ISSN 2706-7297

UNITED NATIONS
PEACEKEEPERS JOURNAL

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 6 MAY 2020

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF UN PEACEKEEPERS, 29 MAY 2020

 Father of The Nation

“I want to reiterate our full confidence on the human being winning

impossible and overcoming difficulties.”
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
in theUnited Nations, General Assembly
29th session on 25 September, 1974
.
 UNITED NATIONS
PEACEKEEPERS JOURNAL

VOLUME 6 ISSUE 6 MAY 2020

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF UN PEACEKEEPERS, 29 MAY 2020

 United Nations Peacekeepers Journal
Volume 6, Issue 6, May 2020

Published in : May 2020

Published by : Civil-Military Relations Directorate

Prime Minister’s Office, Armed Forces Division
Dhaka Cantonment, Dhaka

Printed at : Galaxy International

308 & 309, Sadhin Bangla Super Market
Mirpur-1, Dhaka-1216

DISCLAIMER
The facts, opinions, analyses and conclusions expressed or implied in this journal
are solely those of the authors and do not represent the views of Bangladesh Armed
Forces Division and therefore, do not necessarily imply endorsement by the editors
or publisher.

ii
 EDITORIAL BOARD

Chief Patron
Lieutenant General Md Mahfuzur Rahman, OSP, rcds, ndc, afwc, psc, PhD

Chief Editor
Commodore Bashir Uddin Ahmed, (G), ndc, psc

Editor
Colonel Shams Mohammad Mamun, psc

Assistant Editors
Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Tauhid Ali, psc, G - AFD

Wing Commander Md Shofiqul Alom, psc - Air Force

Major H M Omar Faruq, psc, G - AFD

Major Mehedi Hasan Shahriar - Army

Instructor Lieutenant Commander S M Badiuzzaman - Navy

Lieutenant Commander Ehsan Ahmed, (G) - AFD

Additional Superintendent of Police Mohammad Hannan Miah - Police

Md. Showeb Abdullah, Senior Assistant Secretary (UN) - MOFA

Advisor Editor

Professor Dr. Mohammad Tawfiqul Haider

iii
 EDITORIAL

Inspired by the spirit of our Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman and guided by his foreign policy mantra “friendship to all and malice towards
none,” journey of Bangladesh in peacekeeping operations began in August 1988.
Subsequently, in 1989 Bangladesh Police and in 1993 Bangladesh Navy and
Bangladesh Air Force joined the peacekeeping operations. With the status of a leading
‘Troop and Police Contributing Country’ (T/PCC) to UN Peacekeeping; Bangladesh is
commemorating its 32 years of dedication, glory, and sacrifice in peacekeeping
operations with the theme “Women in Peacekeeping: A Key to Peace.” Female
Peacekeepers of Bangladesh are acting as nuclei to reduce gender-based violence as
well as protection to women and children. Bangladesh has earned the credentials of a
‘Role Model’ in global peacekeeping by sheer professionalism, impartiality, integrity and
humane attitude in their approach. This pride came at a cost of 151 brave souls who laid
their lives while 229 suffered major injuries for the greater cause of world peace.

29 May is observed as ‘International Day of UN Peacekeepers’ in every year

around the globe. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic scenario, Armed Forces Division
(AFD) could not celebrate the day as desired. However, to mark the contribution of our
peacekeepers and pay tribute to our deceased/injured peacekeepers, AFD is
presenting the 6th issue of United Nations Peacekeepers Journal in coordination with
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Bangladesh Police. Articles of the journal primarily
focused on the contributions of Bangladeshi Peacekeepers deployed in various United
Nations Missions. Few of the articles reflect achievements of our peacekeepers
including ways to manage present and future challenges in multi-dimensional mission
environment. Gender mainstreaming and women in blue helmet have also been
highlighted in this issue. Most of the articles are the expressions of author’s inner mind
coined from personal experiences and review of narrative from books. We believe this
issue will help unleashing untold happenings of peacekeeping operations and enrich
our perception in this realm.

Finally, we would like to thank the Board of Editors for their relentless support and
assistance to scrutinize the articles and manage publishing the journal in time. We
convey our sincere gratitude to all the authors for their innovative and thought-provoking
contribution despite their busy schedule. We are happy to receive a good number of
articles this time. However, all couldn't be housed due to the paucity of space.
Nevertheless we hope that future issues will be more resourceful and innovative to
cover new horizon of UN peacekeeping to meet the expectations of our esteemed
readers. We are hopeful to receiving similar response, support, and cooperation from
all concerned in future too.

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 COMPLETED PEACEKEEPING MISSIONS
AROUND THE WORLD
Ser Country Name of Mission Total

1 Afganistan UNAMA 11
Afganistan-Pakistan UNSMA/UNGOMAP
2 Angola UNAVEM & UNAVEM III 635
3 Bosnia UNMIBH 177
4 Burundi BINUB 6
5 Cambodia UNAMIC/UNTAC/UNMLT 1301
6 Congo MONUC, MONUSCO 33135
7 Croatia/East Slovenia UNTAES 76
8 East Timor UNAMET / UNTAET / UNMISET 2718
9 Ethiopia / Eritrea UNMEE 1108
10 Georgia UNOMIG 131
11 Haiti UNMIH / MNF/MINUSTAH 5382
12 Iraq UNGCI/UNMOVIC 124
13 Iran UNIIMOG 31
14 Ivory Coast MINUCI/ONUCI/UNOCI 32850
15 Kosovo UNMIK 539
16 Kuwait UNIKOM 8239
17 Liberia UNOMIL/UNMIL 23793
18 Macedonia UNPREDEP 7
19 Mozambique ONUMOZ 2622
20 Namibia UNTAG 85
21 Rwanda UNAMIR 1022
22 Sierra Leone UNAMSIL/ UNIOSIL 11981
23 Somalia UNOSOM-I –II/AMISOM 1973
24 Sudan UNMIS 9023
25 South Sudan UNMISS 6258
26 Tajikistan UNMOT 40
27 Uganda / Rwanda UNOMUR 20
28 Westen Sahara MINURSO 339
29 Yugoslavia (Former) UNPROFOR / UNMOP 1584
30 CAR & Chad MINURCAT 59
31 Darfur UNAMID 8828
32 Lebanon UNIFIL 2602
33 West Africa UNOWA 2
34 Nairobi UNSOA 1
35 Syria UNSMIS 18
36 Mali MINUSMA 8399
37 CAR MINUSCA 5074
38 Somalia UNSOM 6
39 Office of the African Union UNOAU 2
40 Sudan UNISFA 1
41 UNHQ UNDPKO 37
42 Cyprus UNFICYP 4
TOTAL 170243

v
 Nether
Lands
01 117

177
23

vi
Yemen
UNHQ 02
05

1606 1663

1888 1061

6543
 Forcewise Total Completed Deployment

Ser Bangladesh Bangladesh Bangladesh Bangladesh Total

Army Navy Air Force Police
1 137710 5775 7101 19657 170243

Supreme Sacrifices for World Peace

(From April 1989 to April 2020)

Ser Bangladesh Bangladesh Bangladesh Bangladesh Total

Army Navy Air Force Police
1 120 4 5 22 151

Summary of Injured Peacekeepers

(From April 1989 to April 2020)

Ser Bangladesh Bangladesh Bangladesh Bangladesh Total

Army Navy Air Force Police
1 211 1 5 12 229

Participation of Female Peacekeepers in UN Mission

Ser Forces Participated Currently Deployed

1 Army 362 73
2 Navy 18 5
3 Air Force 97 14
4 Police 1326 159
Grand Total 1803 251

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CONTRIBUTIONS TO UN OPERATIONS
(Report Date : 30 April 2020)

6656
6434
6316

5653
5434

4462

3160
2847
2781
2535
Indonesia
Pakistan
Nepal
Ethiopia

Rwanda
Bangladesh

China
Ghana
Egypt
India

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 United Nations Peacekeepers Journal
Issue 6, May 2020

CONTENTS

1. Accolade of Bangladeshi Peacekeepers: Opportunities beyond

Peacekeeping 1-9

Colonel Humayun Quyum, afwc, psc

2. Structuring UN Cyber Peacekeeping Force : An Impending Novel

Domain to Survive Against Future International Conflict 10 - 22
Lieutenant Colonel Md Ashraful Islam’, psc

3. Sustaining Bangladesh’s Leading Role in the UN Peacekeeping:

Some Reflections 23 - 31
Md. Faruk Hossan, Director (UN), Ministry of Foreign Affairs

4. Changing Security Landscape: Challenges and Ways Forward for

UN Peacekeeping 32 - 45
Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Sharif Ul Alam, psc

5. Strengthening Peacekeeping Effort of Bangladesh Armed Forces :

A Cruz Report Perspective 46 - 57
Lieutenant Colonel Abu Tareq Mohammad Rashed, SPP, psc

6. Gender Mainstreaming in UN Mission: Challenges and Way

Forward 58 - 71
Squadron Leader Rista Binte Siddique

7. Traditional to Multidimensional Robust Peacekeeping Operations- 72 - 83

Bangladesh Army in Quest of Global Peace :
Contemporary Scenarios and beyond
Lieutenant Colonel S M Ashraful Islam, psc

8. Peacekeeping for A Peaceful World : A Dream Maker’s Liberal Vision 84 - 91

Commander Md. Mehadi Amin Miah, (G), psc

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 United Nations Peacekeepers Journal
Issue 6, May 2020

CONTENTS

9. Peacekeeping Duty in a Complex Situation Like Mali:

Bangladesh Contingent Perspective 92 - 104
Lieutenant Colonel Raihan Ahmed, psc

10. Peacekeeping in New Era 105 - 110

Sahely Ferdous, ppm, Assistant Inspector General

11. In Quest of Peace in the Saharan Desert: Contribution of

Bangladesh Battalion (BANBAT) in Mali 111 - 118
Colonel Mohammed Rezaul Karim, afwc, psc, G

12. Children in Armed Conflict: Role of United Nations 119 - 130

Squadron Leader Nowshin Khundker

13. Contribution and Activities of Bangladesh Navy in United

Nations Peacekeeping Mission 131 - 138
Lieutenant Commander M Maruf Hossain

14. Environmental Management in the UN Mission : An Approach to

Preserve Nature by the Peacekeepers 139 - 151
Major Iqbalur Rahman

15. Our Cherished Partner for Peace : United Nations Mission

in South Sudan (UNMISS) 152 - 160
Md Ariful Islam, Additional Superintendent of Police

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 United Nations ... Journal, Issue 6, May 2020

Accolade of Bangladeshi Peacekeepers: Opportunities

beyond Peacekeeping
Colonel Humayun Quyum, afwc, psc

Introduction
The history of the Bangladesh Army in peacekeeping operation (PKO) is
an account of invaluable esteem and glory. Beginning in 1988, today
Bangladesh Army has stepped into 32 years of its glorious journey with blue
helmet in UN peacekeeping effort, which has been duly recognized worldwide
and also in the UN Secretariat. With the passage of time and changing
operational environment, the spectrum of PKO underwent many changes. As
such, peacekeeping forces deployed from Bangladesh also went through
changes in manifold. However, coping with the changed mandate of the UN and
operational environment, Bangladesh has been continuing its effort on PKO.
Serving in “Blue Helmet,” Bangladesh has emerged as one of the leading TCCs
in the world. Latest statistics reveal that 1,70,243 Bangladeshi peacekeepers
participated in more than 54 missions at 40 different countries across the
globe.1
With its ceaseless effort, Bangladeshi forces have earned a good
reputation around the globe in PKO. Our peacekeepers operate with complete
dedication for the cause of peace and humanity as they draw the strength from
the constitutional commitment of the state, political will of the people, exemplary
support of the government and unique leadership urge to complement the UN’s
peace efforts. Their professional excellence is also strengthened through
training in military institutes including Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support
Operations Training (BIPSOT).
People around the globe know Bangladesh for its hard-earned reputation
through UN peacekeeping operations. These achievements have boosted the
image of our beloved motherland. Bangladesh Army being the pioneer and
major contributor of Peacekeeping Forces (PKF) of our country is proud of
exhibiting outstanding competence of its peacekeepers in times of need, even
in danger. In such a spirit of a noble cause, so far 151 peacekeepers of
Bangladesh made supreme sacrifices and 229 peacekeepers have sustained
major injuries for the call of peace. Surely their commitment, contribution, and
sacrifices have built up the image of Bangladesh PKF as one of the best and
professional forces in UNPKO. Being one of the leading TCCs in UNPKO,
Bangladesh enjoys considerable advantages to strengthen her position in
those countries at many other folds. As such, exploiting the established
credibility, diplomatic endeavors may be aimed to have bilateral and
sustainable political, economical and commercial ties with the host countries.

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Accolade of Bangladeshi ...

Participation and Achievements of Bangladeshi Peacekeepers in UN

Bangladesh stands firmly committed to assisting the UN in the
maintenance of international peace and security. This very fact is enshrined in
the constitution of Bangladesh with the foreign policy dictum “Friendship to all,
malice to none.” The Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur
Rahman in his inaugural speech, given in Bangla, at the UN General Assembly
in September 1974 has pronounced this pledge. Basing on this principle,
Bangladesh has already made enormous contributions and been widely
recognized as a brand name in the peacekeeping domain.2
Completed and Current Deployment: Since 1988, Bangladesh has
regularly participated in different UN assignments ranging from PKO to peace
enforcement operations. Out of the total 71 missions since 1948, Bangladesh
has completed 54 PKO around 40 countries where 1,70,243 participants took
part as shown in Table 1 below:-

Table 1: Deployment of Bangladeshi Peacekeepers

Missions Army Navy Air Force Police Total

Completed 1,37,710 5,775 7,102 19,657 1,70,243

On-going 5,070 345 463 665 6,543

Total 1,42,780 6,120 7,564 20,322 1,76,786

Source: Overseas Operations Directorate, Army Headquarters’ (30 April 2020)

Glory around the World: Bangladesh had remarkable achievements in

most of the missions. Bangladesh Army contingents in all missions, Naval
Frigates in UNFIL, Lebanon and Marine/Riverine Unit in South Sudan and Mali,
Air Contingent in Congo, Ivory Coast, East Timor, and Chad have also made
enormous efforts in building durable peace. Bangla being an official language
in Sierra Leone bears testimony of love and respect of their people towards
Bangladeshi peacekeepers. Besides, Military Staff Officers and Military
Observers deployed in different missions have also proved the professionalism,
leadership, and sincerity of our officers.
Recognition of Bangladeshi Peacekeepers: The contribution of
Bangladeshi forces to UNPKO is recognized by former UN Secretary-General
Mr. Kofi Annan’s speech, “….a model member of the United Nations, providing
leadership among the least developed countries…. and contributing
substantially to peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.” Bangladesh also
proudly recalls the remarks of former Secretary-General Mr Ban-Ki Moon
where he applauded Bangladeshi Peacekeepers and said, “…my deep
admiration and commendation for all the noble work Bangladesh Contingent
has been making for peace and security of Sudan.”3

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 United Nations ... Journal, Issue 6, May 2020

Emerged as a Role Model in the Globe: The world community needs

peacekeepers that are willing and able to implement the UN mandate for a
particular peacekeeping operation. The Bangladeshi peacekeepers being
highly disciplined, well-trained, hardworking, and personally committed have
earned the credentials of a ‘role model.’ It is mainly because our peacekeeper’s
recognize and practice the core values of UN i.e. professionalism, integrity, and
respect for diversity. Many have received UN medals of honour, and many have
been appointed to positions of leadership in PKOs (including the positions of
Special Representative of Secretary-General, Force Commander, Deputy
Force Commander, Chief Military Observers, and so on).
Factors Contributing to the Success in UN Mission
Cardinal points to the success of a UN mission are the clarity of the
mandate, righteousness of cause, the unity of command and the understanding
of the causes of conflict. With a professional holistic approach, Bangladeshi
peacekeepers scrutinize all these factors and live up to the letter and spirit of
the ideals of the UN in general and of the international peacekeeping in
particular. The following factors have contributed to the success in UNPK
missions conducted by Bangladesh:-
a. Constitution of Bangladesh: Bangladesh has always been devoted
to international peace and security as a peace-loving nation. In the preface of
the Constitution of Bangladesh, it is written that “We may prosper in freedom
and may take our full contribution towards international peace and co-operation
in keeping with the progressive aspirations of mankind.” It denotes the
commitment of the Bangladesh Government for the contribution in maintaining
global peace and security. In conformity with the constitution, Bangladesh has
always positively responded to the UN’s request for strengthening peace and
stability worldwide, without any hesitancy. As such, Bangladesh remained one
of the ranking members in troops contributions.
b. Training Facilities at Home: Bangladesh has promoted world-class
institutional development on peacekeeping at home. The BIPSOT been
established with the vision “To promote global peace and security as an
International Centre of Excellence.” It is a prestigious facility that provides training
to foreign and Bangladeshi personnel in line with the UN General Assembly
(UNGA) Resolution 49/37.4 Gradually it has emerged as a globally recognized
premier Peacekeeping Training Institute in the Asia-Pacific region. Presently, it is
conducting pre-deployment training (PDT), specialized training, thematic training,
military staff officers course, military observer course, contingent commanders
training, courses on women-peace-security issues, and special courses on
language and on other contemporary issues. BIPSOT is constantly pursuing to
achieve excellence in peacekeeping by gaining the capacity to act as an
international or regional training centre for peace support operation.

