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Peacekeeping, and the World Order |
Current Peacekeeping Operations
Where are UN peacekeepers deployed today?
Missions in the Middle East
Golan Heights (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force)
UNDOF was established in 1974 following the agreed disengagement of the Israeli and
Syrian forces on the Golan Heights. UNDOF continues to supervise the implementation
of the agreement and maintain ceasefire.
Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission
UNIKOM was established in April 1991 following the forced withdrawal of Iraqi forces
from Kuwait. Its task is to monitor the demilitarized zone along the Iraq-Kuwait border,
deter border violations and report on any hostile action. On March 17th, 2003, in advance
of the military campaign against Iraq by a US-led coalition, UNIKOM was withdrawn from
its area of operations and its mandate was suspended.
United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon
UNIFIL was created in 1978 to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, restore the international
peace and security, and help the Lebanese Government restore its effective authority
in the area.
United Nations Truce Supervision Operation
Organized in 1948, UNTSO was the first peacekeeping operation established by the United
Nations. UNTSO military observers remain in the Middle East to monitor ceasefires, supervise
armistice agreements, prevent isolated incidents from escalating and assist other UN
peacekeeping operations in the region.
Missions in Europe
United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus
UNFICYP was organized in 1964 to prevent further fighting between the Greek Cypriot
and Turkish Cypriot communities. After the hostilities of 1974, The Mission's responsibilities
were expanded. UNFICYP remains on the island to supervise ceasefire lines, maintain
a buffer zone and undertake humanitarian activities.
United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia
UNOMIG was established in August 1993 to verify compliance with the ceasefire agreement
between the Government of Georgia and the Abkhaz authorities in Georgia. UNOMIG's mandate
was expanded following the parties' signing of the 1994 Agreement on a Ceasefire and
Separation of Forces.
United Nations Interim Mission in Kosovo
Working with Kosovo's leaders and people, the mission performs the whole spectrum of
essential administrative functions and services, covering such areas as health and education,
banking and finance, post and telecommunications, as well as law and order. In January
2000, Joint Interim Administrative Departments were created; in October 2000, local
elections took place in Kosovo's 30 Municipalities; in May 2001, the new Constitutional
Framework of Kosovo was adopted. Province-wide elections took place in November 2001.
Missions in Asia
United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor
On May 20th, 2002, East Timor became an independent country, marking the end of a three-year
process towards independence under the guidance of the United Nations. UNMISET was established
by the Security Council to provide assistance to East Timor over a period of two years
until all operational responsibilities are fully devolved to the East Timor authorities.
On May 20th, 2002, the new nation also changed its name to Timor-Leste. It became the
191st UN Member State on September 27th, 2002.
United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan
Set up in 1949, UNMOGIP was deployed in January of that year to supervise the ceasefire
agreement between India and Pakistan in the State of Jammu and Kashmir. Since renewed
hostilities in 1971, UNMOGIP monitors the ceasefire called for by the United Nations
Security Council.
Missions in Africa
United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo and five regional States signed the Lusaka Ceasefire
Agreement in July 1999. To maintain liaison with the parties and carry out other tasks,
the Security Council organized MONUC on November 30th, 1999, incorporating UN personnel
authorized in earlier resolutions. On February 24th, 2000, the Council expanded the
mission's mandate and size.
United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea
In June 2000, after two years of fighting in a border dispute, Ethiopia and Eritrea
signed a cessation of hostilities agreement following proximity talks led by Algeria
and the Organization of African Unity. In July, the Security Council set up UNMEE to
maintain liaison with the parties and establish a mechanism for verifying the ceasefire.
In September 2000, the Council authorized deployment within UNMEE of up to 4,300 military
personnel to monitor the cessation of hostilities and to help ensure the observance
of security commitments.
United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone
On October 22nd, 1999, the Security Council established UNAMSIL to cooperate with the
Government and the other parties in implementing the Lome Peace Agreement and to assist
in the implementation of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration plan. On
February 7th, 2000, the Council revised UNAMSIL's mandate. It also expanded its size,
as it did once again on May 19th, 2000 and on March 30th, 2001.
United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara
Following the agreement between the Government of Morocco and the Frente POLISARIO,
MINURSO was deployed in September 1991 to monitor the ceasefire and to organize and
conduct a referendum which would allow the people of Western Sahara to decide the Territory's
future status.
For more information, go to the United Nations’ peacekeeping
website.
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