HARNESSING THE POWER OF EX-UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPERS IN HUMANITARIAN INTERVENTIONS

The earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12, 2010, was a devastating event that had a profound impact on the country and its people. In the aftermath of the earthquake, humanitarian agencies struggled to provide aid and support to the affected population, due to the scale of the disaster and the limited infrastructure and resources available in Haiti.

In this context, the United Nations peacekeepers in Haiti played a critical role in supporting the efforts of humanitarian agencies and ensuring that aid reached those who needed it most. The peacekeepers used their logistical and planning expertise to help distribute food, water, and other supplies, as well as to provide medical assistance and support to those affected by the earthquake.

Introduction

UN peacekeepers, also known as "blue helmets," play a crucial role in maintaining global peace and security through the implementation of UN-mandated peacekeeping missions. These missions aim to oversee ceasefire agreements, protect civilians, assist with the delivery of humanitarian aid, and support political processes in conflict-affected countries.

UN peacekeepers consist of military, police, and civilian personnel from different nations, and are deployed under the authority of the UN Security Council. They are trained to use force only in self-defence and have expertise in fields like logistics, engineering, medical support, and communication to help local communities and promote sustainable peace. UN peacekeepers are known for their impartiality and neutrality, which is essential for earning the trust of local communities and conflict parties.

UN peacekeeping operations and humanitarian response operations have several similarities that make the skills and experience of UN peacekeepers highly valuable in humanitarian contexts. Both types of operations aim to address the immediate needs of affected populations, such as access to basic necessities like food, water, and medical care. Both also occur in complex and rapidly-changing environments, requiring quick decision-making and adaptability. Both peacekeeping and humanitarian operations must also abide by the principles of impartiality and neutrality to meet the needs of all affected populations.

Ex-UN peacekeepers have a wealth of experience and transferable skills that can be beneficial to humanitarian agencies during humanitarian interventions. They undergo extensive pre-deployment training and work in conflict and post-conflict zones, giving them valuable insights when dealing with complex humanitarian issues. Their experience in intercultural communication and conflict resolution can help them navigate political and social complexities. They can provide leadership and guidance in chaotic situations and have local knowledge and understanding of the cultural and political context, making them invaluable in addressing the needs of local populations and the root causes of conflict.

However, it is essential to note that while UN peacekeeping operations often involve tasks and challenges similar to humanitarian interventions, their goals and contexts may not align perfectly. UN peacekeepers may not have the specific technical expertise and training required for some humanitarian tasks, such as disaster response or public health interventions. Additionally, there may be challenges in finding enough qualified ex-UN peacekeepers willing to serve as humanitarian emergency response workers. This paper aims to discuss the benefits of hiring ex-UN peacekeepers for humanitarian emergency response operations.

Traditional Role of UN Peacekeepers in Humanitarian Interventions??????????

The involvement of UN peacekeepers in humanitarian interventions is a complex issue that raises both benefits and challenges. On one hand, UN peacekeepers bring extensive skills, experiences, and resources to crisis-affected areas, with the aim of protecting civilians, reducing violence, and promoting human rights. This includes monitoring ceasefires, conducting patrols, engaging in dialogue with local leaders, providing humanitarian aid, and defending civilians from human rights violations. They also play a crucial role in the peace process by facilitating negotiations, mediating between conflicting parties, training local security forces, and investigating human rights abuses.

However, there are also challenges associated with deploying UN peacekeepers in humanitarian contexts. One issue is the clarity of their mandate, which is to protect civilians, not necessarily to provide humanitarian assistance, leading to confusion and tension with humanitarian actors and a lack of clear lines of accountability. Additionally, the use of force by peacekeepers in humanitarian situations and the potential for them to become involved in political or security issues beyond their mandate raises concerns. Furthermore, there are fears that the deployment of peacekeepers in humanitarian contexts can lead to the militarization of aid, compromising the principles of impartiality and neutrality that are essential for humanitarian action.

Successes Of UN Peacekeepers in the Field

The contribution of United Nations (UN) peacekeepers in humanitarian interventions has been crucial, resulting in significant impacts on various occasions. Peacekeepers have achieved remarkable milestones, including providing security to vulnerable populations, enabling access to aid and resources, and supporting the restoration of essential services in conflict-ridden or crisis-stricken areas.

