Publication

Despite the growing emphasis on civilian protection in UN peacekeeping mandates, it remains difficult to assess over time how successful UN peacekeeping operations have been in protecting civilians. However, a decade of field experience indicates that the UN is prepared to assume a more robust protection posture in peacekeeping operations. In the meantime, this paper argues, the use of force still needs to be properly underpinned by country-specific, well-structured protection strategies that are politically realistic and adequately resourced.