western Sahara Darfur, Sudan Kosovo Cyprus Lebanon Syria Afghanistan

UNMOGIP India and Pakistan

S

* political mission

MINUSTAH UNMIL UNOCI MONUSCO UNMISS UNISFA UNTSO UNMIT Haiti Liberia Côte d'Ivoire Dem. Rep. of the Congo South Sudan Abyei, Sudan Middle East Timor-Leste Map No. 4259 Rev. 1 6(E) UNITED NATIONS Department of Field Support August 2012 Cartographic Section

PERSONNEL Uniformed personnel (79,508 troops, 12,416 police and 1,950 military observers) 93,874* Countries contributing uniformed personnel 115 International civilian personnel (31 October 2012) 5,384* Local civilian personnel (31 October 2012) 12,575* UN Volunteers 2,215* Total number of personnel serving in 15 peacekeeping missions 114,048 Total number of personnel serving in 16 DPKO-led peace operations 116,143** Total number of fatalities in peace operations since 1948 3,080***

FINANCIAL ASPECTS Approved resources for the period from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013 About US$7.33 bilion Outstanding contributions to peacekeeping About US$1.33 billion

*Numbers include 15 peacekeeping operations only. Statistics of UNMIT as of 31 November 2012. Statistics for UNAMA, a special political mission directed and supported by DPKO, can be found on page 68 and at http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/documents/ppbm.pdf ** This figure includes the total number of uniformed and civilian personnel serving in 15 peacekeeping operations and one DPKO-led special political mission - UNAMA ***Includes fatalities for all UN peace operations 65 Year in Review 2012 CURRENT PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS

UNTSO Since May 1948 UNOCI Since April 2004 United Nations Truce Supervision Organization United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire Strength: military observer 153; international civilian 94; Strength: military observer 181; troop 9,416; police 1,492; local civilian 139; total personnel 386 international civilian 418 ; local civilian 767; UN volunteer 190; Fatalities: 50 total personnel 12,408 Approved budget 07/12–06/13: $70,280,900 million Fatalities: 106 Approved budget 07/12–06/13: $575,017,000 million

UNMOGIP Since January 1949 MINUSTAH Since June 2004 United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti Strength: military observer 39; international civilian 25; Strength: troop 8,065; police 3,546; international civilian 568; local civilian 48; total personnel 112 local civilian 1,355; UN volunteer 236; total personnel 13,770 Fatalities: 11 Fatalities: 168 Approved budget 07/12–06/13: $21,084,400 million Approved budget 07/12–06/13: $793.52 million

UNFICYP Since March 1964 UNMIT Since August 2006 United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste Strength: troop 872; police 69; international civilian 38; Strength: troop 0; police 57; international civilian 302; local civilian 112; total personnel 1,091 local civilian 827; UN volunteer 124; total personnel 1,313 Fatalities: 180 Fatalities: 16 Approved budget 07/12–06/13: $58.20 million Approved budget 07/12–06/13: $162.21 million

UNDOF Since June 1974 UNAMID Since July 2007 United Nations Disengagement Observer Force African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur Strength: troop 1,043; international civilian 41; local civilian 103; Strength: military observer 262; troop 17,778; police 4,950; total personnel 1,187 international civilian 1,124; local civilian 2,904; UN volunteer 483; Fatalities: 43 total personnel 27,501 Approved budget 07/12–06/13: $50.53 million Fatalities: 104 Approved budget 07/12–06/13: $1,689.31 million

UNIFIL Since March 1978 MONUSCO Since June 2010 United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission Strength: troop 12,017 international civilian 353; local civilian 666; in the Democratic Republic of the Congo total personnel 13,036 Strength: military observer 675; troop 17,778; police 1,401; Fatalities: 293 international civilian 977; local civilian 2,895; UN volunteer 584; Approved budget 07/12–06/13: $545.47 million total personnel 23,622 Fatalities: 52 Approved budget 07/12–06/13: $1,347,538,800 million

MINURSO Since April 1991 UNISFA Since July 2011 United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei Strength: military observer 195; troop 27; police 6; Strength: military observer 74; troop 3,724; international civilian 20; international civilian 102; local civilian 165; UN volunteer 19; local civilian N/A; total personnel 3,818 total personnel 514 Fatalities: 5 Fatalities: 15 Approved budget 07/12–06/13: $175.50 million Approved budget 07/12–06/13: $63.22 million

UNMIK Since June 1999 UNMISS Since July 2011 United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan Strength: military observer 9; police 7; international civilian 150; Strength: military observer 169; troop 4,803; police 485; international local civilian 215; UN volunteer 26; total personnel 407 civilian 697; local civilian 1,117; UN volunteer 226; total personnel Fatalities: 54 7,497 Approved budget 07/12–06/13: $44.91 million Fatalities: 1 Approved budget 07/12–06/13: $722.13 million