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Accolade of Bangladeshi ...

c. Zero Tolerance to SEA Cases: Bangladesh always maintains a

zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and abuses (SEA).
Allegations against Bangladeshi peacekeepers are very negligible or
insignificant in comparison to the other nations. Rather, they have
demonstrated a caring attitude towards the local people and their culture
wherever deployed. Strict adherence to respect for diversity was the key to
avoid such gender-based violence too. To mention, Sierra Leone announced
Bengali as its second official language to recognize the efforts of Bangladeshi
Peacekeepers in their country. The President of Sierra Leone visited
Bangladesh in 2011 to express his gratitude. However, the authority of
Bangladesh has ensured due administrative action for the spoilers to enforce
Zero Tolerance on SEA cases.
d. Effective Role of Female Peacekeepers: The role of Bangladeshi
female peacekeepers is much higher than other leading TCCs. Bangladesh
Army was the pioneer to deploy female peacekeepers under the UN in 2007.
So far, approximately 350 female officers of the Bangladesh Army have been
deployed across the globe. Bangladesh has got the first female contingent
commander in the UN peacekeeping mission as Colonel Dr. Nazma Begum of
Bangladesh Army was entrusted to lead a team in Ivory Coast in 2016.5
Bangladesh Police female contingent is deployed to undertake crowd control,
protect UN staff and material and escort UN personnel. Increased number of
female peacekeepers and the professional approach towards gender
mainstreaming are contributing in achieving the glory of Bangladesh to a further
height. Our Government is also encouraging to deploy female peacekeepers to
meet the need of the UN and support the conflicting countries gender-based
issues. Off late, every contingent has been deployed with a female platoon to
conform to the advisory. Details of female participation as on 30 April 2020 are
shown below:-
Table 2: Showing Female Participation of Bangladeshi Peacekeepers
Missions Army Navy Air Force Police Total

Completed 362 18 97 1,326 1,803

On-going 73 05 14 159 251

Total 435 23 111 1,485 2,054

Source: Overseas Operations Directorate, Army Headquarters’ (30 April 2020)

e. Quick Response during Urgency: Bangladesh has been one of the

preferred countries by the UN in the urgent demand of deploying peacekeepers
or to respond to any humanitarian crisis in short notice. In 2010, when hundreds
of thousands of people died and nearly one million lost their lives in a terrible
earthquake, in Haiti, Bangladesh responded positively to the urgent UN call for

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 United Nations ... Journal, Issue 6, May 2020

troops and subsequently became the first Muslim majority nation to deploy an
all-women contingent in a UNPKO. Similarly, in the case of South Sudan and
Mali missions, Bangladesh’s response to deploy troops and assets was positive
despite extreme weather and hostile conditions where most other countries
refused to do such.
f. Adapting to Local Exigencies: Bangladeshi peacekeepers have a
reputation for adapting to local exigencies and demonstrating a caring attitude
towards the local people and their culture wherever deployed. They do not
interfere in the domestic politics of the nations concerned, nor do they
antagonize any factions by displaying arrogance. Bangladeshi peacekeepers
are considered to be an acceptable nation almost everywhere in the world who
significantly contributes to the success of UN missions.
g. Ensuring Protection of Civilians (POC): Bangladeshi peacekeepers
could build up a demonstrable record of success on the POC in different
missions. Alongside, fighting with the militias by narrowing down their functional
capabilities, our peacekeepers are protecting the local civilians and offering the
host Government of the deployed area a window of opportunity to stabilize the
situation further. It has developed the overall bonding and mutual trust among
each other.6
h. CIMIC Activities: With a view to winning the hearts and minds of the
local people numerous CIMIC activities are being conducted regularly by
Bangladeshi Peacekeepers. Bangladeshi contingents have undertaken
laudable community development activities to achieve sustainable peace
through the following services:
a) Infrastructural development under Quick Impact Projects (QIPs).
b) Regular free medical campaign in remote areas.
c) Distribution of relief to needy people.
d) Various training to the local organization including military.
e) Continuous supply of drinking water to the locals of some area.
f) Community engagement dialogue.
j. Supreme Sacrifice of Peacekeepers: Bangladeshi peacekeepers
have always confronted danger with courage against unknown threats on
foreign soil in unfriendly terrain, weather, and volatile situation. Bangladesh
military and para-military forces not being an expeditionary force always
deployed for the global peace in foreign countries, which was incongruence
with our foreign policy. However, the price of peacekeeping operations has
been very expensive at times. Till 30 April 2020, as many as 151 of Bangladeshi
valiant peacekeepers have sacrificed their lives of which 29 were officers.
Again, 229 peacekeepers have sustained severe to minor injury for the cause
of global peace. Yet, such incidents could never weaken the determination of
Bangladeshi Peacekeepers to serve for the greater cause.

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Accolade of Bangladeshi ...

Ways Forward to Capitalize the Achievements

Bangladesh pursues a policy of active participation in global peace
processes. Due to the commitment and professional excellence, Bangladesh could
establish its domain in the UN as well as in the mind of host nation. Since the host
nation’s political and demographic landscapes are friendly, the diplomatic effort
might be rendered to consolidate the gains. In order to solidify such achievements
there are some ways forwarded to capitalize which are highlighted below:-
a. Diplomatic Relation: Bangladesh may harness some national benefits
capitalizing on the relationship at different places of UN deployment. Like other
countries, our diplomatic organs may take more endeavors to create more space
of economic and expatriate employment opportunities by patronizing national big
investors. India is utilizing the opportunities in Africa with its peacekeepers and
Diasporas. Time has come for Bangladesh to utilize the success of peacekeeping
in the African region, specifically where the Bangladeshi peacekeepers have
contributed and made special rapport with the host nation. A comprehensive step
may be taken to facilitate Bangladesh’s investment in growing sectors of those
countries. The study can be made to open new market for Bangladeshi
goods/products.
b. Facilitating Bangladeshi Trade and Investment in Growing Sectors:
Africa is in the early stages of an economic renaissance. Many investors see
investing in Africa as the “Final Frontier” as other emerging markets like China and
India continue to mature. With a population of about a billion and significant natural
resources, the continent has been growing in popularity among investors over the
decades. But, the vastness and diversity of Africa mean that it can be challenging
for companies and investors to build trusted business networks, navigate local
capital markets and know where and how to source business and investment
opportunities. Here, in particular, Bangladesh may exploit the experience, rapport,
and credibility of PKO to pursuit the local trade and sustainable investment. The
diplomatic channel, the FBCCI and Bangladeshi peacekeeping missions at the
host nations need to work with an integrated and achievable goal. Few of the
agro-based goods, RMG and pharmaceutical products have already been
introduced; others need some coordinated efforts.
c. Opening New Horizon for Bangladeshi Products and NGOs: Many
Bangladeshi NGOs and business firms are now operating abroad. The positive
image created by the peacekeepers could be a great asset for these entities to
open their operations in those countries in the African region. Ministry of Foreign
Affairs may also make an effort to set up new missions and sub-mission in those
countries where Bangladeshi peacekeepers are deployed, which may contribute
positively towards achieving the national goals. Strong ties may also be maintained
with various regional organizations especially with the African Union which may
increase the acceptance of Bangladeshi peacekeepers in African countries.

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 United Nations ... Journal, Issue 6, May 2020

d. Filling up Critical Gaps through Weed Assessment: Many of the UN

mission’s places are French-speaking ones. They need people who are very
fluent in French and English, both written and spoken. Bangladesh may
capitalize on the demanding reality. Recently the necessity of increased use of
technological advances in peacekeeping missions is also seen to meet the
challenges in a complex environment. So, Bangladesh may work to contribute
further in addressing those capability gaps in UN peacekeeping missions.
e. Getting Involved with UN Procurement Process: The entire annual
procurement volume of the UN is about US$ 3 billion and about 90 percent of
the total procumbent is for the Department of Field Support. Bangladesh may
try to register to take part in the UN procurement process for peacekeeping
missions through tenders. Bangladesh can look at many areas including
exporting Bangladeshi quality medicines, ready-made garments products
(Dress, uniforms, utility gears), and other logistic supports.
f. Capitalizing the Reputation of Gender Mainstreaming: Gradually,
Bangladesh is enhancing its pledges towards the inclusion of more number of
female peacekeepers in UN Mission. Bangladesh Army has started recruiting
female soldiers which will offer Bangladesh to contribute further in the issue of
gender mainstreaming in the peacekeeping environment. Female peacekeepers
from armed forces and police also earned fame for the country which can be
capitalized more for further peacekeeping opportunities for Bangladesh.
Conclusion
Bangladesh is a world leader in terms of contributing soldiers and police
officers to international peacekeeping missions. PKO is a glorious episode of
Bangladesh. Since 1988, Bangladesh Army has been actively engaging itself in
various PKO to promote global peace, which was later followed by Bangladesh
Navy, Bangladesh Air Force, and Bangladesh Police. The strong participation of
Bangladesh in the UN peacekeeping activities and different international
forums has taken the country to a dignified position in the world. Bangladesh
has always underscored the need to plan and conduct PKOs to facilitate
post-conflict peacebuilding, prevent the relapse into armed conflict and
promote sustainable peace and development.
Bangladesh responds pragmatically to the requests for committing troops
to the UN or other non-aggressive partners. Bangladesh also constantly
reiterates her commitments to the principles of the UN, including the
maintenance of international peace, stability, and security. In her address as a
co-chair of the September 2015 UN peacekeeping summit in New York, the
Honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her administration’s further
commitment to UN peacekeeping endeavors assuring that strong and steadfast
contributions from Bangladesh will continue.

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Accolade of Bangladeshi ...

Bangladesh holds and promotes international norms like moderation,

diversity, self-government, world peace, and care for environment etcetera
augmented by their domestic performances. It has great potentials to gain from
their achievements in UN Missions. Having contributed one of the highest
troops in UN, Bangladesh should have brandished her interest further in other
fields to reap economic and other benefits for serving the national interest. To
do so, Bangladesh has to calibrate its diplomatic engagements with those
nations in a holistic approach capitalizing the UN peacekeeping and
peacebuilding efforts through the years.

Notes and References

1. Operations & Plan Directorate, Armed Forces Division, Report of 30 April,
2020
2. http://www.navy.mil.bd/un_mission.php
3. Lieutenant Colonel Md Jahangir Alam, psc, ‘Blue Helmet and Bangladesh,’
International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers Journal, 1st Issue,
May 2015
4. UNGA Resolution 49/37 dated 09 February 1995
5. Observer Online Desk, 28 February 2016
6. Shahanara Monica, ‘Protection of Civilian in the MONUSCO, Democratic
Republic of Congo: Role of Bangladeshi Peacekeepers,’ International Day
of United Nations Peacekeepers Journal, Issue 5, May 2019

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 United Nations ... Journal, Issue 6, May 2020

Brief Biography

Colonel Humayun Quyum, afwc, psc, was commissioned in the Corps of

Infantry in June 1993. He attended a good number of courses both at home and
abroad. He is a Graduate from the Defence Services Command and Staff
College and National Defence College, Mirpur and attained Master of Defence
Studies Degree from the National University, Dhaka. Besides serving in three
infantry regiments he also served as General Staff Officer-3 (Operations),
General Staff Officer-2 (Intelligence) and Brigade Major in Infantry Brigades
and General Staff Officer-1 (Operations) in an Infantry Division. He served as
Instructor Class B in Tactics Wing and as Instructor Class A in UCSC Wing of
SI&T. He served as a contingent member in United Nations Peacekeeping
Mission both in Sierra Leone and DRC. He also served as Chief of Staff at Ituri
Brigade in DRC. As Commanding Officer he served in Ideal Twenty One. He
served as Deputy President at ISSB. He also served as 403 Battle Group
Commander under ARTDOC. Presently, he is serving as Chief Instructor in
Weapon Wing of SI&T.

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United Nations ... Journal, Issue 6, May 2020

Structuring UN Cyber Peacekeeping Force:

An Impending Novel Domain to Survive
Against Future International Conflict
Lieutenant Colonel Md Ashraful Islam, psc
Introduction
The dynamics of future international conflict will combine the cyber
domain with the conventional domain of warfare. At present, Cyber warfare is
one of the most discussed issues of the military strategists, academicians, and
politicians. Yet, the legality, doctrine, ethics, and boundary of cyber warfare are
still a debatable issue. Again, a research work discovered that the way
indiscriminate use of land mines in the previous wars led to prolonged harm to
civilians, the unregulated use of cyber threat has the similar potentials to have
equal sufferings.1 Thereby, the adverse aftermath of cyber-attacks is
exponentially increasing in the regions of conflict all over the world. But there is
no international impartial organization to investigate the cyber-conflict, uncover
the perpetrators, and restore peace in the cyberspace. In this scenario, building
the ‘United Nations (UN) Cyber Peacekeeping’ force is a novel approach to
withstand against such an unfamiliar pattern of a global attack.
UN, the center which symbolizes international peace and security is
gradually melting the concept of ‘Cyber Peacekeeping’ from theoretical design
to the implementable body. The formation of a Digital Blue Helmet (DBH) by the
UN is a significant footstep that gives a probable sight of its ‘Cyber
Peacekeeping’ force. Therefore, it is necessary to underpin this new concept of
‘Cyber Peacekeeping’ into the conventional framework of UN hierarchy. Again,
a methodological approach to implement this new concept of peacekeeping
with specific goals, roles, and functions is also very important for surviving in
the future complex nature of warfare. Bangladesh Army, with its vast
experience as one of the highest troops contributing countries (TCCs) for
conventional UN Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO), must prepare to
effectively contribute as the cyber peacekeepers also.
This paper will first explore the overview of the novel concept of ‘Cyber
Peacekeeping.’ Subsequently, it will portray its implantable approaches
alongside the typical framework of peacekeeping. Finally, the article will briefly
reveal the preparedness to implement the concept from the Bangladesh Army
perspective.
Overview of UN Cyber Peacekeeping Concept
Cyber Peacekeeping: The term ‘peacekeeping’ came into focus in 1950
and gradually evolved with time. The definition of peacekeeping is always a
subject of a larger horizon. Bellamy et al. defined it as peace operations
conducted by ‘uniformed personnel with or without UN authorization’ to help

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 Structuring UN Cyber ...

bringing peace and stability.2 Again, this is “action undertaken to preserve

peace, however fragile, where fighting has been halted and to assist in
implementing agreements achieved by the peacemakers.”3 In the framework of
cyberspace, researchers again re-evaluated the essence of this terminology to
formulate a conclusive definition of ‘Cyber Peacekeeping.’ In that context, ‘UN
Cyber peacekeeping’ is the application of cyber capability to preserve peace,
however fragile, where fighting has been halted and to assist in implementing
agreements achieved by the peacemakers.’4 It is also defined as ‘cyber conflict
prevention, mitigation, aftermath containment, and rehabilitation with a focus on
conflict de-escalation and civilian security.’5
The Need for UN Cyber Peacekeeping Force: UN peacekeeping was
developed to maintain international peace and security as defined in the UN
Charter. In 1948, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO)
was formed to monitor the ‘Armistice Agreement’ between Israel, Egypt,
Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria.6 In a small scale, similar ceasefire monitoring and
post-conflict peace holding operations continued till the 1970 era. Then, the
significant change in the role of the UN peacekeeping mission came into focus
in 1980. The traditional peacekeeping tasks were aided by election supervision,
structuring democratic institutions, and providing humanitarian support. Later,
in the Bosnian War of 1992 and the UN Operation in Somalia II (UNOSOM II) in
1993 and Rwanda (1994), UN peacekeeping troops became active participants
in the conflict rather than acting as peacekeepers. But the peacekeepers failed
to protect civilians and couldn’t prevent ethnic cleansing. This failure resulted in
the realization that sudden changes in the tasks of UNPKO also demands
changing in the resolution, reforming in the capabilities and necessitates
financial aid. Since then, according to socio-political and economic changes in
the world, the reformation of the UN peacekeeping forces took place in the
manifold. The recent aggression of cyber threats is also a new dimension
included in the war domain that demands a change in the peacekeeping view.
Again, instances of cyber-attacks by states or state-sponsored or
non-state entities are rapidly increasing following a sharp vertical curve.
Interfering in national elections,7 inciting riots by deep/dark web, infiltrating
national databases, threatening to control electric power grids are few
evidential examples of cyber-attacks of the recent past.8 Before invading
Georgia in August 2008, Russia launched a barrage of Distributed Denial of
Service (DDOS) attack that made Georgian military operations difficult and
dangerous.9 The cyber-attack of Estonia in 2007 is another example to show
how the effect of physical conflict can have consequences over cyberspace.
Even, the United States and Israel are held responsible for introducing malware
that caused a breakdown in Iranian centrifuges at Natanz. The Stuxnet attack
in 2010, the attack against Ukraine in 2014 to 2016, ‘WannaCry’ and ‘NotPetya’
in 2017 are few examples that came into focus in recent years. The examples

