Lecture #21,22
Lecture #21,22
Lecture #21,22
Peace Operations:
Peacekeeping and Peace
building
TERMINOLOGY
Peacekeeping is one
among a range of
activities undertaken
by the United
Nations to maintain
international peace
and security
throughout the
world.
The other activities are: .
conflict prevention and mediation
peacemaking
peace enforcement
peace building
Conflict prevention, peacemaking, peacekeeping and peace enforcement rarely occur in a
linear or sequential way. Experience has shown that they should be seen as mutually
reinforcing. If they are used piecemeal or in isolation, they fail to provide the
comprehensive approach required to address the root causes of conflict and hence reduce
the risk of conflict recurring.
• Conflict prevention
• Conflict prevention involves diplomatic measures to keep intra-state or inter-state tensions and
• It includes early warning, information gathering and a careful analysis of the factors driving the
conflict. Conflict prevention activities may include the use of the Secretary-General’s “good
Political Affairs.
• Peacemaking
• Peacemaking generally includes measures to address conflicts in progress and usually involves diplomatic
• The UN Secretary-General may exercise his or her “good offices” to facilitate the resolution of the conflict.
Peacemakers may also be envoys, governments, groups of states, regional organizations or the United
Nations. Peacemaking efforts may also be undertaken by unofficial and non-governmental groups, or by a
• It is used to restore international peace and security in situations where the Security Council has decided
to act in the face of a threat to the peace, breach of the peace or act of aggression. The Council may
utilize, where appropriate, regional organizations and agencies for enforcement action under its authority
capacities at all levels for conflict management, and to lay the foundation for sustainable peace and
development. It is a complex, long-term process of creating the necessary conditions for sustainable peace.
Peacebuilding measures address core issues that effect the functioning of society and the State, and seek to
enhance the capacity of the State to effectively and legitimately carry out its core functions.
• Role of peacekeeping
• The boundaries between conflict prevention, peacemaking, peacekeeping, peace building and peace
enforcement have become increasingly blurred. Peace operations are rarely limited to one type of
activity.
ceasefire or peace agreement, they are often required to play an active role in peacemaking efforts and
former combatants; support the organization of elections, protect and promote human
UN peacekeeping operations may use force to defend themselves, their mandate, and
civilians, particularly in situations where the State is unable to provide security and