Picture: MONUSCO. Goma (DRC) by Safi Erneste.
International humanitarian action and UN peacekeeping missions both take place in complex contexts of conflict and fragility. Their interaction raises issues of cooperation and compatibility of objectives.
Political and financial support for humanitarian action, as well as for peacekeeping, is decreasing, and capacity is being reduced substantially. At the same time, the number of conflicts is on the rise, and the relevance of both fields remains as self-evident as ever. This makes it extra pertinent to learn from past experiences of the interactions between peacekeepers and humanitarians to contribute to serving communities in crisis contexts in the future.
UN peacekeeping operations are designed to support the fragile transition from conflict to peace by deploying neutral military personnel alongside civilian support staff. Humanitarian action aims to provide impartial, neutral, and independent assistance to save lives and alleviate suffering during crises. Humanitarian action interacts with UN peacekeeping missions in various ways, which may lead to challenges or opportunities in coordination and compatibility of objectives. Humanitarians and peacekeepers face dilemmas and operational limitations when operating alongside, in collaboration ór with strict distance from each other.
An Oxfam study highlighted that peacekeeping missions have indeed contributed to peace, but faced issues, such as poor contextualisation and a lack of involvement of local communities. Coordination between humanitarian organisations and peacekeeping missions can strengthen both in delivering security, protection, and humanitarian aid. However, the objectives of each may not always align, and a (perceived) lack of separation between the two can create tensions. Also, in contexts of peacekeeping missions, access for humanitarian action requires specific approaches, including engagement with peacekeepers.
KUNO organises an honest conversation that aims to present insights on humanitarian access in peacekeeping contexts. The learning session aims to contribute to a better understanding of what is needed to increase the collaboration between humanitarian and peacekeeping efforts so that civilians are better protected and their needs are served. Speakers and the audience will represent INGOs, government agencies and academia and there will be ample opportunity for interaction with participants.
- Wendy MacClinchy, Director of the United Nations program at the Centre for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC)
- Steven Lanting, Global Lobby & Advocacy Lead at Save the Children
- Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs NL (tbc)
Moderation by Corinne Lamain, Coordinator, KUNO
Please send an email to kuno@kuno-platform.nl