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United Nations ... Journal, Issue 6, May 2020

of such detrimental incidents of cyber-attacks are exponentially on the rise. But

at present, there is no international organization that can conduct an impartial
investigation to respond to such kinetic damage of cyber-attack.
The explosion of the cyber domain in the world will also change the
dimension of the conflict. Recent research illustrates that most of the
‘state-level’ future conflict will comprehend cyber elements. In such cases, UN
peacekeepers need to endure cyber incidents during or after conflict or even
when there is no conventional hostilities present. Such cyber threats would
pose a threat to international peace and security, which demand to conduct
peacekeeping operations (PKO) in response. The aftermath of cyber-attacks
may cause blackouts, cut off supply lines, destabilize the communication
sector, and even disrupt the economic system of a country. Research works
pinpointed that Cyber warfare silently enforces risk to public health, critical
countrywide infrastructures, vital national networks, consumer devices and
eventually make unseen bloodshed in the whole system.10 The effect may
unintentionally lead to indiscriminate and disproportionate sufferings to human
life and destabilize the functionality of a sovereign nation. To withstand against
the rise of such international conflicts through cyber space, cyber
peacekeeping force is a demand of time and necessity.
Organizational Mandate and Implementing Authority: As a structural
approach to fight cybercrime, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
launched the International Multilateral Partnership against Cyber Threats
(IMPACT).11 IMPACT is the largest international public-private cyber security
alliance. Besides, the INTERPOL has exclusive access to the global network of
national law enforcement against cybercrime.12 NATO also established the
NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Center of Excellence to recognize the threat
of cyber-attack.13 All such internationally reputed organizations though working
in piecemeal, but no universally accepted organization has operational powers
and legislations to work globally against cyberattacks. Therefore, to protect the
UN and its agencies for “enhancing cybersecurity preparedness, resilience,
and response,” the Office of Information and Communications Technology
(OICT) of the UN formed a DBH unit in 2016.14 The OICT also conducted
research on possible cyber threats against a ‘Sustainable Development Goals’
of the UN. This DBH will provide ‘interdisciplinary cyber-security support and
teaching centers’ by the cyber experts of the world to prevent, mitigate, and
deal with global cyberattacks in the future.15 The DBH team can be formed
taking the best cyber experts of the world combining Cyber-Contributing
Countries (CCCs), Cyber-Contributing Organizations (CCOs), volunteer
experts, and UN cyber staff.16
The way UN Security Council authorizes a PKO, a cyber peacekeeping
operation will also receive approval from the Security Council. On approval, a
cyber peacekeeping operation can be conducted alongside a physical

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 Structuring UN Cyber ...

PKO or as a part of that. When the conflict is entirely in the cyber domain, the
council can institute exclusively a cyber mission. The cyber unit can be placed
into the existing organizational structure of the UN. In the UN organization, the
tactical level comprises military, civilian, and police units. A separate ‘cyber unit’
can be included in the tactical hierarchy of organization.17 The cyber
peacekeepers of the cyber unit may comprise cyber experts from military,
police, and civil background. The cyber peacekeepers can be assigned to their
core institutional segments. For example, a military cyber team can be
assigned to the military units deployed in the mission. Similarly, the head of the
cyber unit will assign police and civil cyber experts to their respected working
arena. A separate cyber unit for the cyber experts will not only facilitate their
cohesion but also aid the systematic cyber action planning of the head of the
cyber component. The head of the cyber unit can also assist the operational
and strategic level leadership of the UN in cyber-related decision making. The
following figure illustrates the proposed UN peacekeeping organizational
structure with added Cyber Units in the tactical level:-

Figure 1: Proposed UN Peacekeeping Organizational Structure

Source: Developing Cyber Peacekeeping: Observation, Monitoring, and Reporting, June 201818

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Working Methodology of UN Cyber Peacekeeping Force

Comprehensive Framework: The comprehensive framework reflects
the goals, roles, and functions of the UN cyber peacekeeping force from a
situational perspective when there is no conflict, during the conflict, and after
conflict. In all the stages of cyber conflict, the main goals of cyber peacekeepers
are to protect civilians and build their trust and safety in the cyberspace. The
goal is achieved by the prevention of cyber threats, mitigating the threat if
exists, ensuring aftermath containment, and rehabilitating the victims to restore
normalcy after the conflict. The following figure shows a proposed framework of
UN cyber peacekeeping force:-
Figure 2: Overview of the Framework of Cyber Peacekeeping
(Solid line represents guardian role, the dotted line represents mediator,
dashed line represents coordinator and dash-dotted line represents the
builder and related functions).

Source: Cyber Peacekeeping. In lecture notes of the Institute for Computer Sciences, Social-In-
formatics and telecommunications engineering, 2015 19

As an example, in the guardian role, cyber peacekeepers will monitor

potential threats when there is no conflict existing. During the conflict, they will
stop the negative impact of cyber-attack and use cyber weapons as a measure
of counter-attack. In the ‘after conflict’ stage, a guardian will mostly perform
cleanup activities to distribute and alter cyber weapons. In a mediator role, they
will communicate with participating actors of the conflicts and subsequently
de-escalate and stabilize the conflict using good norms and standards of
cyberspace. At present, no accepted standards and norms of international
relations exist in cyberspace. The coordinator will initially integrate all

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 Structuring UN Cyber ...

stakeholders of the cyber world. Then, they will negotiate control of cyber
offensive capabilities and finally establish standards and norms of cyber space
in peacetime. The coordinator investigates the conflict and capitalizes on
international cooperation to mitigate. The builder consistently accumulates all
critical resources during peacetime. During the conflict, they maintain the
capacity standard and subsequently restore critical services disrupted as the
consequence of the conflict.
Functional Domains of UN Cyber Peacekeepers: Cyber
Peacekeepers, by mandate, can patrol and act in the cyberspace in a similar
method current UN peacekeepers act in the conflict zones. They will be tasked
to reduce tensions between conflicting nations or parties to prevent the
escalation of cyber wars and act against global cyber criminals. They will also
work in real time to mitigate the impact of such attack, re-establish normalcy by
reversing the effects and restore systems or critical infrastructure. They will
continuously monitor their Cyber Area of Responsibility (COR) to promote
Cyber Peace between two countries and allies. Thereby, the cyber
peacekeepers will operate in three domains of the cyber world: Cyber
Prevention, Cyber Investigation, and Cyber Intervention. The following figure
illustrates the operable arena of the cyber peacekeepers and their responsible
field of works in the domain:-

Figure 3: Possible Domains of the Cyber Peacekeepers

Source: Cyber Peacekeeping: New ways to prevent and manage cyberattacks, International
Journal of Cyber Warfare and Terrorism, March 2019 20

Translating Typical Peacekeeping to Cyber Peacekeeping: Typically,

the UN undertakes two types of PKO : Traditional and Multi-Dimensional. In a
traditional role, peacekeepers strictly focus on observation, monitoring and
reporting (OMR) actions. The multi-dimensional role goes beyond the
traditional peacekeeping role and pursuit of long term activities to bring peace
and security. Again, PKO are performed in four specific roles: Conflict
Prevention (early intervention to prevent a dispute escalating),

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United Nations ... Journal, Issue 6, May 2020

Peacemaking (diplomatic measures aimed at bringing about a ceasefire),

Peace Enforcement (restoring peace without consent of the parties) and Peace
Building (laying the foundation for long term peace and preventing relapse into
conflict).21 When necessary, the UN leadership task the peacekeepers to
perform dual roles and thus the peacekeeping activities overlap each other. The
activities and relationship of the components are depicted as follows:-

Figure 4: UN Peacekeeping Goals and Activities

Source: ‘Introduction to Cyber Peacekeeping,’ Cornell University Scholarly Articles, April 2018 22

Again, the traditional and multi-dimensional role has eleven specific

functions termed as kinetic peacekeeping activities. The UN Department of
Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), categorized those kinetic UNPKO as
shown below:

Figure 5: Kinetic Peacekeeping Activities defined by UN DPKO

-d

Source: United Nations Peacekeeping Operations: Capstone Doctrine, January 2008 23

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 Structuring UN Cyber ...

Now, UN cyber peacekeeping activities are the events of cyber domain

keeping typical kinetic UN peacekeeping fundamentals in focus. The
leaderships of the UNPKO must understand the practical translation of the
existing peacekeeping activities. To simplify the concept, following table
specifically translates every task from traditional to cyber peacekeeping form:

Table 1: Translation of Typical Peacekeeping to Cyber Peacekeeping

Activities
Peacekeeping Activities Translation into Cyber Peacekeeping
Observation, Monitoring and Monitoring for actions in cyberspace which violate
Reporting the peace agreement
Change in network structure, cyber security
dispositions, and network traffic
Human rights abuses occurring in cyberspace
Cease- Fire Supervision and Advising on, assisting the implementation of, and
Supporting Verification verifying compliance with cyber terms
Mechanism
Interposition as a Buffer Zone Creation of a Cyber Buffer Zone
Disarmament, Demobilization, Disarmament of Cyber Weapons
and Reintegration (DDR) Demobilization of Cyber Components
Reintegration of cyber components
Security Sector Reform (SSR) Reforming cyber aspects of security sector
Electoral Assistance Protection from soft cyber-attacks (misinformation,
fake news)
Protection from hard cyber-attacks (election
machines, tallying process)
Mine Action Malware Action
Protection and Promotion of Ensure Cyber Peacekeeping activities by not
Human Rights violating human rights
Promotion of human rights in cyber space
Restoration and Extension of Restoration in states with lower cyber dependence
State Authority Restoration in states with high cyber dependence
Socio-Economic recovery State with the cyber dependent finance sector
State with non-cyber dependent finance sector
Humanitarian Assistance None
Source: ‘Research Work of Introduction to Cyber Peacekeeping,’ Cornell University Scholarly
Articles, April 2018 24

Readiness to Establish UN Cyber Peacekeeping Forces

Prospects of Establishing UN Cyber-peacekeeping Force: The
concept of DBH is regarded as an indicative factor from the UN that implies the
UN’s future role in cyber peacekeeping. This DBH concept illustrated with a
proposal of three-tier cyber security monitoring mechanism: ‘Global Cyber
security Monitoring Centre’ in New York, regional and non-regional monitoring
centers.25 UN is also exploring the cyber capabilities of the ‘UN Counter
Terrorism Centre’ to prevent, mitigate, and recovery of terrorist cyber-attacks.
The Chief Executives Board for Coordination of UN already adopted seven

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United Nations ... Journal, Issue 6, May 2020

principles to address cyber security issues. Besides, in 2013, the UN General

Assembly passed a Resolution 68/167 that states “the rights held by people
offline must also be protected online.”26 The rises of the UN’s involvement in
developing coordinated efforts to respond to cyber threats are the pre-stages to
establish and deploy UN cyber peacekeepers in the conflict zones. Bangladesh
is being one of the highest TCCs must remain prepared to comply with the
initiatives of the UN to build an effective cyber peacekeeping force for
addressing emerging conflicts in cyberspace.
Preparedness of Bangladesh Army to form Cyber Peacekeeping
Force: Bangladesh Army is already pursuing multidimensional approaches for
capacity building in the domain of information technology both by infrastructural
and training development. The organization already established an
internationally certified strong tier III data center, maintains a closed data
network protected by strong firewall, enhancing application hosting capability,
pursuing its own transmission network, and also provisioning encryption at
end-user level equipment.27 Most importantly, foreseeing the rise of cyber
threats all over the world and to comply with cyber dependency, the need for
‘strong cyber security’ is given the highest preference in the organization. As
such, the Bangladesh Army with its expertise in the information technology and
the cyber domain is capable to establish a cyber peacekeeping force.
Working in the role of cyber peacekeepers is a new dimension of UN
peacekeeping. To generate effective cyber peacekeeping force, the organization
must attain certain standards in cyber capacity building. The following figure
demonstrates the areas of the cyber domain and also the focus for cyber
peacekeepers. The policy-making body of cyber peacekeeping force should
focus with the attainable objectives from deployed cyber peacekeepers:28
Figure 6: Focus area for Policy makers and Cyber Peacekeepers

Domain of Organizational Focus for Cyber Peacekeepers

Focus

Security Awareness
 Monitoring actions in cyberspace violating
Network Defence peace agreements
 Monitoring human rights abuses occurring in
Penetration Testing cyberspace
 Developing cyber-buffer zone
Forensics  Disarmament of cyber weapons
Investigation  Demobilization of cyber combatants
 Integrating Cyber peacekeeping Unit within
Disaster Recovery
the UN Peacekeeping Force
 Prevention or warning of impending cyber-
Encryption
attacks
 Investigating cyber-attacks
Threat Intelligence
 Mediating between conflicting parties through
either ‘cyber ceasefires’ or by developing
Security Analysis
‘cyber-peace agreements’ for ending cyber
conflicts
Privacy

Source: Integrating Cyber peacekeeping Unit within the UN Peacekeeping Force, September 2019 29

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 Structuring UN Cyber ...

The policy-making institutes and training institutes of Bangladesh Army

must focus on the domains where the future cyber peacekeepers need
extensive expertise. All peacekeepers must attain professional efficiency and
international standards in specific fields of the cyber peacekeeping domain.
The policy-making body may divide the potential cyber peacekeepers as per
their domain-specific professional prerequisites. Consequently, the training
institutes like Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training
(BIPSOT) and Signal Training Centre and School (STC&S) can take a lead role
to continuously pursuit capacity building by imparting situation oriented
defensive and offensive cyber training. The domain-based professional
strength will strengthen the potential cyber peacekeepers to perform the
‘mission-oriented tasks of cyber domain’ efficiently and uphold the pride and
honour of the country under the digital blue helmet of UN.
Conclusion
The domain of Cyber is everyday fluctuating and accelerating from
personal sphere to the affairs of the state and state sponsored circles. Besides
offering positive content, cyber aggression is even capable to bring the conflict
escalation to the status of cyber warfare. The concern of cyber warfare is the
aftermath of the fact that all future conflicts will combine cyber defensive and
offensive strategies alongside the typical conflicts. UN, though preserves
international peace and physical security, there is no accepted international
body that possess an organized framework to address cyber-related issues.
The ‘Cyber Peacekeeping’ is, therefore, a novel concept to ethically tackle such
inter and intra-state cyber controlled conflicts effectively. Predicting such
unavoidable dominance of cyber threats, UN is already pursuing ‘Digital Blue
Helmet’ concept. Numerous research, analysis, and aftereffect of the cyber
aggression indicate the possible inclusion of the UN cyber peacekeeping force
very soon.
Cyber peacekeeping must start within the structured organizational
framework of the UN. In the hierarchy, the UN cyber peacekeeping force must
have separate roles in the post and pre conflicting situations. To understand the
specific role, the typical activities of peacekeeping can be translated into ‘cyber
peacekeeping’ role denoting specific objectives.
Bangladesh, with its long experience in UNPKO can demonstrate
initiatives to develop cyber peacekeeping force for surviving in future
international ‘cyber dominant’ conflicts. Exploiting the potentials of cyber
security infrastructure and capacity building competences, Bangladesh Army
can progressively build a strong cyber peacekeeping force. The force will act as
the force multiplier for the classical peacekeepers to withstand against the
impending international conflicts combining the battle space with Ground, Sea,
Air, and Cyber threats.

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United Nations ... Journal, Issue 6, May 2020

Notes and References

1. Michael Robinson, et al., ‘Introduction to Cyber Peacekeeping,’ Cornell
University Scholarly Articles, April, 2018, arXiv:1710.09616v2 [cs.CY] 24
Apr 2018
2. A.J. Bellamy, P.D. Williams, S.Griffin, Understanding Peacekeeping Policy,
Cambridge, 2010
3. T. Mays, Historical Dictionary of Multinational Peacekeeping, Scarecrow
Press, 3rd ed., 2010
4. Michael Robinson, et al., op.cit.
5. Nikolay Akatyev and Joshuna James, ‘Cyber Peacekeeping,’ Conference
Paper, October 2015, DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-25512-5_10
6. N. MacQueen, The United Nations Since 1945: Peacekeeping and the Cold
War, Addison-Wesley Longman, 1999
7. A. Greenburg, The NSA Confirms It: Russia Hacked French Election
Infrastructure, May 2017, Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/
2017/05/nsa-director-confirms-russia-hacked-french-electioninfrastructure/
8. United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team, March 2018, Alert
(TA18-074A): Russian Government Cyber Activity Targeting Energy and
Other Critical Infrastructure Sectors. Department of Homeland Security.
Retrieved from https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA18-074A
9. J.Markoff, Before the Gunfire, Cyberattacks, New York Times, August 2008,
Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/13/technology/ 13cyber.
html
10. Lt Col Ashraful Islam, ‘Implanting Cyber Defence against the nexus of
cyber Attack: approaches for large organizations of Bangladesh,’ Signal
Accent Journal, November 2019
11.IMPACT- International Multilateral Partnership against Cyber Threats 2016.
Retrieved from http://www.impactalliance.org/home/index.html
12. Nikolay Akatyev and Joshuna James, ‘Legislative Requirements for Cyber
Peacekeeping,’ Journal of Digital Forensics, Security and Law, Volume 12,
Number 3, 2017, p.9
13.Talinn, Manual on the International Law applicable to Cyber Warfare,
Cambridge University Press, 2019
14.United Nations, Cyber Risk, 2017
Retrieved from https://unite.un.org/digitalbluehelmets/cyberrisk

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 Structuring UN Cyber ...

