The United Nations in Conflict Resolution and Peacekeeping: Roles, Failures, and the Road to Reform”

Topic: Important International institutions, agencies and fora – their structure, mandate.

Introduction

• The United Nations (UN), since its inception in 1945, has aimed to prevent conflicts, promote global peace, and protect human rights.
• Mandated by its Charter, the UN is empowered to resolve conflicts peacefully (diplomacy, mediation) and, if required, through force.
• However, significant shortcomings have emerged, as seen in Rwanda, Bosnia, Ukraine, and West Asia conflicts.
• These limitations raise calls for UN Security Council reforms and effective peacekeeping strategies to improve international stability.

UN Charter: Framework for Conflict Resolution

1. Chapter VI(Peaceful Resolution):
   • Goal: Promote thepeaceful settlement of disputes through diplomacy, negotiation, and mediation.
   • Mechanisms: Encourages dialogue among conflicting parties to prevent escalation.
   • Limitation: These methods are voluntary, and theUN lacks enforcement power unless both parties agree to cooperate.
2. Chapter VII(Enforcement by Force):
   • AllowsSecurity Council-authorized use of force in cases where there is a threat to peace, breach of peace, or act of aggression.
   • Examples: TheUN’s coalition forces in Korea (1950) and Kuwait (1991), where collective action successfully contained conflict.
   • Challenges: Member states mustvoluntarily contribute troops or funds, limiting response capabilities if countries are reluctant to participate.
3. Chapter VIII(Regional Peacekeeping Partnerships):
   • Authorizesregional organizations (e.g., African Union, NATO) to manage conflicts in their regions with Security Council support.
   • Strengths: Encouragesregional solutions to local issues.
   • Limitations: Reliant onregional capabilities and may face funding and resource constraints.

Success Stories in UN Peacekeeping

1. Cambodia (1992-1993):
   • TheUN Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) supervised disarmament, democratic elections, and reconstruction after years of civil war.
   • Impact: UNTAC’s mission is considered a model formulti-dimensional peacekeeping in post-conflict societies.
2. Mozambique (1992-1994):
   • UN Operation in Mozambique (ONUMOZ)facilitated the end of a civil war between FRELIMO and RENAMO
   • Outcome: Helped stabilize the nation, laying the groundwork for long-term peace and economic recovery.
3. Timor Leste (1999-2002):
   • FollowingIndonesian withdrawal, the UNTAET mission was critical in maintaining order, facilitating a transition to independence, and establishing government institutions.
   • Significance: Timor Leste’s independence showcases the UN’s capability to support nation-building under favorable international conditions.

Failures of the UN as a Bystander

1. Rwanda Genocide (1994):
   • Nearly1 million Tutsis were systematically massacred while UN forces remained unable to intervene meaningfully.
   • UNAMIR(UN Assistance Mission for Rwanda) lacked adequate resources and authority.
   • Result: UN’s inability to prevent or halt genocide led to intensecriticism and subsequent reforms like the Responsibility to Protect (R2P)
2. Bosnian Conflict (1992-1995):
   • TheSrebrenica Massacre in 1995 saw 8,000 Bosniak men and boys killed despite the presence of UN peacekeepers.
   • UN’s Issue: Troops were outnumbered and restricted by a limited mandate, preventing intervention.
   • Lesson: Exposed the UN’s vulnerability when member-states lackpolitical will or resources for effective action.
3. Current Conflicts (Ukraine and West Asia):
   • In theRussia-Ukraine war and Israel-Gaza conflict, the UN’s presence has been minimal despite the scale of civilian suffering.
   • Inactiondue to Security Council gridlock (vetoes from P5 members) limits timely interventions.

Challenges with UN Peacekeeping and Security Council Structure

1. UN Peacekeeping Structure and Limitations:
   • Mandatesoften restrict peacekeepers to non-intervention roles, limiting effectiveness in active conflict zones.
   • Funding and Resources: Relying on contributions from193 member states leads to resource constraints.
   • Limited Authority: Peacekeepers can be unable to respond to emerging violence ifmandates restrict the use of force, as seen in South Sudan and Central African Republic.
2. Security Council Veto Power:
   • TheP5 members—S., U.K., France, Russia, and China—can veto any substantive resolution.
   • Impacts:
     • Russia’s vetoes blocked action onUkraine.
     • TheS. has also used its veto on matters involving Israel.
   • Criticism: Vetoes prioritizenational interests over collective security, creating impasses during humanitarian crises.
3. Need for Security Council Reform:
   • Proposal to expand P5 to P7:
     • Inclusion ofIndia and South Africa would represent the Global South and emerging economies, enhancing legitimacy.
   • Veto System Reform:
     • Amajority-based decision-making process could bypass P5 vetoes on critical security issues.
     • Suggested System: Gradual phasing of veto power or restricting vetoes for humanitarian and genocide prevention issues.

Proposed Reforms and Future of UN Peacekeeping

1. Expanding Peacekeeping Authority:
   • Flexible Mandates: Peacekeepers could be granted authority to act incivil protection and active conflict
   • Example: InTimor Leste, a stronger mandate enabled the UN to transition from peacekeeping to nation-building.
2. Improving Resources and Funding:
   • Regular Funding Mechanisms: Introduce amandatory contribution system to ensure steady financing.
   • Streamlining Contributions: Encourageregional blocks (e.g., European Union, African Union) to coordinate funding and resource contributions.
3. Strengthening Regional Partnerships:
   • Empowering Regional Organizations: TheAfrican Union and ASEAN could be granted greater autonomy with UN endorsement to resolve regional conflicts effectively.
   • Decentralized Approach: Allow regional bodies to manage conflicts locally, withUN support.
4. Enhanced Civilian Protection Mandates:
   • Proactive Role in Civilian Protection: Missions could includehumanitarian corridors, monitoring, and refugee protection.
   • Responsibility to Protect (R2P): FormalizeR2P in peacekeeping mandates to ensure UN’s proactive stance in preventing genocide and war crimes.

Conclusion

• UN Security Council limitations, particularly the veto system, have frequently rendered the organization ineffective in conflict prevention and peacekeeping.
• To evolve from a bystander role, the UN needs significant Security Council reforms, proactive peacekeeping authority, and improved regional partnerships.
• Without reform:
  • The UN risks becoming an ineffective body rather than a global peace enforcer.
• Path Forward:
  • By expanding representation, enhancing decision-making processes, and equipping peacekeepers for modern conflict scenarios, the UN can reclaim its foundational role as a guardian of global peace and security.

MAINS QUESTION

Despite its ambitious mandate, the UN often finds itself in a bystander role in modern conflicts.” Analyse the limitations of the UN’s peacekeeping framework in the context of recent conflicts like Ukraine and Gaza. (250 words)