UNMIL Since September 2003 Missions ended in 2012: United Nations Mission in Liberia Strength: military observer 131; troop 7,778; police 1,297; UNSMIS 21 April 2012 - 19 August 2012 international civilian 477; local civilian 991; UN volunteer 255; United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria total personnel 10,929 Fatalities: 164 UNMIT 25 August 2006 - 31 December 2012 Approved budget 07/12–06/13: $525.61 million United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste

Year in Review 2012 66 UNITED NATIONS POLITICAL AND PEACEBUILDING OPERATIONS

As of 31 December 2012

ONGOING POLITICAL AND PEACEBUILDING MISSIONS

BINUCA UNSMIL UNSCOL UNSCO UNRCCA UNAMA* Central African Republic Libya Lebanon Middle East Central Asia Afghanistan

UNOWA UNIPSIL UNIOGBIS UNOCA BNUB UNPOS UNAMI West Africa Sierra Leone Guinea-Bissau Gabon Burundi Somalia Iraq

Mission directed by the Map No. 4147 Rev. 3 8(E) UNITED NATIONS * Department of Field Support April 2012 Department of Peacekeeping Operations Cartographic Section

NUMBER OF MISSIONS 13

PERSONNEL Uniformed personnel 346 International civilian personnel (31 October 2012) 1,272 Local civilian personnel (31 October 2012) 2,486 UN Volunteers 97 Total number of personnel serving in political and peacebuilding missions 4,201

For information on United Nations peacekeeping operations, see DPI/1634 Rev.140 or visit the United Nations website at http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/documents/bnote010101.pdf

67 Year in Review 2012 CURRENT POLITICAL AND PEACEBUILDING OPERATIONS

UNPOS Since 15 April 1995 UNIPSIL Since 1 October 2008 United Nations Political Office for Somalia United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone Special Representative of the Secretary-General: Executive Representative of the Secretary-General: Augustine Mahiga (Tanzania) Jens Anders Toyberg-Frandzen (Denmark) Strength: international civilian 55; local civilian 32; military advisers 3; Strength: international civilian 36; local civilian 33; UN volunteer 8; police 7 police 0

UNSCO Since 1 October 1999 BINUCA Since 1 January 2010 Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in the for the Middle East Central African Republic Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Special Representative of the Secretary-General: Personal Representative of the Secretary-General to the Palestine Margaret Vogt (Nigeria) Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority: Strength: international civilian 67; local civilian 84; military advisers 2; UN Robert H. Serry (Netherlands) volunteer 5; police 2 Strength: international civilian 29; local civilian 31

UNOWA Since 29 November 2001 UNIOGBIS Since 1 January 2010 Office of the Special Representative of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste Secretary-General for West Africa Special Representative of the Secretary-General: Special Representative of the Secretary-General: José Ramos-Horta (Timor-Leste) Said Djinnit (Algeria) Strength: international civilian 61; local civilian 53; military advisers 2; Strength: international civilian 22; local civilian 18; police 16; UN volunteer 7 military advisers 3

UNAMA* Since 28 March 2002 BNUB Since 1 January 2011 United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan United Nations Office in Burundi Special Representative of the Secretary-General: Special Representative of the Secretary-General: Ján Kubiš (Slovakia) Parfait Onanga-Anyanga (Gabon) Strength: international civilian 387; local civilian 1,614; Strength: international civilian 52; local civilian 67; military advisers 1; military advisers 18; police 5; UN volunteer 71 police 1; UN volunteer 6

UNAMI Since 14 August 2003 UNOCA Since 1 January 2011 United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq: Special Representative of the Secretary-General: Martin Kobler (Germany) Abou Moussa (Chad) Strength (staff based in Iraq, Jordan and Kuwait): Strength: international civilian 19; local civilian 6; military advisers 1 international civilian 380; local civilian 463; troop 242; military advisers 5; police 4

UNSCOL Since 16 February 2007 UNSMIL Since 16 September 2011 Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon United Nations Support Mission in Libya Special Coordinator for Lebanon: Special Representative of the Secretary-General: Derek Plumbly (United Kingdom) Tarek Mitri (Lebanon) Strength: international civilian 19; local civilian 59 Strength: International civilian 137; local civilian 23; police 2

UNRCCA Since 10 December 2007 United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia Special Representative of the Secretary-General: Miroslav Jenca (Slovakia) Strength: international civilian 7; local civilian 2

*Mission directed by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations

Year in Review 2012 68 LIST OF PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS 1948 - 2012