15.United Nations, Digital Blue Helmets, 2017, Retrieved from

https://unite.un.org/digitalbluehelmets/research
16. M.Robinson, K.Jones, H.Janicke, & L.Maglaras, Developing Cyber
Peacekeeping: Observation, Monitoring and Reporting, June 2018
arXiv:1806.02608 7
17. Ibid.
18. Ibid.
19. N.Akatyev & J.I.James, ‘Cyber Peacekeeping. In lecture notes of the
Institute for Computer Sciences, Social-Informatics and
Telecommunications Engineering,’ LNICST , Vol. 157, 2015 pp. 126-139
20. A.Walter Dorn & Stewart Webb, ‘Cyberpeacekeeping: New ways to prevent
and manage cyberattacks,’ International Journal of Cyber Warfare and
Terrorism, Volume 9, Issue 1, January- March 2019
21.United Nations, ‘United Nations Peacekeeping Operations: Capstone
Doctrine’ http://pbpu.unlb.org/pbps/library/capstone doctrine eNg.pdf,
January 2008
22. Michael Robinson et al., ‘Introduction to Cyber Peacekeeping,’ Cornell
University Scholarly Articles, April, 2018, arXiv:1710.09616v2 [cs.CY] 24
Apr 2018
23.United Nations, ‘United Nations Peacekeeping Operations: Capstone
Doctrine’ http://pbpu.unlb.org/pbps/library/capstone doctrine eNg.pdf,
January 2008
24.Michael Robinson et al., op.cit.
25. A. W. Dorn, ‘Cyber peacekeeping: A New Role for the United Nations?’
Journal of International Affairs, Vol 18(3), Georgetown, 2017, pp.138–146
doi:10.1353/gia.2017.0046
26. A.Walter Dorn & Stewart Webb, op.cit.
27. Lt Col M Nurus Salam, ‘Evolving Cyber Security Threat and Preparedness
of Bangladesh Army,’ Bangladesh Army Journal, 64th Issue, December 2018
28.Fahad Nabeel, ‘Integrating Cyber-peacekeeping Unit within the UN
Peacekeeping Force,’ Center for Strategic and Contemporary Research
Journal, September 2019
29.Fahad Nabeel, op.cit.

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Brief Biography

Lieutenant Colonel Md Ashraful Islam, psc was commissioned in the Corps

of Signals with 45 BMA Long Course. He is a graduate of Defence Services
Command and Staff College where he received ‘Golden Pen’ award for the best
‘Individual Research Paper’. He obtained B.Sc Engineering in ‘Electrical,
Electronics and Communication Engineering (EE&CE)’ discipline and attained
‘Master of Business Administration’ in ‘Supply Chain Management’ under
Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP). He is also a Certified Internet
Webmaster (CIW) and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH). He was commissioned
in 11 Signal Battalion and was the pioneer 2nd in Command of 8 Signal
Battalion. He was also Officer Commanding of Cumilla Static Signal Company
and served as Instructor class A, B and as Officiating Instructor Class B at
Signal Training Centre and School. He served as peacekeeper of United
Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Liberia and Mali. Now, he is serving as the
General Staff Officer-1 at the Headquarters, Army Security Unit.

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 United Nations ... Journal, Issue 6, May 2020

Sustaining Bangladesh’s Leading Role in the UN

Peacekeeping: Some Reflections
Md. Faruk Hossan, Director (UN), Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Introduction
Bangladesh has been a leading Troop and Police-Contributing Country
(T/PCC) to UN Peacekeeping. Bangladeshi peacekeepers, the country’s men
and women in blue helmets, have been a great torchbearer of Bangladesh
brand abroad. Inspired by the Father of our Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman’s foreign policy doctrine, “Friendship to all and malice towards
none” and our constitutional obligation to support oppressed people anywhere
in the world, Bangladesh has been participating in the UN peacekeeping
missions since 1988 to contribute to global peace and stability. The glorious
liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971 when the nation experienced genocide,
persecution, suffering, displacement, torture, and horror also deeply motivated
Bangladesh to seek global peace and work for improving the plight of the
persecuted population irrespective of geographical boundaries.
From 1988 to date, Bangladesh has completed 54 peacekeeping
operations in around 40 countries where 1,70,243 peacekeepers from
Bangladesh Armed Forces have taken part.1 Also, Bangladesh police have
contributed 19,657 personnel to 22 UN Missions to date.2 Historically,
Bangladesh has been one of the leading troops and police-contributing
countries and is currently the second-largest contributor of military and police to
UN Peacekeeping with a total of 6,543 peacekeepers (Police 665 and Troops
5878), deployed in 11 countries.3
Maintaining Bangladesh’s leading position in the UN peacekeeping,
which in future is likely to face evolving challenges, rigorous competition, and
vigorous scrutiny, would depend on many factors, including our commitment to
multilateral Peacekeeping Operations (PKO), our domestic security compulsion
and foreign policy priorities, international threat scenario and global approach
to peace operations and our investment in training of military and police
personnel for the upgrading of their capacity, and professional standards to
serve the UN missions competitively.
This write-up expounds on four areas that may contribute to enhancing
Bangladesh’s competitive edge and her successful and sustained involvement in
the UN peace operations. They include: the need for a national peacekeeping
policy; understanding the evolving challenges of PKO and readying
peacekeepers accordingly; focusing on the Peacekeeping Capability Readiness
System (PCRS); and becoming a champion of women peace and security issues.

23
Sustaining Bangladesh's ...

The Need for a National Peacekeeping Policy

Although Bangladesh has been successfully participating in the UN
peacekeeping since 1988, albeit without a national peacekeeping policy, a time
has perhaps come to formulate one to chart a strong vision delineating what
Bangladesh wants to achieve from peacekeeping and outlining ways to achieve
those clearly articulated objectives. A peacekeeping policy determines the
number, extent, and level of our commitment of troops, police personnel, and
civilian staff to peace missions. It sets goals and priorities to guide the
stakeholders to take advantage of the opportunities that may be derived from
peacekeeping as well to face the challenges of the present and future
peacekeeping missions.
Since many of the TCCs/PCCs, including those from South Asia, are yet
to formulate peacekeeping policies, this creates opportunities for Bangladesh
to play a pioneering role in preparing a national peacekeeping policy in light of
our long, rich peacekeeping experiences. The peacekeeping policy should be
an integral part of Bangladesh's overall foreign and security policies and serve
as a guide for the country's armed forces, police, and civilian observers to
prepare for and to participate in the PKO meaningfully in line with the country's
foreign policy objectives. Such a policy also clearly identifies the stakeholders
involved in peacekeeping (such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry
of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Defence, the Armed Forces Division,
Bangladesh Police, etcetera) outlines the methods of effective coordination
among them, as well as ensures adequate allocation and proper utilization of
resources for participation in PKO.
The national peacekeeping policy would seek to facilitate
decision-making about peacekeeping missions that Bangladesh should
participate in as well as allocates the responsibility among the stakeholders. It
would contain explicit provisions not only for the capacity building of the
peacekeepers and relevant institutions but also for ensuring accountability for
violating or deviating from peacekeeping norms and standards.4 Also, the policy
should determine how peacekeeping should be used as a tool to further the
country's diplomatic relations to foster bilateral, multilateral, and regional
cooperation.
Understanding the Evolving Challenges of PKO and Readying
Peacekeepers Accordingly
UN Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO) are continually evolving and
increasingly facing difficult challenges, including from growing attacks against
the peacekeepers, multidimensional operational structure, complex mandates,
hostile working environment, regional political complexities, and drying political
support. The often-hybrid nature of modern PKO involves a wide range of
military and civilian activities across the conflict management spectrum,

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 United Nations ... Journal, Issue 6, May 2020

together with various institutions working in parallel in peacekeeping and

peacebuilding programs.
It is critical that Bangladesh trains and prepares peacekeepers taking
cognizance of the challenges of multidimensional peacekeeping in responding
to armed conflicts that are changing rapidly. Armed conflicts today are mostly
intra-state, rather than inter-state and peacekeepers are often called to engage
a changing profile of armed/militant groups who often resort to terrorist tactics,
or are interconnected with organized crime. Peacekeepers are also required to
confront and neutralize groups and outfits in possession of a new generation of
weapons. Peacekeeping camps also need adequate protection, including
through the use of more advanced systems to detect threats in advance and to
deter those to save the lives of peacekeepers effectively.5
Peacekeeping mandates have grown broad and complex with missions
given large tasks and wide-ranging responsibilities whose performance
necessitates well structured, equipped and trained forces, including the
participation of women peacekeepers, and accountability for perpetrators of
sexual exploitation and abuse and other forms of misconduct. To take a
leadership role in peacekeeping, Bangladesh needs to understand all these
complex phenomena involving modern PKO and make ready its forces
accordingly so that the Bangladeshi personnel, when and where deployed, can
step up and carry their share of the responsibility with other partners to achieve
peacekeeping excellence.
Focusing on Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System (PCRS)
As a major T/PCC, Bangladesh can create more relevance and demand
for its peacekeepers by focusing on her troops' readiness for rapid deployment
under the UN peacekeeping. By having a reasonably large pool of readily
deployable forces and equipment, Bangladesh may be way ahead of other
T/PCCs as the UN is perpetually looking for effective tools to respond to crises
rapidly.
Article 43 of the UN Charter reads:

“1. All Members of the United Nations, in order to contribute to the

maintenance of international Peace and security, undertake to make available to
the Security Council, on its call and in accordance with a special agreement or
agreements, armed forces, assistance, and facilities, including rights of passage,
necessary for the purpose of maintaining international peace and security.
2. Such agreement or agreements shall govern the numbers and types
of forces, their degree of readiness and the general location, and the nature of
the facilities and assistance to be provided.”6

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Sustaining Bangladesh's ...

Although a certain degree of predictability was envisaged in Article 43 of

the Charter, since the inception of the PKO, the UN has generally faced the
challenges of mobilizing troops from the member states rapidly enough to
respond effectively to breaches of international peace or other crises requiring
the deployment of peacekeepers. Since the UN does not have a standing
reserve of forces, the UNPKO have always lacked the capability of rapid
deployment and thus the flexibility to deal with sudden degradations of the
security situation.7
Under the current arrangement, it takes considerable time to deploy
peacekeepers– often more than six months from the date of the Security
Council (SC) resolution authorizing a peacekeeping mission to get troops and
equipment on the ground.8 Once the SC resolution is passed, the UN
Headquarters needs to liaise with the T/PCCs to identify personnel and
equipment for deployment. While a standing reserve would be handy for quick
mobilization and deployment, according to the UN, it would be immensely
costly to have a force of several thousand people on permanent standby. No
member states would be willing to foot the enormous cost of sustaining a large
standing force.
Torn by the reality of not having a standing force but in need of rapid
reaction tools to reinforce a mission in crisis or rapidly establish a new mission
presence, the UN has been working with the member states since 2015 to
develop a new arrangement called the Peacekeeping Capability Readiness
System (PCRS). Through the PCRS, T/PCCs can indicate readiness for
deployment of their troops and equipment or specific units for UN
Peacekeeping. PCRS is basically a pool of standing forces kept ready and
sustained by T/PCCs, instead of the UN, for PKO. PCRS greatly helps to
reduce the deployment timelines of military and police forces for future mission
start-ups.9
Bangladesh has already joined the PCRS by pledging 26 components to
it in 2019. The pledged 26 PCRS components to UN include nine from the
Army, six from the Navy, three from the Air Force, and eight from the Police.
Besides, Bangladesh also pledged a unit for operational-level Unmanned Aerial
Surveillance (UAS) in partnership with the United States.10
Such a pledge demonstrates the preparedness and capacity of our
armed and police forces to keep peace in any of the UN peacekeeping
missions. A further commitment of contribution to PCRS would reinforce
Bangladesh's steadfast commitment to UN peacekeeping and strengthen our
status as one of the pre-eminent peacekeeping nations in the world.

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 United Nations ... Journal, Issue 6, May 2020

Becoming a Champion of Women Peace and Security Issues

It is well known that men are the primary agents of war and violent
conflicts, perpetrating most of the violence. They are also the prime targets
violence and killings are targeted against.11 On the other hand, women, while in
most conflict situations, are not the primary actors, are direct victims of war.
During conflicts, women suffer differently and disproportionately as victims of
sexual violence, human trafficking, displacement, gender inequalities, and
economic and political exclusion.

In response to the gendered nature and consequences of conflict, the UN

Security Council (UNSC) passed resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and
Security in 2000, calling for greater representation and participation of women
in UN missions and all decision-making levels concerning conflict prevention,
management, resolution as well as peace processes. In sum, UN Security
Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 is a broad endorsement of a quantitatively
and qualitatively improved role of women in post-conflict situations.12

The UNSC that mandates peacekeeping operations have mandated all

peace operations to fully implement UNSCR 1325 and the nine subsequent
UNSCR resolutions on Women, Peace, and Security (1820, 1888, 1889, 1960,
2106, 2122, 2242, 2467, 2493) that the UNSC has adopted since 2000.

Bangladesh has been a leading champion of women, peace, and security

issues, including in the context of PKO. In 2000, Bangladesh played a crucial
role in the adoption of UNSCR 1325 as a non-permanent member of the
Security Council at that time. Since then, Bangladesh remains committed to the
implementation of Women, Peace, and Securitiy (WPS). On 24 November
2019, Bangladesh launched a four-year (2019-2022) National Action Plan
(NAP) on WPS seeking to expand women's roles in peacekeeping,
peacebuilding, disaster management, as well as prevent violent extremism.13

The Departments of Peace Operations (DPO) and Operational Support

(DOS) of the UN have formulated a policy on how to operationalize the four
pillars of the WPS mandates, as guided by the 10 Security Council Resolutions,
namely: women's participation at all levels of decision making in peacebuilding;
prevention of conflict and all forms of violence against women; protection of
women and girls and their rights; and gender-responsive relief and recovery.
This policy applies to all DPO and DOS personnel in PKO at Headquarters,
regional centers, and missions for all civilians (substantive and support), Police,
and military personnel at all ranks and levels.14

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Sustaining Bangladesh's ...

To support the implementation of gender equality and women, peace and

security mandates, the UN also has deployed Gender Advisers to all
multidimensional peacekeeping missions.15 to oversee mainstreaming of
gender perspectives across all peacekeeping functions and inclusion of the
voices, needs and priorities of women and girls in all components of
peacekeeping to promote their political participation and protect them against
sexual and gender-based violence.
Bangladesh remains at the forefront of implementing the UNSCR 1325
and the related Resolutions. Bangladesh's female peacekeepers have placed
them as the key driving forces to reduce gender-based violence, conflict, and
confrontation, providing a sense of security, especially for women and children,
mentoring female police officers in the local area and thus empowering women
in the host country and promoting social cohesion.16 In Haiti, a 160-member
all-female Bangladeshi Formed Police Unit served with the UN mission,
MINUSTAH, from 2015 until October 2017. In 2017, Bangladesh sent two
female combat pilots to the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the
Congo (MONUSCO) – Flight Lieutenant Nayma Haque and Flight Lieutenant
Tamanna-E-Lutfi.17 Bangladeshi female peacekeepers established themselves
as role model in the missions they served and earned laurels for Bangladesh.
Bangladesh Armed Forces have thus far contributed to a total of 569
female peacekeepers to UN peace operations, of which 92 are currently
deployed in different missions.18 In 2019, out of approximately 100,000
deployed UN peacekeepers, women constituted 4.4% of military personnel.19
But military contingent deployed by Bangladesh consisted of more than 16% of
female staff officers and military observers exceeding the UN-set target of
deployment of 16% of such personnel in UNPKO.20 Presently, 159 female
officers from Bangladesh Police are also working in different peacekeeping
missions,21 helping the UN to achieve the target of having at least 30% female
individual police officers and 20% female officers serving in Formed Police
Units (FPUs) by 2028 personnel.22 As peacekeeping has evolved to encompass
a holistic approach, Bangladeshi female military and police officers have
become increasingly part of the peacekeeping family. They are capably
supporting the role of local women in various UN peace missions in building
peace and protecting women's rights. Bangladesh remains committed to
supporting the UN's efforts to increase the number of female peacekeepers,
including in senior advisory positions, who are gender-sensitive and willing to
bring about change in local women's lives.

