UNTSO military observers from Italy and Ireland are seen at work observing and reporting. April 1973. UN Photo

UN peacekeeping is based on the principle that an impartial UN presence on the ground can ease tensions and allow negotiated solutions in a conflict situation. The first step, which often involves intense diplomatic efforts by the United Nations Secretary-General, is to secure a halt to fighting and the consent of the parties before peacekeepers are deployed.

Each peacekeeping operation has a specific set of mandated tasks, but all share certain common aims - to alleviate human suffering and to create conditions and build institutions for self-sustaining peace. The presence of a peacekeeping operation on the ground contributes to this aim by introducing the United Nations as a third party with a direct impact on the political process.

Peacekeeping operations often consist of several components, including a military component, which may or may not be armed, and various civilian components encompassing a broad range of disciplines. Depending on their mandate, peacekeeping missions may be required to:

Deploy to prevent the outbreak of conflict or the spill-over of conflict across borders;

Stabilize conflict situations after a ceasefire to create an environment for the parties to reach a lasting peace agreement;

Assist in implementing comprehensive peace agreements;

Lead states or territories through a transition to stable government based on democratic principles, good governance and economic development.

Next: The power of persuasion backed by force UN soldiers from Indonesia provide security at a multi-party political rally organized by the UN in Cambodia. May 1993. UN Photo

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