For instance, during the Rwandan genocide in 1994, peacekeepers created safe havens that protected thousands of civilians, likely saving many lives. In South Sudan, peacekeepers have effectively protected civilians from violence during the civil war of 2013. Additionally, peacekeepers have facilitated access to aid and resources by delivering aid to those in need after the Haiti earthquake of 2010, and by establishing and maintaining access to camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees.

Peacekeepers have also supported the restoration of basic services, such as healthcare, education, and sanitation, in conflict-affected or crisis-stricken areas. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), peacekeepers have provided security to aid workers, making it possible to deliver essential services in some of the most remote and insecure parts of the country.

However, it's imperative to acknowledge that the successes of peacekeepers are not without limitations. In some cases, peacekeepers have failed to protect civilians from violence, as seen in the Srebrenica massacre in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1995. Furthermore, peacekeepers have been criticized for not doing enough to prevent atrocities such as the Rwandan genocide of 1994. There have also been instances where peacekeepers have been accused of committing human rights abuses, damaging their reputation and effectiveness.

Ex-UN Peacekeepers’ Experience and Skills Can Add Value?

The diverse set of skills and experiences gained by ex-UN peacekeepers from their service in peacekeeping missions make them valuable assets in various contexts, including humanitarian interventions. Their experience encompasses leadership, decision-making, cultural sensitivity, conflict resolution, and logistics management, among others, acquired from working in complex and challenging environments, such as conflict zones or disaster-stricken areas. Ex-peacekeepers also bring with them experience working with diverse stakeholders, from government officials to civil society organizations and local communities. These experiences have honed their teamwork skills, adaptability, and ability to make sound judgments under pressure.

In humanitarian emergencies, ex-peacekeepers can offer unique insights and skills, particularly in conflict resolution, intercultural communication, and leadership. Their understanding of the local context is crucial in addressing the needs of the affected population, and they can provide guidance and support to response workers. Additionally, ex-peacekeepers are trained in monitoring ceasefire agreements, conducting patrols, gathering information, engaging in dialogue with local leaders, providing humanitarian aid, and supporting local security forces and peacebuilding efforts. Their expertise can help increase the capacity of local law enforcement and military to protect civilians and resolve conflicts, while also reporting on human rights violations and contributing to the development of international law and norms.

Ex-UN peacekeepers' experience in decision-making and leadership can play a key role in leading and coordinating the efforts of humanitarian agencies during emergencies. Their ability to make quick and effective decisions in high-stress situations can ensure timely aid delivery to those in need. Additionally, their cultural sensitivity can improve communication between aid agencies and affected communities. Conflict resolution skills can also be valuable in negotiating safe access for humanitarian workers and aid delivery, especially in areas affected by conflict or unrest.

In terms of logistics, ex-peacekeepers' experience in resource management can help ensure efficient and effective aid delivery. They can coordinate the transportation and distribution of aid, making a critical difference in reaching those in need. Furthermore, hiring ex-peacekeepers can be cost-effective and improve the efficiency of humanitarian operations.

Transferable Experience and Skills

When it comes to transferring the skills and experience of ex-UN peacekeepers to humanitarian contexts, there are several key areas in which they can offer valuable contributions. These include:

Conflict Resolution: An example of the conflict resolution skills of UN peacekeepers can be seen in the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE), which was established in 2000 to monitor the ceasefire between Ethiopia and Eritrea. UN peacekeepers played a crucial role in resolving the border dispute and promoting dialogue between the two countries. They organized meetings between the leaders of Ethiopia and Eritrea, helped to create a buffer zone between the two countries, and provided security for demarcation teams tasked with marking the border. Through their efforts, the conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea was peacefully resolved.

Intercultural Communication: The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) provides an example of the importance of intercultural communication skills in peacekeeping missions. UN peacekeepers from different countries were deployed to Lebanon to maintain peace and security following the 2006 conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. The peacekeepers needed to communicate with people from different ethnic and religious backgrounds and were able to build trust and cooperation with the local community through their intercultural communication skills. This helped to create a peaceful and secure environment for the local population.