As of 31 December 2012

Acronym Mission Name Start Date End Date

UNTSO United Nations Truce Supervision Organization May 1948 Present

UNMOGIP United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan January 1949 Present

UNEF I First United Nations Emergency Force November 1956 June 1967

UNOGIL United Nations Observation Group in Lebanon June 1958 December 1958

ONUC United Nations Operation in the Congo July 1960 June 1964

UNSF United Nations Security Force in West New Guinea October 1962 April 1963

UNYOM United Nations Yemen Observation Mission July 1963 September 1964

UNFICYP United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus March 1964 Present

DOMREP Mission of the Representative of the Secretary-General in the Dominican Republic May 1965 October 1966

UNIPOM United Nations India-Pakistan Observation Mission September 1965 March 1966

UNEF II Second United Nations Emergency Force October 1973 July 1979

UNDOF United Nations Disengagement Observer Force June 1974 Present

UNIFIL United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon March 1978 Present

UNGOMAP United Nations Good Offices Mission in Afghanistan and Pakistan May 1988 March 1990

UNIIMOG United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group August 1988 February 1991

UNAVEM I United Nations Angola Verification Mission I January 1989 June 1991

UNTAG United Nations Transition Assistance Group April 1989 March 1990

ONUCA United Nations Observer Group in Central America November 1989 January 1992

UNIKOM United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission April 1991 October 2003

MINURSO United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara April 1991 Present

UNAVEM II United Nations Angola Verification Mission II June 1991 February 1995

ONUSAL United Nations Observer Mission in El Salvador July 1991 April 1995

UNAMIC United Nations Advance Mission in Cambodia October 1991 March 1992

UNPROFOR United Nations Protection Force February 1992 March 1995

UNTAC United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia March 1992 September 1993

UNOSOM I United Nations Operation in Somalia I April 1992 March 1993

ONUMOZ United Nations Operation in Mozambique December 1992 December 1994

UNOSOM II United Nations Operation in Somalia II March 1993 March 1995

UNOMUR United Nations Observer Mission Uganda-Rwanda June 1993 September 1994

UNOMIG United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia August 1993 June 2009

UNOMIL United Nations Observer Mission in Liberia September 1993 September 1997

UNMIH United Nations Mission in Haiti September 1993 June 1996

UNAMIR United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda October 1993 March 1996

UNASOG United Nations Aouzou Strip Observer Group May 1994 June 1994

69 Year in Review 2012 Acronym Mission Name Start Date End Date

UNMOT United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan December 1994 May 2000

UNAVEM III United Nations Angola Verification Mission III February 1995 June 1997

UNCRO United Nations Confidence Restoration Operation in Croatia May 1995 January 1996

UNPREDEP United Nations Preventive Deployment Force March 1995 February 1999

UNMIBH United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina December 1995 December 2002

UNTAES United Nations Transitional Administration for Eastern Slavonia, Baranja and Western Sirmium January 1996 January 1998

UNMOP United Nations Mission of Observers in Prevlaka January 1996 December 2002

UNSMIH United Nations Support Mission in Haiti July 1996 July 1997

MINUGUA United Nations Verification Mission in Guatemala January 1997 May 1997

MONUA United Nations Observer Mission in Angola June 1997 February 1999

UNTMIH United Nations Transition Mission in Haiti August 1997 December 1997

MIPONUH United Nations Civilian Police Mission in Haiti December 1997 March 2000

UNCPSG UN Civilian Police Support Group January 1998 October 1998

MINURCA United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic April 1998 February 2000

UNOMSIL United Nations Observer Mission in Sierra Leone July 1998 October 1999

UNMIK United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo June 1999 Present

UNAMSIL United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone October 1999 December 2005

UNTAET United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor October 1999 May 2002

MONUC United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo November 1999 June 2010

UNMEE United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea July 2000 July 2008

UNMISET United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor May 2002 May 2005

UNMIL United Nations Mission in Liberia September 2003 Present

UNOCI United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire April 2004 Present

MINUSTAH United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti June 2004 Present

ONUB United Nations Operation in Burundi June 2004 December 2006

UNMIS United Nations Mission in the Sudan March 2005 July 2011

UNMIT United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste August 2006 Present

UNAMID African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur July 2007 Present

MINURCAT United Nations Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad September 2007 December 2010

MONUSCO United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo July 2010 Present

UNISFA United Nations Organization Interim Security Force for Abyei June 2011 Present

UNMISS United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan July 2011 Present

UNSMIS United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria April 2012 August 2012

Year in Review 2012 70 PEACEKEEPING CONTRIBUTORS (Police, Military Experts on Mission and Troops as of 31 December 2012)