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Conclusion
To sum up, it may be claimed that more than three decades of service
and sacrifice of Bangladeshi peacekeepers in UN peacekeeping have earned
Bangladesh a unique and credible position as a defender and promoter of
peace around the world. UN peacekeepers from Bangladesh have worked in
some of the world’s hotspots, including the Central African Republic, the
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and the Darfur region of Sudan and
have played such roles as security personnel, doctors, engineers, trainers, and
advisers.
Formulating a national peacekeeping policy may help to sustain
Bangladeshi's leadership role in the challenging peacekeeping environment in
the coming days. The challenges of peacekeeping are evolving as the nature of
conflicts is changing. Bangladesh should prepare its future peacekeepers
keeping those potential changes in mind. Focusing on and developing capacity
for enhanced contribution to PCRS and WPS agenda would also cement
Bangladesh's position as one of the leading peacekeeping nations in the world.

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Brief Biography

Mr. Hossain is a career diplomat and joined Bangladesh Foreign Service in

2005. He completed Bachelor’s with Honours and Master’s degrees in
English from Dhaka University with distinction. He also studied Masters of
International Relations and Masters of Diplomacy at the Australian National
University (ANU), Australia and graduated with High Distinction in both the
degrees. Besides this, he completed Masters of Public Administration and
Public Policy from the City University of New York (USA) with distinction. In
his career, he served in Bangladesh Permanent Mission to the United
Nations in New York, USA, as First Secretary from September 2011 to
January 2015. He also worked in Bangladesh High Commission in
Singapore as Counsellor and Head of Chancery (HOC) from February 2015
to December 2019. Presently, Mr. Faruk is working as Director (UN) in the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dhaka.

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United Nations ... Journal, Issue 6, May 2020

Changing Security Landscape: Challenges and Ways

Forward for UN Peacekeeping
Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Sharif Ul Alam, psc

Introduction
The maintenance of international peace and security was one of the core
issues of the United Nations (UN) when the organization was first established
in 1945. Former Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjold (1905-61) aptly
commented, “The United Nations was not created to take mankind to heaven,
but to save humanity from hell.”1 Measures to prevent conflict, assisting parties
in conflict to make peace, creating the conditions for peace and Peacekeaping
Operations (PKO) are a few of the endeavours of UN to fulfill the mission.
Though PKO is not explicitly mentioned in the UN charter, it is developed
through practices over time and today it has evolved as a key tool of the
international community to maintaining global peace and security.2 Since 1948,
more than one million peacekeepers served proudly in more than 70 PKOs.
Presently, more than 110,000 military, police, and civilian personnel from 125
countries continue to serve in 13 PKOs across three continents.3 In more than
70 years of its history, nature, and characteristics of PKO has evolved due to
the challenges emanating mostly from changing regional and international
security environment as well as social, economic, and political changes.
The beginning of the 21st Century is marked with the security challenges
that are far more complex, interrelated and at times less understood.4 The PKO
environment has become more complex in the last two decades. Contemporary
PKOs are mandated to establish peace where there is ‘no peace to keep.’
Recent security situations in Syria, Yemen and other parts of the globe indicate
that today’s security threats are not confined only to human life; those also
affects environmental, economic, and social systems upon which the civilization
depends. These borderless and interconnected threats cannot be addressed in
isolation by an individual nation or state, rather today’s conflicts need to be
addressed on national, regional, and global levels. Amid these complex
geopolitical and security challenges, the global community continues to turn to
PKO as a response to complicated global security issues. To keep pace with
the global changes and deal with complex conflicts, PKOs need to evolve and
develop to cope with those challenges.
Evolving Security Environment of 21st Century
‘The end of the Cold War’ and the ‘September 11’ attack on US
installations are the two most significant events that changed the traditional
perception about security and security environment.5 The former event caused
a paradigm shift in the context of conflict6 and the later event had so much effect

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 Changing Security ...

on the security environment that The Economist magazine aptly termed

‘September 11’ as ‘The Day the World Changed.’7 Since then extremism,
climate change, conflict for energy and resources, large scale human migration,
the rise of right-wing ultra-nationalism, pandemic, and trade war started to
occupy security agenda of the new millennium. Today, approximately 2 billion
people (roughly a third of the world’s population) live in the countries affected by
the complex and protracted conflict that cost an estimated $13.6 trillion every
year.8 New pattern of conflicts, shift from interstate to intrastate conflict, fragile
and failed states, internationalization of local conflicts are few of the salient
characteristics of the present day security environment. A comprehensive and
brief narrative of these characteristics is given below:-
New Pattern of Conflict: Since the end of the Cold War international
system is undergoing a profound transformation due to globalization and the
emergence of a new pattern of cooperation and conflict among state and
non-state actors.9 In contemporary literature, scholars term this new pattern of
conflict as ‘New War.’10 Failed state, mass-scale refugee movement, economic
breakdown, criminalization of the state, loss of the monopoly of the legitimate
use of force, violation of human rights, and rise in paramilitary groups and
private armies are salient characteristics of this new pattern of conflict.11 In this
type of conflict, social factors, such as ethnicity are more important than political
factors, such as the political ideology of the belligerents.12 Moreover, the blurred
distinction between public and private soldiers is a common feature of the new
patterns of conflict.
Shift from Interstate to Intrastate Conflict: The nature, intensity, and
frequency of conflicts have evolved in recent years and these have shifted from
interstate war to intrastate conflicts.13 French political scientist Bruno Tertarias
remarks, “Classic international conflict has practically disappeared from the
modern world.”14 When nation-states are major actors of interstate conflict,
non-state actors are major actors of intrastate conflict. Figure-1 shows that
interstate conflict has been reduced over time and a surge of internal conflict in
last few decades.
Figure-1: Number of Armed Conflict per Type (1946-2018)

Source: Trends in Armed Conflict, Norway Peace Research Institute15

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United Nations ... Journal, Issue 6, May 2020

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute

(SIPRI), the number of major armed conflicts in 1990 was 37 and in 2010 it
dropped to 15.16 According to the Centre for Systematic Peace (CSP), Vienna,
the percentage of major political violence involving state actors has fallen to
13% from 30% over the period 1992 to 2010. Even though the number of states
has tripled since the end of World War II (1939-45), the total number of
interstate conflicts is less than 7% of the total number of conflicts.17
Fragile and Failed States: Post-cold war geopolitical developments as
mentioned earlier gave birth to numerous fragile and failed states. The surge in
the number and population of failed states poses a serious challenge to
international security. The proliferation of failed states creates conditions and
breeding grounds for transnational crime, armed extremists and terrorist
groups. Domestic turmoil as is seen in Libya, Yemen, and Syria are caused due
to the effect of failed state governance and this is a major trend of present-day
conflict. In a highly interconnected world, pressures on one fragile state can
have serious repercussions on its neighbours and other states halfway across
the globe.18
Figure-2: State Fragility and Warfare in Global System (1946-2018)

Source: Global Report 2009: Conflict, Governance, and State Fragility19

Internationalization of Local Conflict: Today’s conflicts have complex

socio-cultural, economic, and political dimensions that have effects beyond
state boundaries. Due to the nature and complexities of issues as well as the
involvement of numerous actors, there is a trend of internationalization of local
conflicts. Thus the difference between internal and international conflicts has

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 Changing Security ...

been blurred for last two decades.20 Power struggles among major global
powers, Illegal arms trade, shared ideological or sectarian affinities, and
regional political issues act as key ingredients of internationalization of the local
conflict. Present-day conflict in Syria is such an example where all the
above-mentioned complex elements exist and stand out as a textbook example
of internationalized intrastate conflict.
Challenges of Peacekeeping
The international system has changed in many ways since the first
deployment of peacekeepers in 1948; new actors and challenges have
emerged and mandates have evolved. The 21st Century brings enormous
challenges to peacekeeping such as challenging mandates, budget
constraints, challenges associated with robust peacekeeping, the gap between
peacekeeping principles and ground realities, lack of unified political direction
and commitment of UN Security Council (UNSC), and difficulty in early
intervention et cetera. A comprehensive and brief narrative of these challenges
is given below:-
Challenging Mandates: Since the end of the Cold War in 1990 PKOs are
gradually transforming from traditional peacekeeping to multidimensional
operations that mostly focus on peacebuilding and eliminating roots of the
conflict. After the UNSC resolution 2086 of 2013, PKOs started to receive
challenging mandates like strengthening the institutions of a state like security
sector reform (SSR), disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR),
protection of civilians (POC), and cooperating and coordinating efforts with UN
agencies etcetera.21 Though the issue of PKO being overstretched is widely
discussed in different international forums, UNSC continues to mandate PKOs
more conflict management duties that at times goes beyond the capability of
peacekeepers.22
Budgetary Constraints: Though PKO are proven as a cost-effective
tool to maintain global peace and security in more than 70 years of its history, it
has always suffered from a lack of political, financial, or military investment.23
Since the Global Financial Recession of 2008, many Western Nations took
drastic austerity measures in financing the UN. The budget for PKOs as well as
budget per individual deployed, gradually reduced since then. For example, by
2016, the US budget for PKO was reduced by 40%.24 Figure-3 shows that the
budget per peacekeeper of the five largest peacekeeping missions had been
reduced gradually in recent years.

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Figure-3: Per Capita Efficiency (PCE) of the Five Largest

UN Peacekeeping Missions

(PCE is estimated by dividing each peacekeeping missions’ budget appropriations by its annual
average number of civilian and uniformed personnel)
Source: Trends in Armed Conflict, Norway Peace Research Institute25

Similarly, Figure-4 shows that the apportionment of the operational budget has
been gradually reducing since 2013 though mandates for PKOs like
MONUSCO and MINUSMA became more intensive and robust.
Figure-4: Apportionment of UN Peacekeeping Budgets:
Composition by Category (2006–2018)

(Figures are calculated by dividing appropriations for each category by total

peacekeeping appropriations)

Source: Trends in Armed Conflict, Norway Peace Research Institute26

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 Changing Security ...

There is clearly a gap between what member states especially the Western
Nations invest in at the UN and what they spend on other international
interventions like NATO or EU. For example, peacekeeping budget of the
current financial year is $6.5 billion that is less than 0.5% of global military
expenditure.27 There is a feeling among major troop contributors and regional
organizations like the African Union that their contributions are not recognized
adequately.28
Robust Peacekeeping and Associated Challenges: The term ‘Robust
Peace Operation’ was introduced by the ‘Brahimi Report’ (Report of the Panel
on UN Peace Operations chaired by Lakhdar Brahimi) of 2000, after which
PKOs were usually mandated under Chapter VII of the UN Charter to make it
easier to use force in self-defence and protection of mandate. MINUSMA and
the Force Intervention Brigade of MONUSCO in 2013 led the new era of robust
peacekeeping. This concept faced challenges of insufficient capabilities and
resources as well as a lack of political and strategic direction from the
beginning. Peacekeeping contingents generally do not possess high-tech
capabilities like air transport capability, intelligence, surveillance, and
reconnaissance assets required for robust operations. For example, in the
Central African Republic, MINUSCA was accused of inaction when more than
75 civilians were killed in the north during an outbreak of violence in September
2016.29 Amnesty International commented that MINUSCA was poorly trained
and lacked the resources it needed to adequately protect civilians.30 Due to the
different national background peacekeeping contingents lack unity and
coherence among themselves. Moreover, there is little scope of joint training to
develop cohesion in the operational area. Thus, performing the highly
demanding mandate of robust peacekeeping is a challenge to present-day
PKO.
Gap between Peacekeeping Principles and Ground Reality: In recent
years, PKOs are given broad and robust mandates that give rise to political
challenges on the ground. Striking the proper balance between the two principles
of consent and impartiality is a challenge, as observed in South Sudan and Mali.
Some of the most challenging peacekeeping missions today, including those
currently deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and
Darfur fall into the category of compromised consent.31 As there is no agreed
peacekeeping doctrine contingents follow rules of engagements according to
their understanding of peacekeeping and based on their strategic interest.
Translating political mandates into operational military tasks is at times
challenging. Moreover, in many of the missions like UNMISS, there is a lack of
political framework to bring government and other parties of the conflict in the
political process of reconciliation.32 In such a context, Troops Contributing
Courntries (TCCs)/Police Contributing Countries (PCCs) have their interpretation
of the mandate given by the UNSC that fits their understanding of peacekeeping.

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Lack of Unified Political Direction and Commitment of UNSC:

Scholars argue that PKOs failed when UNSC mandated peacekeepers
inappropriately. For example, sending peacekeepers too late (in case of
Rwanda), peacekeeper with no mandate to use force or sending few
peacekeepers ways less than what is needed to perform the mandated tasks.
Figure-5 shows deployed troops in the most challenging peacekeeping
missions who have the protection of civilian in mandate.

Figure-5: Total Number of Uniformed Personnel Deployed

to UN Peacekeeping Missions

Source: UN Department of Peace Operations33

As per the statistics of 2019, total 14,790 troops are deployed in Mali,
which is twice the size of Afghanistan, 16,741 troops in South Sudan, which is
equal in size of Afghanistan and 16,864 troops in DRC that is equal the size of
continental Europe (four times the size of Afghanistan).34 In contrast NATO sent
50,000 troops to Kosovo, which is one-sixth of the size of Afghanistan.35 Thus
peacekeepers face difficulties in performing challenging mandated tasks like
POC, SSR, and DDR. Many a time, there is a lack of unified political direction
on any global issue due to conflicting geopolitical interests of the permanent
members. For example, due to disunity among UNSC members on the issue of
Syria and Yemen, the UN is yet to adopt any pragmatic and effective peace
process. It is also argued that members of the UNSC routinely prioritize national
interests over the needs of the peacekeeping missions.36
Difficulty in Early Intervention: Scholars argue that the existing
international system (that includes the UN and other international institutes) is
ill-equipped to response prolonged, deadly, and intractable conflicts of the
present day.37 As the majority of the current conflict is intrastate in nature, the
UN faces difficulties to intervene those conflicts at the early stage; UN generally
does not intervene in a conflict unless it becomes internationalized. By the time
an intrastate war becomes internationalized, it is generally too late to prevent
humanitarian losses.38

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 Changing Security ...

Ways Forward of UN Peacekeeping

In recent years, peacekeeping missions have been deployed in
increasingly difficult and complex environments as mentioned above. To
continue to serve as a tool of international peace and security, peacekeeping
needs to undergo some profound changes aimed at improving its ability to meet
the new challenges of the 21st century.39 Progressive capability building,
adoption of an integrated approach, cooperation with regional organizations,
organizational reform and modifications of UN practices and political support
and unity of purpose within UNSC are few of the pragmatic ways forward to
make peacekeeping effective and relevant in coming days. The ways forward
are briefly narrated below:-
Progressive Capability Building: Robust peacekeeping demands the
use of tactical level force to protect the mandate, civilians, and the mission’s
personnel. To operate effectively and safely in these environments there are two
folds requirements: firstly, acquisition of modern military hardware and secondly,
raising the professional standard of peacekeepers through appropriate training.
For example, peacekeeping like MINUSMA needs high-tech capabilities (air
transport and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets) and
developing a professional standard of peacekeepers through suitable training to
operate in the challenging operating environment of Mali. In this regard, there is
a need for innovative and collaborative approaches for UNSC, UN secretariat,
TCCs, and PCCs so that required resources and manpower can be mobilized in
appropriate time and proportion. There is a need for global consensus among UN
member states to increase the peacekeeping budget.
Integrated Approach: Integration of all actors like host government,
national and international NGOs, other UN agencies in multidimensional PKOs
is essential to achieve greater coherence, effectiveness, and efficiency.
Country-specific realities and needs should be considered to determine the
nature and degree of integration. Understanding the contexts and complexities
of present-day conflict is essential to implement the mandate comprehensively.
For effective management of field operations, all relevant actors need to be
flexible and supportive to reduce bureaucracy and procedural blockages in the
multilateral peacekeeping system. There is a need for collaboration between
UN bodies and other multilateral actors at UNSC level, as well as in the strategy
and planning work at the country level.
Cooperation with Regional Organizations: To reduce the capability
gaps UN needs to build strategic partnerships with regional organizations and
drive the partnerships towards political and operational engagement.40 For
example, there are many success stories of the UN in cooperating with the
African Union. Many other regional organizations like NATO, EU, and Collective
Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) have the potential to respond rapidly and

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United Nations ... Journal, Issue 6, May 2020

to provide niche capabilities to PKO. Hence, there is a need for developing

coherence and interoperability with military elements of allies and partners to
harness collective impact.
Organizational Reform and Modifications of Practices: There is a long
call for reform of administration, budgeting, and procedural practices within and
between UN agencies for the overall effectiveness of integrated PKOs. There is
still considerable room for improving cooperation between different UN funds,
programmes, organizations, and between the missions in the field.41 UN has
already declared A4P commitment (45 shared commitments) that calls for
strong and collective actions to make peacekeeping more effective.42
Figure-6: A4P- 8 Focused Areas to Improve and Strengthen Peacekeeping

Source: https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/action-for-peacekeeping
Implementation goals are centred on eight priority commitment areas:
a. Advancing Political Solution
b. Women Participation in Peace and Security
c. Protection of Civilians
d. Safety and Security of Peacekeepers
e. Performance and Accountability
f. Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace
g. Partnerships with Peacebuilding Stakeholders
h. Conduct of Peacekeepers and Peacekeeping Operations

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 Changing Security ...

