Security Council Press Statement on Environmental Management of Peacekeeping Operations

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Koro Bessho (Japan):

The members of the Security Council recalled Security Council resolutions 2100 (2013) of 25 April 2013, 2113 (2013) of 30 July 2013, 2245 (2015) of 9 November 2015, 2348 (2017) of 31 March 2017, 2387 (2017) of 15 November 2017, whereby the importance of considering and managing the environmental impact of peacekeeping operations mandated by the Security Council was recognized.  They also recalled Security Council presidential statement S/PRST/2011/15 of 20 July 2011.

The members of the Security Council were mindful of the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations and of the primary responsibility of the Security Council under the Charter for the maintenance of international peace and security.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed the basic principles of peacekeeping, including consent of the parties, impartiality, and non‑use of force, except in self‑defence and defence of the mandate, and recognized that the mandate of each peacekeeping mission is specific to the need and the situation of the country concerned, and that the Security Council expects full delivery of the mandates it authorizes.

The members of the Security Council were cognizant of the possible environmental impact of peacekeeping operations mandated by the Security Council.  They underscored the importance that peacekeeping operations endeavour to minimize their impact on the sustainability of the ecosystems where they are deployed, based on sound consideration of the risks, benefits and costs.

The members of the Security Council acknowledged that the modalities in which peacekeeping operations interact with the environment where they are deployed may contribute to the effective and efficient delivery of their mandates.

Mindful of the goals set out by the international agreements on the environment, including the Paris Agreement, the members of the Security Council expressed willingness that United Nations peacekeeping missions, in full conformity with the established mandates, continue consideration for the reduction of their environmental impact, in accordance with applicable and relevant General Assembly resolutions and United Nations rules and regulations.

The members of the Security Council underlined the importance to address comprehensively the environmental impact of peacekeeping operations, in close coordination with the relevant parties involved, including troop and police‑contributing Countries, also through meetings of the Security Council’s Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations and of the relevant bodies of the General Assembly.

The members of the Security Council recognized that consideration for environmental management includes taking into account the impact of peacekeeping operations on the historical and cultural heritage in the areas of deployment and how segments of the population may be differently affected by environmental degradation.

The members of the Security Council noted with appreciation the enhanced engagement of the Secretary‑General on this issue.

The members of the Security Council encouraged Member States to incorporate, as appropriate, environmental guidelines into their national training programs for military and police personnel in preparation for deployment to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. They further requested the Secretary‑General to continue to ensure that civilian personnel deployed in peacekeeping operations receive similar training.

The members of the Security Council encouraged the Secretary‑General, troop‑contributing countries and police‑contributing countries, where appropriate and within existing resources, to share with host States and local authorities best practices regarding environmental management.

The members of the Security Council called upon Member States and in particular host States of United Nations peacekeeping missions to facilitate the efforts of peacekeepers aimed at reducing the environmental impact of peacekeeping missions.