No. Country Police MEM Troops Total No. Country Police MEM Troops Total 1 Algeria 5 5 62 Malawi 59 18 861 938 2 Argentina 31 6 988 1,025 63 Malaysia 47 34 896 977 3 Armenia 1 1 64 Mali 45 18 63 4 Australia 25 20 11 56 65 Moldova 8 1 9 5 Austria 8 537 545 66 Mongolia 11 921 932 6 Bangladesh 1,814 85 6,929 8,828 67 Montenegro 4 2 6 7 Belarus 5 5 68 Morocco 6 1,595 1,601 8 Belgium 2 5 122 129 69 Mozambique 1 1 9 Benin 112 27 872 1,011 70 Namibia 10 15 6 31 10 Bolivia 15 209 224 71 Nepal 718 60 3,651 4,429 11 Bosnia and Herzegovina 42 5 47 72 Netherlands 19 14 7 40 12 Brazil 12 16 2,171 2,199 73 New Zealand 12 1 13 13 Brunei 30 30 74 Niger 186 17 935 1,138 14 Bulgaria 2 2 75 Nigeria 536 63 4,842 5,441 15 Burkina Faso 281 15 806 1,102 76 Norway 24 20 12 56 16 Burundi 109 9 2 120 77 Pakistan 540 90 8,337 8,967 17 Cambodia 4 364 368 78 Palau 1 1 1 3 18 Cameroon 101 5 106 79 Papua New Guinea 2 2 19 Canada 119 20 11 150 80 Paraguay 30 179 209 20 Central African Republic 21 21 81 Peru 21 375 396 21 Chad 63 4 1 68 82 Phillipines 95 12 620 727 22 Chile 14 5 514 533 83 Poland 2 8 10 23 China 32 37 1,800 1,869 84 Portugal 2 2 24 Colombia 12 12 85 Qatar 3 3 25 Cote d'Ivoire 161 161 86 Republic of Korea 16 363 379 26 Croatia 10 15 102 127 87 Romania 37 33 2 72 27 Cyprus 2 2 88 Russia 15 67 4 86 28 Czech Republic 5 5 89 Rwanda 467 17 4,213 4,697 29 Denmark 17 14 31 90 Samoa 7 7 30 Djibouti 42 2 44 91 Senegal 744 48 1,323 2,115 31 DR Congo 17 17 92 Serbia 13 10 104 127 32 Ecuador 8 67 75 93 Sierra Leone 193 11 138 342 33 Egypt 439 95 3,043 3,577 94 Slovakia 2 159 161 34 El Salvador 11 10 52 73 95 Slovenia 3 14 17 35 Estonia 1 1 96 South Africa 71 23 2,044 2,138 36 Ethiopia 21 104 5,732 5,857 97 Spain 15 708 723 37 Fiji 42 2 199 243 98 Sri Lanka 42 13 1,017 1,072 38 Finland 23 177 200 99 Sweden 48 25 3 76 39 France 54 21 893 968 100 Switzerland 5 18 2 25 40 Gambia 100 5 202 307 101 Tajikistan 13 13 41 Germany 16 10 156 182 102 Tanzania 263 28 1,049 1,340 42 Ghana 193 55 2,566 2,814 103 Thailand 12 9 4 25 43 Greece 53 53 104 Timor -Leste 2 2 44 Guatemala 12 291 303 105 Togo 178 16 526 720 45 Guinea 40 11 51 106 Tunisia 63 33 3 99 46 Honduras 12 12 107 Turkey 157 2 477 636 47 Hungary 1 7 81 89 108 Uganda 32 6 3 41 48 India 1,022 73 6,744 7,839 109 Ukraine 56 24 436 516 49 Indonesia 163 21 1,533 1,717 110 United Kingdom 2 4 277 283 50 Iran 2 2 111 United States of America 101 8 19 128 51 Ireland 12 20 360 392 112 Uruguay 16 42 2,127 2,185 52 Italy 5 17 1,105 1,127 113 Yemen 240 72 6 318 53 Jamaica 12 12 114 Zambia 174 35 6 215 54 Japan 278 278 115 Zimbabwe 62 10 2 74 55 Jordan 1,781 52 1,672 3,505 56 Kazakhstan 4 4 57 Kenya 42 29 781 852 58 Kyrgyzstan 11 5 16 59 Lesotho 2 1 3 60 Macedonia , FYROM 1 1 61 Madagascar 68 68

71 Year in Review 2012 USD 10 ISBN 978-92-1-101286-6 Produced by the Peace and Security Section, United Nations Department of Public Information

For information on UN peacekeeping visit: http://www.un.org/en/peacekeeping/

DPI/2568 - 10-64513 - June 2013