Leadership: The leadership skills of UN peacekeepers can be seen in the UN Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC), which was established in 1999 to support the peace process in the country. UN peacekeepers provided leadership and guidance to local communities and government institutions, helping to restore stability and promote the rule of law. They also trained and equipped local security forces, increasing their capacity to protect civilians and maintain peace. Through their efforts, the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo improved, and the country was able to hold successful elections in 2006.

Local Knowledge: The UN Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), which was established in 1999, provides an example of the importance of local knowledge in peacekeeping operations. UN peacekeepers were deployed to Sierra Leone to support the peace process and protect civilians in the wake of the country's civil war. They had a deep understanding of the local context, including the cultural and political dynamics of the country. This local knowledge was invaluable in building trust with the local population and addressing the root causes of the conflict.

Humanitarian Assistance: The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), which was established in 2011, provides an example of the role of UN peacekeepers in providing humanitarian assistance. UN peacekeepers played a crucial role in supporting the delivery of humanitarian aid to vulnerable populations, such as women and children, who were affected by conflict in South Sudan. They also provided security for aid workers and helped to ensure that aid was delivered to those who needed it most. Through their efforts, UN peacekeepers helped to improve the lives of the local population and promote stability in the country.

Training and Capacity Building: The UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), which was established in 1999, provides an example of the role of UN peacekeepers in training local security forces and peacebuilding efforts. UN peacekeepers trained local police and military forces, helping to increase their capacity to protect civilians and resolve conflicts. They also supported peacebuilding efforts by promoting reconciliation and dialogue between different ethnic and religious groups. Through their training efforts, UN peacekeepers helped to create a more stable and secure environment in Kosovo, laying the foundation for long-term peace and prosperity in the country.

In addition to these specific skills and experiences, ex-UN peacekeepers can also bring valuable leadership and decision-making abilities, cultural sensitivity and communication skills, conflict resolution and mediation experience, and logistics and resource management expertise to humanitarian emergency response teams. However, it is important to be aware of the challenges and limitations in transferring these skills and experience to humanitarian contexts and work closely with ex-peacekeepers to identify how their skills and experience can be adapted and utilized in a humanitarian context.

Challenges and Limitations in Skill Transfer

In addition to being limited editions, peacekeepers are also in short supply. The benefits of leveraging the expertise and experience of former UN peacekeepers in humanitarian emergency response organizations cannot be overstated. With their extensive training and experience in operating in various challenging environments, including post-conflict and disaster areas, they bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to the table, helping humanitarian organizations respond to crises more effectively and provide assistance to those in need.

The range of transferable skills that former peacekeepers bring to the table includes conflict resolution, intercultural communication, leadership, local knowledge, and expertise in delivering humanitarian assistance. Their ability to navigate complex cultural and political environments, effectively negotiate with local actors, and provide direction and support to response workers, make them valuable assets in the often chaotic and unpredictable work of humanitarian response.

However, there are several reasons why former UN peacekeepers may not be readily available to join humanitarian emergency response agencies as aid workers. Firstly, the tour of duty for military and police peacekeepers in UN peacekeeping missions is pre-defined and specific. Upon completion of their mission, these peacekeepers return to their home countries to continue their military or police careers. Secondly, they can only become aid workers after retiring from their respective units, which limits the pool of available ex-UN peacekeepers for deployment in humanitarian emergencies.

It's important to note that only the UN is authorized to employ serving military or police peacekeepers and some military organizations may impose restrictions on their personnel engaging in civilian humanitarian work, further limiting the availability of former peacekeepers for such missions.

Moreover, it's worth mentioning that some of the humanitarian organizations have distinct recruitment and deployment processes and specific skills and qualifications requirements for their staff, which may not align with the experience and skills of ex-UN peacekeepers. For example, in the case of public health interventions, the technical expertise and training required may not be present among former peacekeepers.