These commitments call for refocusing peacekeeping with realistic

expectations, making peacekeeping missions stronger and safer, mobilizing
greater support for political solutions, and for well-structured, well-equipped
and well-trained forces.
Political Support and Unity of Purpose within UNSC: Clear vision and
commitment in regards to PKO are essential within the UNSC to achieve the
common goals of global peace and security. Due to lack of unity, many a time
global peace cannot be attained. UNSC’s recent blocked attempts to address
the deteriorating political and humanitarian situation in Syria is an example in
this regard.43 The New Horizon initiative is an ongoing effort of the UN
Secretariat for ensuring the unity of effort at the highest levels.44 To enhance the
clarity of mission objectives and operational implications of objectives the
DPKO needs to pursue the UNSC working group on PKO. Moreover, DPKO
needs to maintain continuous contact with field mission and UNSC to
communicate challenges in implementing the mandate and suggest pragmatic
solutions to the complexities of the field mission.
Conclusion
UN peacekeeping is a remarkable enterprise of multilateralism and
international solidarity. It is proven to be one of the most effective tools for the
promotion and maintenance of global peace and security. Today ‘Blue Helmet’ is
a symbol of global partnership and collective leadership in international peace.
However, peacekeeping is presently facing challenges of the 21st Century that
are more complex. Extremism, climate change, conflict for energy and
resources, large scale human migration, the rise of right-wing ultra-nationalism,
pandemic, and trade war are few of the salient security challenges of the new
millennium. The changing nature of the conflict, lack of commitment to political
solutions, inadequate preparation of troops, and the involvement of
transnational actors all impact today’s PKO.
Both the changing nature of conflict and the changing role of PKO require
the UN to adapt to the new challenges and changes. To keep pace with the
global changes and address complex conflicts PKO need to improve. Through
pragmatic reform and new initiatives, the UN needs to ensure that it is stronger,
more agile, and cost-effective in facing the challenges of the 21st Century. UN
must embrace reforms in order to be effective and relevant. A collective effort of
the UN Secretariat, the UNSC, TCCs, and PCCs are required to mobilize the
human, financial, and political resources essential to strengthen the capabilities
of peacekeepers.
The Secretary-General’s Action for Peacekeeping initiative and
Declaration of Shared Commitments reflect a collective drive to strengthen the
capacity of peacekeeping. UNSC must ensure that PKO are fully resourced,
entrusted with the appropriate mandate to respond to the context-specific
environments in which they are deployed. There is a need for integration of
security, political, economic, and social issues to keep and build peace in the

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complex conflict zone. The UNSC should ensure that peacekeeping mandates
are clear, implementable, and achievable. Secretary-General António Guterres
commented that ‘Action by the Secretariat alone is not enough to meet the
challenges United Nations face.’45 Hence there is a need to develop
partnerships with regional organizations such as NATO and EU to reduce the
capability gap and complement capacities on specialized military hardware and
forces. Finally, peacekeepers need a robust mandate shaped by clear political
objectives and backed by a strong international consensus to face the
challenges of present-day complex security scenarios.

Notes and References

1. Press Release SG/382, “Address by Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld
at University of California Convocation, Berkeley, California, Thursday, May
13, 1954, at 10:00 a.m. (Pacific Coast Time)” contains this statement at the
conclusion
2. Alex J. Bellamy and Charles T. Hunt, Twenty-first Century UN Peace
Operations: Protection, Force and The Changing Security Environment,
Springer, New York, 2018
3. https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/un-peacekeeping-year-review-2018
4. Glenn Pierce, Paul Cleary, Curtis Holland and Gordana Rabrenovic, Security
Challenges in the 21st Century: The Changing Nature of Risk, Security and
Sustainability, Macmillan, London, 2015
5. LiviuIonita, The Challenges to the Contemporary Security Environment, in
The Complex and Dynamic Nature of the Security Environment, Caroli
National Defense University Publishing house: Bucharest, 2012, p.113
6. Bernd Horn, ‘From the Cold war to Insurgency: Preparing Leaders for the
Contemporary Operating Environment,’ The Difficult War, ed. Dr. Emily
Spencer, Toronto: Dundurn Press, 2009, p.195
7. The Economist, ‘The Day the World Changed,’ New York, September, 2011
https://www.economist.com/leaders/2001/09/13/the-day-the-world- changed
8. Hartwig Schafer, The Drivers of Conflict: Where Climate, Gender and
Infrastructure Intersect. https://blogs.worldbank.org/dev4peace/drivers-
conflict- where-climate- gender- and-infrastructure-intersect
9. Thomas G. Weiss and Sam Daws, (edited) ‘World Politics: Continuity and
Change Since 1945,’ The Oxford Handbook on the United Nations (1st edn),
DOI: 10.1093/oxfordhb/9780199560103.003.0001
10. M.Kaldor, ‘In Defence of New Wars: Stability,’ International Journal of
Security and Development, 2(1), 4. 2013. DOI: http://doi.org/10.5334/sta.at
11. Ibid.
12. Ibid.

42
 Changing Security ...

13. T.Szayna et al. ‘Conflict Trends and Conflict Drivers: An Empirical

Assessment of Historical Conflict Patterns and Future Conflict Projections.’
RAND Corporation.https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/ RR1063.
html
14. ‘The Nature and Characteristics of Contemporary Conflict,’ November 2018.
https://www.ukessays.com/essays/politics/the-nature-and-characteristics-
of-contemporary-conflict-politics-essay.php?Vref=1
15. Trends in Armed Conflict 1946–2018, Norway Peace Research Institute,
Oslo (PRIO).ISBN: 978-82-7288-993-6
16. SIPRI Yearbook, 2016, https://www.sipri.org/sites/default/files/YB16-
Summary-ENG.pdf
17. ‘The Nature and Characteristics of Contemporary Conflict,’ op. cit.
18. ‘The Fund for Peace,’ Fragile State Index, https://fragilestatesindex.
org/methodology/
19. Monty G. Marshall and R. Benjamin, Global Report: 2009, Conflict,
Governance, and State Fragility, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
207258403_Global_Report_2009_State_Fragility_ Center_for_Systemic_
Peace_Center_for_Global_Policy/link/0912f508837177e361000000/downl
oad
20. Thomas S. Szayna, et al, Conflict Trends and Conflict Drivers: An Empirical
Assessment of Historical Conflict Patterns and Future Conflict Projections,
Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2017
https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR1063.html
21. United Nations, UN Security Council Resolution 2086, 21 January 2013
22.https://theglobalobservatory.org/2018/04/peacekeeping-basics-is-not-
backwards/
23. Alexandra Novosseloff, UN Peacekeeping: Back to Basics Is Not
Backwards, 2018
24. U.S. Funding to the United Nations System: Overview and Selected Policy
Issues Updated April 25, 2018, https://fas.org/sgp/crs/row/R45206.pdf
25. Personnel Costs in UN Peacekeeping Part III, Center on International
Cooperation, New York University, 2006–2018
https://cic.nyu.edu/blog/personnel-costs-un- peacekeeping-part-iii
26. UN Peacekeeping Budgets: Composition by category, Center on
International Cooperation, New York University 2006–2018.
https://cic.nyu.edu/blog/personnel-costs-un-peacekeeping-part-ii
27. United Nations, How We Are Funded, https://peacekeeping.un.org/
en/how-we-are-funded

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United Nations ... Journal, Issue 6, May 2020

28. X.Avezov, ‘The New Geopolitics of Peace Operations: A Dialogue with

Emerging Powers,’ SIPRI Workshop Report, Stockholm, 2014.
http://www.sipri.org/research/-conflict/pko/other_publ/ngp-workshop-
report-april-2013
29.CAR: Strengthen Peacekeepers to Prevent Renewed Violence, Amnesty
International, February 2016,
https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2016/02/car-strengthen-peacekee
pers-to-prevent-renewed-violence/
30. Ibid.
31. Sofía Sebastián and Aditi Gorur, UN Peacekeeping and Host State
Consent: How Missions Navigate Relationships with Governments,
h t t p s : / / w w w. s t i m s o n . o r g / w p - c o n t e n t / f i l e s / f i l e - a t t a c h m e n t s /
UN-PeacekeepingAndHostStateConsent.pdf
32. ‘Conflict Resolution in a Changing World,’ International Conflict Resolution
After the Cold War, National Research Council, Washington, DC, 2000; The
National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/9897
33. Cristian Tracci, Trends in the Protection of Civilians through UN
Peacekeeping Operations, POC20 Series May 29, 2019,
https://civiliansinconflict.org/blog/international-peacekeepers-day/
34. Alexandra Novosseloff, ‘Can We Make UN Peacekeeping Great Again?’
https:// peace operations review. org/thematic-essays/can-we-make-un-
peacekeeping-great-again/
35. Ibid.
36. ‘What’s the point of peacekeepers when they don’t keep the peace?’ The
Guardian Weekly, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/
17/un-united-nations-peacekeepers-rwanda-bosnia
37. William Robert, Current Trends in Violent Conflict, Avis University of
Birmingham, 2019
38. Ali BilginVarlık, ‘Troubled Future for United Nations: Use of Force and
Peace Operations,’ Paper presented at Istanbul Security Conference, 2015
39. United Nations Peacekeeping, Reforming Peacekeeping,
https://peacekeeping.un.org/en /reforming-peacekeeping
40. Recommendation of panelist in a discussion on Peacekeeping.
https://www.un.org/press /en/2020/ gapk237.doc.htm
41. Agenda of UNSC 7015th Meeting on Cooperation between United
Nations, Regional, Sub regional Organizations ‘Mainstay’ of International
Relations, Security Council Hears throughout Day-long Debate.
https://www.un.org/press/en/2013/sc11087.doc.htm

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 Changing Security ...

42. United Nations Peacekeeping, Action for Peacekeeping (A4P),

https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/action-for-peacekeeping-a4p
43. Andrew J. Carswel, ‘Unblocking the UN Security Council: The Uniting for
Peace,’ Journal of Conflict & Security Law, 2013, Vol. 18 No. 3, pp.453–480
44. ‘The New Horizon Initiative,’ Progress Report No.1 October 2010,
https://peacekeeping.un.org /sites/default/files/newhorizon_ update01_0 .pdf
45. António Guterres, Remarks to Security Council High-Level Debate on
Collective Action to Improve UN Peacekeeping Operations, 28 March 2018,
https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/sg/speeches/2018-03-28/collective-
action- improve-un-peacekeeping-operations-remarks

Brief Biography

Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Sharif Ul Alam, psc was commissioned with

43 BMA Long Course in the Regiment of Artillery on 26th November 2000. He
commanded 27 Field Regiment Artillery. He served as Directing Staff in
Defence Services Command and Staff College, Mirpur and Instructor Gunnery
in School of Artillery. He participated in Counter Insurgency Operations in
Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT). He was a Brigade Major of an Artillery Brigade.
Besides different courses at home, he attended Intelligence Staff Course at
India. He is a graduate of Defense Services Command and Staff College
(DSCSC), Mirpur and Royal Brunei Armed Forces Command and Staff College,
Brunei. He participated in UN Peacekeeping Operation in Ivory Coast (UNOCI).
He completed his Masters in International Security from Massey University,
New Zealand with distinction. Presently he is serving as Assistant Military
Secretary at Military Secretary Branch, Army Headquarters.

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United Nations ... Journal, Issue 6, May 2020

Strengthening Peacekeeping Effort of Bangladesh

Armed Forces : A Cruz Report Perspective
Lieutenant Colonel Abu Tareq Mohammad Rashed, SPP, psc

Introduction
Bangladesh has a glorious history in UNPKO. It is one of the highest
troops contributing countries. From her entry into Peacekeeping Operations
(PKO) in 1988, insofar, Bangladesh participated in fifty-four missions where a
total of 1,70,243 peacekeepers from Bangladesh Armed Forces participated.
These numbers are the true manifestation of the extraordinary performance by
the members of Bangladesh Armed Forces. Bangladesh earned enormous
accolades from both home and abroad due to the commendable performance
of her peacekeepers in PKO.1 However, this should not engender any
complacency on our part rather Bangladesh Armed Forces should continuously
strive to perform even better in the future. The reason behind is the dynamics
of PKO have changed over the decades. PKO have become more complex- in
structure, tasks they carry out, mandates they receive, and technologies they
use.2 Hence, Bangladesh Armed Forces should also train and adapt itself to
cope up with the changes to keep the flag of Bangladesh high in the
international milieu. The aim of this paper is to discuss the facets where
Bangladesh Armed Forces should focus on strengthening the peacekeeping
efforts. While doing so, the paper has considered the findings and
recommendations of Cruz Report.
The Cruz Report is prepared by Lieutenant General Santos Cruz
(Retired) of the Brazilian Army. The Cruz report comes amid a broader strategic
review of peacekeeping missions, focused on how the United Nations (UN) can
adapt to the changing nature of the conflict. The core issue of the report is, ‘how
to improve the security of the peacekeepers and reduce the fatalities in mission
area’. Worth mentioning would be, the recommendations of the Cruz report
have also been taken into cognizance while implementing the Secretary
General’s (SG) Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) Initiative which he issued in
2018. The Cruz report has a wholesome approach to reduce the fatalities and
improve the performance in the mission which addressed all stakeholders of
PKO, that is to say, the United Nations Headquarters (UNHQ), civilian
component, military component, police and so on. However, the scope of this
paper is limited to the peacekeepers of Bangladesh Armed Forces only.
Cruz Report-What are the Core Issues?
Cruz Report which was titled ‘Improving Security of United Nations
Peacekeepers: We Need to Change the Way We are Doing Business’, deals with
measures to reduce the fatality of the peacekeepers. Lieutenant General
(Retired) Carlos Alberto Dos Santos Cruz has a wide range of experiences in UN

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assignments. He was the Force Commander of MINUSTAH in Haiti and

MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Report was
prepared on request from the SG of UN and submitted in December 2017.
While preparing the Report, the author used internal UN data to analyze the
causes of fatalities which include quite a good number of interviews, Mission
Senior Leaderships’ end of mission reports; Board of Inquiry reports; military
and police assessment reports of the Department of Peace Operations (DPO),
numerous academic publications and so on. The Report identified four broad
areas in which the UN and the Member States must take actions to reduce
fatalities3 which are shown in Figure 1 below:-

Figure-1: Core Issues Identified in the Cruz Report

Source: Cruz Report, ‘Improving Security of United Nations Peacekeepers’

• Changing Mindset: So that personnel are aware of the risks and

empowered to take the initiative to deter, prevent, and respond to attacks.
• Improving Capacity: So that personnel are equipped and trained to
operate in high-threat environments and that missions have the assets
and procedures necessary to deter attacks and limit fatalities and injuries
when these occur.
• Achieving a Threat Sensitive Mission Footprint: That is coherent
with mission mandates and limits the exposure of the mission to threat.
• Enhancing Accountability: To ensure that those who are able to take
action to prevent fatalities and injuries are well aware and ready to
perform their responsibilities.
The Report stated that fatalities are rising in UNPKO because the UN and
the Troops Contributing Countries (TCCs) are failing to adapt and take
measures needed to operate securely in dangerous environments. The Report
also opined that lack of will, determination, and accountability among the TCCs
continue to put personnel at risk. If the UNHQ and TCCs do not immediately
take responsibility for reversing this trend, they will be consciously placing
personnel in harm’s way and compromising the mandates of PKO.4 At the end,
the Report makes specific recommendations in eighteen areas, identifying

