A Peacekeeping mission, or UN peace operation, is a military or police deployment to defuse crises, end violent conflict and ensure that political settlements are implemented. Peacekeeping missions may be supervised by the United Nations Security Council or other intergovernmental bodies. In the latter case, the UN Security Council authorizes a multinational force commanded by the United Nations with troops that are under UN operational control and do not constitute an independent “UN army.”
These operations range from simple tasks, such as truce monitoring or facilitating a power-sharing agreement, to complex undertakings like overhauling a government. Some missions involve multidimensional activities that include addressing human rights abuses, disarming former combatants, building democratic institutions, and promoting economic development.
In general, the success of a peacekeeping mission depends on three factors: an effective mandate that is agreed upon by warring parties; committed and trained troops; international support for a peace and accountability process. The UN mission in Haiti, MINUSTAH, is widely considered a successful example, with scholars pointing to several factors, including the deployment of a large and diverse force (which was largely sourced from surrounding countries), a clear timeline for disarmament and reintegration, and the involvement of a wide array of donors who have pledged to fund the mission.
A number of innovations have emerged within the field of peacekeeping, though these new issues need continued advocacy before they become embedded in organizational policies and structures. For example, the 2000 Brahimi Report recommended that a peacekeeping mission have a discretionary pot of money to launch quick impact projects, and this idea has become standard practice in UN missions.