Again, humanitarian response agencies may be hesitant to hire ex-UN peacekeepers as well. One reason is budget constraints, which may not allow for the hiring of personnel with higher salaries and benefits, such as ex-UN peacekeepers who have served in dangerous environments and may be entitled to higher compensation. Another reason is the concern over the militarization of humanitarian efforts, causing some organizations to avoid appearing as if they are collaborating with military personnel and thus prioritize other candidates over ex-UN peacekeepers. Additionally, humanitarian organizations may prefer to hire individuals with a background in humanitarian action as they are more likely to understand and align with the values and principles of the organization.

Overall, while former UN peacekeepers may possess valuable experience and skills, there may be challenges in their availability to serve as aid workers and meet the requirements of humanitarian organizations, making it difficult for them to transition into a humanitarian role.

Ways to Transferring the Experience and Skills of Ex-UN Peacekeepers to Humanitarian Contexts

Effectively transferring the skills and experience of ex-UN peacekeepers to humanitarian contexts requires a holistic approach that includes:

Creation of a database: A database of ex-UN peacekeepers' skills and experience can be created and made available to humanitarian organizations to match them with relevant roles.

International Peacekeeper Exchange Program: An International Peacekeeper Exchange Program can be established to provide opportunities for former UN peacekeepers to gain experience in humanitarian contexts by pairing them with established NGOs and aid organizations.

Workshops and seminars: Workshops and seminars can be organized to provide ex-UN peacekeepers with a better understanding of the humanitarian sector, covering topics such as the UN’s humanitarian response framework, the principles of humanitarianism, and the importance of collaboration and communication in a humanitarian context.

Certification program: A certification program can be developed to recognize the skills and experience of former UN peacekeepers and facilitate their transition into the humanitarian sector, through accreditation for specific qualifications such as conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

Network of former peacekeepers: A network of former UN peacekeepers and humanitarian professionals can be created to share best practices and knowledge, through online forums and bi-annual events.

Promotion of ex-UN peacekeepers in the humanitarian sector: The value of ex-UN peacekeepers in the humanitarian sector can be promoted by working with national and regional governments, as well as UN agencies, through press releases, speaking engagements, and other forms of communication.

Develop targeted training programs: Targeted training programs should be created to help ex-UN peacekeepers transition their skills to the humanitarian sector. The training should focus on specific skills and experiences that are relevant to humanitarian contexts, such as cultural sensitivity, conflict resolution, and logistics management.

Mentorship opportunities: Mentorship opportunities can be created for ex-UN peacekeepers to serve as guides and support for humanitarian response workers, especially new ones. This will help transfer their knowledge and experience to the next generation of humanitarian workers.

Collaboration and coordination: Collaboration and coordination between UN peacekeeping missions and humanitarian organizations should be improved by creating opportunities for ex-UN peacekeepers to work closely with humanitarian response teams, through joint training exercises and leadership roles within humanitarian organizations.

Performance monitoring and evaluation: The performance of ex-UN peacekeepers should be evaluated and monitored by humanitarian organizations and UN peacekeeping missions to ensure that they are effective in their new roles.

Conclusion

The transfer of skills and experience from ex-UN peacekeepers to humanitarian contexts is essential in addressing global humanitarian needs. The UN peacekeeping missions have provided these individuals with training and experience in managing complex and high-pressure situations, making them well-equipped for the demands of humanitarian work. Their diverse skills, such as intercultural communication, conflict resolution, and leadership, can greatly enhance the effectiveness of humanitarian organizations. Furthermore, their knowledge of local context and dynamics can provide valuable insights for the design and implementation of response interventions.

To fully leverage the potential of ex-peacekeepers, targeted training programs, mentorship opportunities, and collaboration between UN peacekeeping missions and humanitarian organizations are necessary. This will ensure that their skills and experience are effectively transferred to humanitarian contexts. Moreover, performance evaluation and monitoring are crucial in assessing the effectiveness of ex-peacekeepers in humanitarian contexts, as well as creating a database of their skills and experience to match them with relevant roles.

In conclusion, utilizing ex-UN peacekeepers in humanitarian interventions can be a valuable asset to the humanitarian sector. Further research on the potential benefits and collaboration with national and regional governments and UN agencies is required to promote the value of ex-peacekeepers in the humanitarian sector.