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steps to be taken in the short term and medium/long-term, and linking each one
to a responsible actor.
Problem Areas Identified in the Report
The Report identified quite a good number of problem areas for which
fatalities in mission areas are occurring and contingents are failing to perform
as expected. A few important ones which are applicable for Bangladesh Armed
Forces are discussed in succeeding paragraphs.
Lacking in Pre-deployment and In-mission Training: As stated in the
Report, sometimes contingents do not conduct the pre-deployment training
seriously; thereby, come to the mission area unprepared. This ultimately affects
the operational performance of the outfit. Along with pre-deployment training,
lack of seriousness in in-mission training drastically affects the performance of
the contingent members. At times, fatalities occurred because peacekeepers
were found having less or no knowledge of the functions of his
weapon/equipment/items etcetera due to lack of training. Many contingents
lack even basic soldiering skills required to repel an attack. After deployment,
personnel at times fail to maintain or improve skills in basic subjects e.g. firing
practice, jungle warfare training, convoy escort with IED threat, etcetera. As the
author’s personal experience goes, there were contingents who even failed to
bring out workable operational orders before conducting operations in high-risk
operational areas which clearly indicated the lack of training of those
contingents.
Intelligence Failure: The Cruz Report identified that intelligence failure
is one of the key issues in the mission area for which contingents are failing to
perform as desired. Lateral and vertical information sharing is important but at
times missing. It also stated that Human Intelligence (HUMINT) is
underdeveloped or non-existent. Due to poor intelligence collection structure,
contingents were caught by surprise attack and could not repel due to less
reaction time. At times Intelligence is overly reliant on technology which is
ill-suited to the operational environment. It is also seen that intelligence cycle
was sometimes incomplete, with information rarely translating into
operational/tactical activities. As a result, peacekeepers failed to save their
camps, protect civilians, and were hesitant when embarking on risky
operations.5
Defensive Posture: As stated in the Cruz Report, many troops
contributing countries are gripped by a “Chapter VI Syndrome.” The result is
that the contingents do not appreciate the operational environment in sufficient
details covering all risk factors. Contingents continue to rely on the
assumptions, approaches, methods, and procedures of “traditional”
peacekeeping environments, where there was little or no hostile threat to
personnel.6 The Report cited a few examples of incidents/accidents which

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occurred due to non-adherence to the basic precautions and standard

procedures. Examples included personnel riding in (or on top of) soft-skinned
vehicles; putting mine/IED detection capabilities at the back of convoys instead
of at the front, and lacking alertness at daybreak in a static position as the
enemy gathered around overnight.7 According to the report, personnel and
leadership lack the mindset to develop proactive operations. When missions fail
to use force and face challenges with determination, hostile actors can continue
their campaign undeterred. Less proactivity implies a greater degree of
possibility of attack by the hostile forces. If contingents show leniency and fail
to show robust posture in countering the miscreants’ attacks/activities, it will
have an adverse impact on the contingents. Fatalities rarely occur as a result of
troops and leadership taking action.
Leniency during Selection Process of Contingents: While selecting a
new contingent for PKO, a team comprising personnel from DPO and mission
conduct Pre-Deployment Visit (PDV) to the country to assess the preparedness
of the contingent. The PDV is a very important tool to evaluate any contingent
prior to the deployment in the mission area. Sometimes during PDV,
contingents visibly fail to meet standards required to operate in
multidimensional peacekeeping missions. However, they are certified and
deployed anyway. Subsequently, they perform poorly in conducting operations
in the mission area. According to the Report, political and financial
considerations must be put aside when it comes to selecting contingents and
evaluating their performance. The report suggested that the UN should not
deploy unprepared troops and should consider repatriating those whose
performance puts them at high risk for fatalities or contributes little to overall
operational effectiveness.
Lack of Medical Capability: Lack of medical capability is another
weakness identified in the Report which contributes to the more rate of fatalities
of peacekeepers. Two reasons are most prominent for PKOs’ greater danger
and resulting fatalities; one: the increased number, scale, and coverage of PKO
and two: their more robust operations conducted in more remote areas where
there might be questionable consent in the hearts of “former” belligerents.8
Here lies the increased necessity of medical support. As mentioned in the
report, where CASEVAC was required, personnel at or near the incident site
have encountered confusing or slow procedures, causing delays that cost lives.
More so, the medical situation is even further complicated because
peacekeepers are operating more frequently in environments marked by poor
sanitation, as well as water and food-borne illnesses, and are at high risk for
infectious and debilitating diseases.9 Therefore, medical support also needs to
be upgraded in light of the changing operational environment and threat.
Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) Initiative
Before proceeding to the subsequent part of the paper, it is imperative to
have a brief discussion on the A4P initiative of SG. The A4P has not only got

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linkage with the Cruz Report but also guides the way towards strengthening the
peacekeeping efforts. As mentioned before, in the present day context,
peacekeeping faces several challenges such as protracted conflicts, elusive
political solutions, increasingly dangerous environments, rising peacekeeping
fatalities, and broad and complex mandates. To respond to these challenges,
the SG launched A4P to refocus peacekeeping with more targeted mandates,
make PKO stronger and safer, mobilize support for political solutions, and
better equipped and trained forces.10
The A4P initiative aims to strengthen the peacekeeping by addressing the
following eight areas:-

Figure-2: Eight Areas of A4P Initiative

3. TO SRENGTHEN THE PROTECTION PROVIDED BY

PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS

Source: SG’s A4P Initiative

As seen in the aforementioned diagram, number four deals with the safety
and security of the peacekeepers. Presently, as part of the implementation plan
of A4P initiative, the missions are executing the recommendations of the ‘Cruz
Report’ terming it as ‘Cruz Action Plan’ to ensure the safety/security of
peacekeepers and reduce fatality.
Takeaway for Bangladesh Armed Forces
Notwithstanding the praiseworthy performance of the peacekeepers of
Bangladesh Armed Forces in PKO, one can still take some lessons from the
Cruz Report so as to perform even better in days to come. The following are
some takeaways for Bangladesh Armed Forces:-

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 Strengthening Peacekeeping ...

a. Pre-deployment Training/Preparation: Effective Pre-deployment

training is a prerequisite for performing efficiently in the mission area. Though
BIPSOT, in consonance with DPO, has a well-crafted pre-deployment training
package, we need to pay more attention to pre-deployment training to keep
pace with the increasing complexity of the UN peacekeeping environment.
Mission/environment-specific training is very important to perform better
against the hostile elements in the mission area. It will vary from mission to
mission. The contingent should take into consideration the pattern of the threat,
the terrain condition, and the security situation while conducting the
pre-deployment training. The Cruz Report recommended that, in the future, the
PDV may also be conducted for the rotation contingents to assess their
performance. In such cases, our rotation contingents should take adequate
measures not to perform poorly in those assessment visits thereby losing the
scope for promoting world peace.
b. In-mission Training: Even units that arrive well-trained and
well-equipped in the mission area require practice to adapt to the situation and
retain readiness to deter, counter, and mitigate threats. In-mission Training is
very much required for sharpening the skills of the men. After arriving in the
mission, the Training Cell (U-7) of the Force Headquarters generally conducts
induction training for the contingents to familiarise with various aspects of the
mission. This training is conducted in the concept of ‘Training of the Trainers’
(TOT) where a number of officers and men are trained and they are supposed
to train other members of the contingent within a specified time frame.11
However, many contingents fail to ensure subsequent induction training which
is detrimental to the contingent members. Also, rotation of 100% troops implies
a loss of knowledge of the situation, terrain, personal relationships with local
police and armed forces, local population, informants, and perception of the
operational environment. In mission, training can bridge this gap. Our
contingents should ensure effective In-mission training so as to maintain the
operational readiness of our peacekeepers. It is suggested in the Cruz Report
that contingents should conduct firing in the mission area. As regards
MONUSCO, the contingents do conduct fire for the troops in the MONUSCO
range or in the Congolese Army’s range.
c. Emphasis on Intelligence: In a high-tempo and complex environment,
where asymmetric and transnational threats pose serious dangers to
peacekeepers, there is a need for peacekeeping missions to better understand
their operating environments and predict specific threats and opportunities.12
Here comes the importance of intelligence. In PKO, intelligence is intended to
support a common operational picture, provide early warning of imminent
threats and identify risks and opportunities.13 Accurate and timely intelligence
will enable the peacekeepers to better ensure the safety and security of
themselves, to better plan the operations and to better carry out mandates and
protect civilians.14

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The contingents should have adequate knowledge in the intelligence

collection effort. More focus should be on HUMINT. There are several ways of
collecting human intelligence: through patrols, through military observers, and
when required, through Community Liaison Assistance (CLA) of the Civil Affairs
Section. While conducting patrol, the contingents should avoid repetitive and
predictable patrols. Contingents should shift from passive to active patrolling,
adopting specific objectives to collect information and gain trust among the
local population. But to achieve this, contingents also need the necessary
equipment and training.15 Military Information/Intelligence Officer of the
contingents/sectors should have a clear idea as to how the data/information
should be analysed and transformed into intelligence. Commanders deployed
in the Company Operating Bases (COB), Temporary Operating Bases (TOB)
should also have adequate knowledge of intelligence cycle and analysis.
At the same time, emphasis should also be put on Human Terrain. Human
Terrain relates to the social, ethnographic, cultural, economic, and political
elements in a densely-populated arena in which a military force operates and is
premised on the belief that the key to mission’s success is to focus on
understanding the people.16 Since our contingents operate in a different country
having different ethnic groups or clans, therefore, all should have a clear idea
as to how Human Terrain should be analyzed.
Contingents should also focus on modern technologies to gather
information. Technology supports and complements information analysis. In
recent years, the UN has started using a range of surveillance technologies,
including unarmed unmanned aerial vehicles (UUAV), helicopters, Geographic
Information Systems (GIS), ground-based sensors, tethered balloons,
satellites, and full-motion video.17 All these instruments and means complement
one another and need to be deployed with the appropriate expertise.
d. Focus on Protection of Civilian (POC): POC is the priority one
mandated task in most of the missions. Yet, POC is not a standard military task.
Contingents generally arrive in the mission area with scanty knowledge of
POC.18 Hence, the POC issue is discussed in quite a bit details in this part of the
paper. The UN recognized that peacekeepers regularly sacrifice their safety,
and sometimes their lives, in this noble service.19 The wider credibility of
peacekeeping depends on POC. It is vital that missions are seen to protect
civilians. The SG in his A4P initiative also emphasized on POC by mentioning
that UN should commit to implementing the POC mandates of peacekeeping
missions, including through using all necessary means when required.20 The
theme of ‘International Day of UN Peacekeepers’ of 2019 was “Protecting
Civilians, Protecting Peace”, which accentuated the importance of POC.21 The
POC issue has become the measure by which the UN is being judged and will
be judged in the future.22 Therefore, our contingents should realize this fact and

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grasp all the features of POC.23 If the local population and outside observers do
not believe that civilians are being protected, the momentum towards a lasting
peace cannot be built. It is imperative for the peacekeepers to know that there
are three tiers to implement the POC mandates which are appended in the
figure below:-24
Figure-3: Three Tiers of POC Action

Source: DPKO-DFS Policy of POC in United Nations Peacekeeping (2017)

Following should be done by our contingents to ensure POC mandate is
accomplished in the best possible manner:-
a. Pre-deployment and In-mission training must have sufficient curricula
on POC issues. In its guidelines for military components, the DPO has
advised that induction and in-mission POC training should include local
cultural sensitivities, early warning indicators, gender dynamics, etcetera
in the specific mission area and include mission-specific scenario-based
simulation/exercise.25
b. POC requires that peacekeepers possess a range of “contact skills.”
These skills, often seen as being non-military, are designed to help
peacekeeping personnel to de-escalate potentially violent situations and
facilitate movement toward conflict resolution. These “contact skills” fall in
first-tier in POC which encompasses a range of activities which include
dialogue with perpetrators, conflict resolution, and mediation between
parties to a conflict, persuading the government and other relevant actors
to intervene to protect civilians et cetera.26 Our peacekeepers need to
master these contact skills to have a better grip on POC issues.
c. POC is dealt with by not only uniformed personnel rather a number of
actors like Host Nation, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
(UNHCR), Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), POC
contact in Mission Field offices, Non-Government Organizations/
International Non-Government Organizations (NGO/INGOs), United
Nations Police (UNPOL), humanitarian agencies et cetera, hence,
contingents should have effective coordination and information sharing with
other agencies/pillars to have effective POC affairs.

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United Nations ... Journal, Issue 6, May 2020

d. Contingents should develop mechanisms like early warning systems,

community alert networks, community liaison arrangements, public
information, reporting systems, and so on. Setting up an effective early
warning and response system can help manage situations before they
escalate to unmanageable proportions.
Performance in PDV: Our contingents, which will be selected for new
missions, must remain very much abreast of the pre-deployment training
packages and remain prepared to qualify in the assessment during PDV. The
assessment is conducted on multifarious subjects which include impromptu
assessment on various topics. Without deliberate preparation, it is quite
impossible to qualify in the assessment. It should be mentioned here that the
contingent members should join the contingent well ahead of the assessment
schedule so that they have sufficient time to prepare themselves for the
assessment and mission itself. Apart from assessment, the armament,
equipment, vehicle etcetera also have to be as per the requirement of the
mission. The selection process in recent years is very competitive since many
countries of different continents are eager to participate in peace operations.
Therefore, we need to be more professional to qualify in this highly competitive
selection process.
Proactive Posture: The Cruz Report as well as the A4P initiative
suggested a robust and proactive posture in PKO. Peacekeepers must know
that the blue helmet and flag do not offer natural protection, they are a target.
This must be the mindset of all personnel and leadership in PKO.27 Contingents
should plan operations based on a threat assessment of the specific
environment. Peacekeepers must adopt a proactive posture in self-defence.
Commanders must ensure that their outfits take basic precautions against
common threats such as IEDs, ambushes, and attacks against camps/bases.
Commanders should intensify night operations and activities, using
sophisticated technology e.g. night vision systems, drones etcetera with a view
to creating deterrence among the miscreants.
Enhanced Medical Capability: Since contingents are operating in a
complex operational environment having multidimensional threat, therefore, to
reduce casualty, our medical capability needs to be improved. Contingents
should ensure pre-deployment training providing troops with expertise in
first-aid, evacuation procedures, and Level 1 hospital procedures. All convoys
and long-range patrols must have not only efficient medical personnel but also
first aid qualified personnel. Our Rapidly Deployable Battalions (RDB) should
have a sufficient number of medical personnel with adequate equipment since
these battalions operate in a vast operational area in a volatile and risky
environment.

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Conclusion
Bangladesh has a glorious history and commendable reputation in PKO.
Peacekeepers from Bangladesh has been participating in PKO since 1988. It is
expected that Bangladesh will continue to contribute to world peace in days to
come. Given the fact that participating in the UN PKO is getting competitive day
by day, Bangladesh Armed Forces also need to ensure capacity building of its
peacekeepers accordingly to the changing dynamics of PKO. In doing so,
Bangladesh Armed Forces should consider the recommendations of Cruz
Report to complement its efforts in contributing to world peace. The Report’s
purpose was to propose practical, implementable, and effective
recommendations to reduce peacekeeping personnel fatalities and injuries
from acts of violence. It concluded that the UN flag no longer offers natural
protection and many peacekeeping contingents suffer from “Chapter VI
syndrome,” which has prevented them from adapting to new challenges posed
by some contemporary armed conflicts. The Report suggested four broad
actions to improve the situation: changed mindsets, improved capacity,
threat-sensitive mission footprints, use of massed and mobile forces, and
enhanced accountability mechanisms.
The Cruz Report identified a few grey areas of modern-day
peacekeeping. A few to mention are Defensive Posture, Lacking in
Pre-deployment Training, Intelligence Failure, Lack of Medical capacity,
Leniency during Selection Process, and so on. For enhanced performance in
future days, there are some important takeaways from the Cruz Report for
Bangladesh Armed Forces. Bangladesh Armed Forces need to focus on
pre-deployment and in-mission training to perform professionally in the mission
area. Since different missions have different types of operational environment,
therefore pre-deployment training should be mission-specific instead of
generic. In-mission training is also very important to maintain the skill level of
the peacekeepers. POC being the priority one mandated task in most of the
missions, our peacekeepers must have a comprehensive idea about the entire
gamut of POC. This can be materialized through effective and efficient
pre-deployment and in-mission training. Apart from training, our contingents
should have adequate knowledge of intelligence gathering and analysis. Our
mindset towards mission should change. Proactive posture will definitely help
the peacekeepers to protect themselves and the civilians in a better effective
way. Bangladesh has become an iconic figure in promoting world peace by
contributing immensely in PKO. Bangladesh Armed Forces should continuously
evaluate the performance of Bangladeshi peacekeepers and provide corrective
measures so as to keep up the reputation in days to come.

