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News | 30 May 2024 | 17:04
For their missions to be successful, peacekeepers must put civilians first. Blue helmets must never lose sight of the needs of the countries in which they are deployed. These were some of the conclusions of a seminar on the importance of peacekeeping missions held yesterday in The Hague. The Ministry of Defence organised the meeting together with the Ministries of Justice, Security and Foreign Affairs on the occasion of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.
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The day was dedicated to all those who have supported and continue to support UN peace missions. Experts and experienced professionals gave their views on the role of operations in a changing world. They also reviewed the contribution of the Netherlands. The future of the missions was also discussed.
One of the attendees was Lieutenant General Keith Mathiesen, who spoke about his experience as former MINUSMA Force Commander, where for a year he led approximately 13 to 14,000 troops from nearly 60 countries.
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Moving forward with a mission
Mathiesen took part in a panel discussion on trends in peace missions and what they mean for the future. This showed that the West mainly focuses on the eastern flank when faced with threats. There has also been a deterioration in relations with mission-carrying countries. Peacekeepers are increasingly looking for regional solutions. As a result, there are now more missions involving fewer countries. There are also many separate operations by different organizations in the same country. The panelists agreed that peacekeepers must adapt more to local conditions and follow the mission.
Equality, respect and dialogue with the countries where the mission is carried out have proven to be essential. The so-called peacekeepers must also know why they are on the mission. All levels of the mission must be clear about what the mission is and the mission must seize the opportunities therein.
The long road to peace
The first UN peacekeeping operation began on May 29, 1948. Since then, peacekeepers have been deployed around the world. Their work is difficult and complex. They risk their lives to help countries on what can sometimes be a long road to peace.
The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers also commemorates the more than 4,000 peacekeepers who have lost their lives in peacekeeping operations since 1984.
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