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 United Nations ... Journal, Issue 6, May 2020

Notes and References:

1. Ilyas iftekhar Rasul, ‘Bangladesh in Peacekeeping: 30 Years of Service and
Sacrifice,’ Retrieved from https://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/perspective
/bangladesh- peacekeeping-30-years-service- and- sacrifice -1582 756
2. Dmitry Borisov, ‘A Difficult Peace: The UN and the Challenges of Modern
Peacekeeping,’ 2017 Retrieved from https://russiancouncil.ru/en/analytics-
and-comments/analytics/a-difficult-peace-the-un-and-the-challenges-of-mo
dern-peacek/#detail
3. Santos Cruz ‘Improving Security of United Nations Peacekeepers: We need
to change the way we are doing businesses,’ 2017, p.10
4. Ibid.
5. Ibid.
6. Ibid.
7. Ibid.
8. Major Ralph Jay Johnson III, ‘Medical Aspects of Peacekeeping Operations:
Trends and Courses of Action,’ 2014, p.20
9. Major Johnson III, ‘Medical Aspects of Peacekeeping Operations,’ p.24
10. Secretary-General’s Initiative on Action for Peacekeeping, retrieved from
https://www.un.org/en/A4P/
11. Alberto Cutillo, Deploying the Best: Enhancing Training for United Nations
Peacekeepers ipi 2013, p. 5
12. DPKO-DFS Policy on ‘Peacekeeping Intelligence,’ 2019, p.1
13. Ibid.
14. Olga Abilova and Alexandra Novosseloff, ‘Demystifying Intelligence in UN
Peace Operations: Toward an Organizational Doctrine,’ New York,
International Peace Institute, July 2016, p.11
15. Ibid.
16. Roberto Gonzalez, ‘Human Terrain: Past, Present and Future Applications,’
Anthropology Today, Vol 24, 2008, p.21
17. Olga Abilova and Alexandra Novosseloff, ‘Demystifying Intelligence in UN
Peace Operations: Toward an Organizational Doctrine,’ July 2016, p.12
18. Better training needed for UN peacekeepers,
https://www.diis.dk/en/research/better-training-needed-un-peacekeepers
19. Julian Harston, ‘Protection of Civilian,’ Peace Operations Training Institute,
2016, p.11

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 Strengthening Peacekeeping ...

20. Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) of UN Secretary General,

https://www.un.org/en/A4P/#
21. Bangladesh Reaffirms Full Support to UN Peacekeeping Operations,
Dhaka Tribune, 28 May 2019
22. Julian Harston, ‘Protection of Civilian,’ p.12
23. Preparing for the Mission: Training, p. 152.
https://www.stimson.org/wp-content/files/file-attachments/Chap_7-The_Im
possible_Mandate-Holt_Berkman.pdf
24. DPKO-DFS Policy on ‘The Protection of Civilians in United Nations
Peacekeeping,’ 2017, p.8
25. David Curran, ‘Contact Skills: A Training Requirement for the Protection of
Civilians,’ International Peace Institute, 2019
26. Ibid.
27. Peacekeeping faces challenges: here’s how we can meet them
https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/peacekeeping-faces-challenges-heres-how
-we-can-meet-them
Brief Biography

Lieutenant Colonel Abu Tareq Mohammad Rashed, SPP, psc was

commissioned with 44 BMA Long Course in the Corps of Infantry in June 2001.
Since then, he has served in various infantry units in different capacities. He
commanded 23 Bangladesh Infantry Regiment and 57 East Bengal Regiment.
He served as Platoon Commander in Bangladesh Military Academy and
Aide-de-Camp to General Officer Commanding of an Infantry Division. He
participated in Counter Insurgency Operations in Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT).
Besides different courses at home, he attended Special Operations Course in
China. He is a graduate of Defence Services Command and Staff College,
Mirpur and Army Command and Staff College, Nepal. He participated in UN
peacekeeping operations twice in D R Congo as Contingent member and
Military Observer respectively. He completed his Master of Science in Military
Studies from Bangladesh University of Professionals and Masters in Strategic
Studies from Tribhuban University, Nepal. Presently he is serving as Grade
One Staff Officer of Bangladesh National Authority for Chemical Weapons
Convention (BNACWC) at Armed Forces Division (AFD).

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United Nations ... Journal, Issue 6, May 2020

Gender Mainstreaming in UN Mission:

Challenges and Way Forward
Squadron Leader Rista Binte Siddique

Introduction
Gender mainstreaming has been embraced internationally as a strategy
towards realizing and ensuring gender equality. It involves the integration of a
gender perspective into the preparation, design, implementation, monitoring,
and evaluation of policies, regulatory measures and arranging programmes, to
promote equality between women and men, and to combat discrimination. In
common parlance, gender equality is a democratic principle, which is about
justice for all and is not limited to an issue for women.
The concept of bringing gender issues into the mainstream of society was
established as a global strategy for promoting gender equality in the Platform for
Action adopted at the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women, held
in Beijing, China in 1995.1 It highlighted the necessity to ensure that gender
equality is a primary goal in all areas of social and economic development.2
Mainstreaming includes gender-specific activities and affirmative action,
whenever women or men are in a particularly disadvantageous position to
uphold them in the same platform. Gender-specific interventions can target
women exclusively, men and women together, or only men, to enable them to
participate in and benefit equally from development efforts.
The integration of women into the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission
is the key concept for incorporating gender mainstreaming. To this regard, the UN
has adopted a fundamental instrument, the UN Security Council Resolution
(UNSCR) 1325, with different implementation objectives.3 However, the
implementation was not easy due to long-standing social and professional
stereotypes. As such, mainstreaming the women the UN has proceeded with
progressive positive actions, structural reformations, and policy changes by UN
Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy 2018-2028. For this paper, the scope of
gender mainstreaming, inter alia, is limited to a proportionate increase of the
female peacekeepers in UN peacekeeping operations (UNPKO). Trend depicts
that the number of female peacekeepers is significantly low compared to their
male counterparts.4 Against the current male dominance in peacekeeping
missions, it may be argued that a justified increase in the number of women and
empowering them in peace operations will reflect the true essence of gender
mainstreaming.
Gender Mainstreaming in UN Mission: An Overview
Gender Mainstreaming: The meaning of ‘gender mainstreaming’ from
the context of peacekeeping missions initially was limited to the ‘increasing
proportions of women peacekeepers.’5 Taking a holistic view, the gendered

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understanding of peacekeeping involves more than merely quantifying the

numbers of female peacekeepers. Thus, ‘gender mainstreaming’ refers as the
process of assessing the implications for women and men of any planned
action, including legislation, policies or programmes, in all areas and at all
levels.6 It is a strategy for making women’s as well as men’s concerns and
experiences an integral dimension of the design, implementation, monitoring,
and evaluation of policies and programmes in all political, economic and
societal spheres so that women and men benefit equally and inequality is not
perpetuated. The ultimate goal is to achieve gender equality in all aspects.7 The
UN Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR) defines gender mainstreaming as
“the process of bringing an awareness of the status of women into the public
arena.”8
Gender Mainstreaming and Gender Equality: Apart from the archaic
notion of only quantifying the number of women peacekeepers, there have
evolved two additional manifestations of gender mainstreaming. The first one is
the gendered hierarchies that exist within peacekeeping missions,9 and the
second one is the gendered context of peacekeeping by the UN, which explains
the current rhetoric and practice of the inclusion of women in peacekeeping and
it’s evaluation for gender-equality measures.10 Mainstreaming is not about
adding a ‘woman’s component’ or even a ‘gender equality component’ into an
existing activity. It goes beyond increasing women’s participation; it means
bringing the experience, knowledge, and interests of women and men to bear
on the development agenda. It may require changes in goals, strategies,
agenda, and actions so that both women and men can influence, participate in,
and benefit from development processes. The goal of mainstreaming gender
equality is thus the transformation of unequal social and institutional structures
into equal and just structures for both men and women.11 Therefore, gender
mainstreaming is to engage women in peace and security activities at all levels
-including the decision-making level.
Gender Mainstreaming and Evolution in UN Peacekeeping Missions:
According to the UN, between 1957 and 1989, only a total of twenty women
served as UN peacekeepers.12 Against such background, the UN began
acknowledging the importance of gender mainstreaming as a tool for achieving
gender equality in the mid-1990s.13 The concept of gender mainstreaming was
first proposed at the Third World Conference on Women of 1985, where the
idea was included under the aegis of the UN development community.14 The
idea formally featured in 1995 at the Fourth World Conference on Women,15
and was cited in the document that resulted from the conference, the Beijing
Platform for Action.16 However, these anticipations were accelerated with the
passing of the landmark Resolution on Women, Peace, and Security namely,
UNSCR 1325 in October 2000.17

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Resolution 1325 was an indication of the increasing importance of the role

and position of women in conflict, and in approaches to peacemaking,
peacekeeping, and peace-building.18 The overarching effect of this Resolution
has been a substantial increase in the number of women in UN peacekeeping.
The Resolution reaffirms the persuasive role of women from a holistic
approach.19 It urges all actors to increase the participation of women and
incorporate gender perspectives in all UN peace and security efforts. It also
calls on all parties to the conflict to take special measures to protect women and
girls from gender-based violence, particularly rape and other forms of sexual
abuse, in situations of armed conflict. The Resolution also provides several
important operational mandates, with implications for the Member States and
the entities of the UN system.20
However, the UN did not meet the objective of Resolution 1325. The non
compliance of the Resolution was considered a major setback and
consequently, percentages of women peacekeepers continue to remain low.
Another attempt failed in 2009, at the tenth anniversary of Resolution 1325,
while UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched a campaign to increase the
share of female peacekeepers to 10 percent in all military units and 20 percent
in police units by 2014.
Furthermore, in 2015 with the passing of Security Council Resolution 2242,
the UN has set an ambitious new target to double the number of women in
peacekeeping in the next five years.21 As a result, there has been an increase in
female peacekeeping personnel. However, if we compare these figures with the 48
percent representation of women at the UN Headquarters in 2019, the participation
of women in the UN peacekeeping operations (UNPKO) is still very low.22
Women in Peacekeeping
Women deployed in peacekeeping as police, military, and civilians have
made a positive impact on peacekeeping environments, both in building peace
and protecting women’s rights. Here, again advents the issue of quantifying the
female peacekeepers and their insufficient recruitment in the UN mission. In
1993, women made up 1% of deployed uniformed personnel. In 2014, out of
approximately 125,000 peacekeepers, women constitute 3% of military
personnel and 10% of police personnel in UN peacekeeping missions.23 While
the UN encourages and advocates for the deployment of women to uniform
functions, the responsibility for deployment of women in the police and military
lies with the member states. UN Police Division launched ‘the Global Effort’ to
recruit more female police officers into national police services and UN police
operations around the world.24
However, the recent monthly breakdown of the number of male and female
uniformed personnel working across UN missions, the UN gender statistics
section shows that the scenario has not been improved much. Table 1 below
shows that as of November 2019, the total number of serving peacekeepers

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in 22 UN missions is 75,856. Out of which females are 3,878, this is only 5.11
percent of the total deployed force by the UN. Table 1 further depicts that even
if the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central
African Republic (MINUSCA) has the highest number of female peacekeepers
(770); it is only 7 percent of the overall strength (10,761).
Table 1: The number of male and female uniformed personnel working across UN
missions as of November 2019
Mission Male Female Total % Male %Female
UNVMC 44 18 62 71% 29%
MINURSO 174 45 219 79% 21%
UNSOS 13 3 16 81% 19%
UNMOGIP 37 7 44 84% 16%
UNSOM 545 89 634 86% 14%
UNFICYP 700 92 792 88% 12%
UNISFA 3448 396 3844 90% 10%
UNTSO 133 15 148 90% 10%
UNMHA 21 2 23 91% 9%
MINUSCA 10761 770 11531 93% 7%
UNSMIL 218 15 233 94% 6%
UNAMID 4082 256 4338 94% 6%
UNIFIL 9860 557 10417 95% 5%
UNAMI 225 12 237 95% 5%
UNDOF 979 49 1028 95% 5%
UNMISS 14280 707 14987 95% 5%
MONUSCO 14900 664 15564 96% 4%
MINUSMA 11545 181 11726 98% 2%
UNAMA 1 0 1 100% 0%
UNIOGBIS 1 0 1 100% 0%
UNMIK 9 0 9 100% 0%
UNWAS 2 0 2 100% 0%
Source: United Nations, ‘Gender’ (2019) United Nations Peacekeeping
(Website) <https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/gender>

For its part, the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO)

continues to respond to the call in all Women, Peace, and Security mandates to
increase the numbers of women in peacekeeping by advocating for the
deployment of more women. However, the ultimate responsibility for getting
more women into the military peacekeeping lies with the individual countries
that contribute troops and police.25
Challenges in Implementing Gender Mainstreaming
Since the evolution of the concept of gender mainstreaming number of
studies have been done to assess the successful inflow of this strategy in all
spheres of the UN. Those studies express numerous challenges. From a
broader aspect, female peacekeepers face two types of major challenges,
firstly, challenges that come from within military operations, and secondly,

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challenges that arise from the overall working environment of the host country.
Among all those studies, the study of Karim and Beardsley in 2017 has
revealed three main prevailing challenges for women in peacekeeping.26 These
are, firstly, the ‘exclusion’ of and ‘discrimination’ against female peacekeepers;
secondly, the ‘relegation’ of female peacekeepers to safe spaces; and finally,
SEAHV (sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, and violence) of female
peacekeepers.27
Exclusion and Discrimination: ‘Exclusion’ and ‘discrimination’ can
take many forms, however, these commence with the national militaries which
frequently send combat units to peacekeeping operations (PKO), but usually
don’t contain women. Often, militaries simply don’t have enough women in their
armed forces to supply a gender-balanced force, e.g., European units have
often deployed special forces UN mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL).28 The case is
different from the armed forces those who have a higher proportion of women
do tend to send more women.29 Nonetheless, the trend depicts that female
police officers have better representation in the peace mission as many States
have the agency to let them apply individually.30
Relegation to Safer Spaces: ‘Relegation’ to safe spaces can be spurred
due to the male colleagues’ perceptions that women need protection, which
prevents them from performing certain roles. This protection masculinity that
prevails in national defense and security is also common in peacekeeping
missions. The challenges that can hinder gender equality in peacekeeping
missions are based on dyad considerations. These are, firstly, to debar sending
women to the most dangerous environments, and secondly, to exclude female
peacekeepers to fully use their skills as peacekeepers. Indeed, there is
evidence for both these claims.31 Female military peacekeepers are more likely
to get sent to the ‘safest’ missions, where there are fewer peacekeeping deaths
and where the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country is higher. For
instance, when the UN appointed Major General Kristin Lund of Norway, the
first female Force Commander of a mission in 2014, she was the Force
Commander for one of the most secure missions: UNFICYP in Cyprus.32 A
similar experience was noted by peacekeepers in the NATO-led International
Security Assistance Force mission in Afghanistan, where male colleagues tried
to prevent women from speaking to men in the villages they patrolled.33 In
some missions, women have been prevented from leaving the base, while their
male colleagues are free to do so, in the name of security concerns.34
Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, Harassment, and Violence: SEAHV is a
further problem for female peacekeepers, though it's unclear whether the threat
comes more from within militaries themselves, or from the environment in which
they operate. Sexual violence within militaries has been attributed to what is
termed a ‘warrior syndrome’ that promotes hyper-masculinity, but it’s hard to
know the actual number of victims.35 A Rand report in 201536 found that less

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than one-third of attacks within the US military were reported and 52% of
victims who did report the incident faced retribution from senior officers for
doing so. In the UNMIL mission, 17% of women listed sexual harassment within
the mission as the biggest impediment to perform their duties.37 Consequently,
problems come from the peace operations themselves and not from
challenging environments in which they work.38 For instance, the US State
Arizona Senator Martha Mc Sally on her ‘testimony at an armed services
committee hearing’ on 6 March 2019, claimed that she had been raped by a
senior officer while serving in the US Air Force.39 She claimed that she did not
report it at the time for fear of retribution. Thus, while the sexual abuse of
women by peacekeepers in host countries has generated significant policy
changes in UN peacekeeping, sexual abuse within missions remains a
little-discussed issue.
The protection norm to women can also limit the extent to which female
peacekeepers can be utilized within missions. In many troop contingents,
women are not allowed to travel alone or without the protection of, most often,
other male peacekeepers. Besides, as many women begin to gain a presence
in militaries, they may still hold lower rank positions en masse, and as such
have less freedom of movement than their male colleagues.
Women’s contributions may be evaluated as ‘female peacekeepers’ and not
as ‘peacekeepers’.40 As such, only female personnel are evaluated based on
instrumental criteria. Male peacekeepers are not; their presence is normalized
without evaluating whether masculinity is helpful or harmful to the mission. Men are
not evaluated based on their ability to perform caring labour and are often
exonerated from misconduct where their behaviour is seen as ‘natural’, in this way,
relying on particular gender ideas means that women are subjected to a different
standard than men in the same occupation.41 It typically conforms to assimilate
masculine values, norms, and practices that adjudge the capability of women
peacekeepers. This exacerbates the challenges for female peacekeepers.
UN Department of Peace Operations (DPO) has recognized a few
external and internal challenges while developing the UN Uniformed Gender
Parity Strategy 2018-2028.42
a. External Challenges: The external challenges, inter alia, are as
follows:-
(1) Women are not aware of the employment opportunities with the
UN as they are not aware of the sources and there is a lack of women
role models. Even some member states do not have sufficient women
available or prepared to deploy.43 Women report that some member
states restrict deployment opportunities to male members through
implicit or explicit gender bias.44 For instance, military components are
largely composed of combat-related capabilities; while police

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components are largely composed of police with public order

management or other operational policing experience. For some
TCCs/PCCs, these positions are only available to men, and women
have only recently joined. Gendered perceptions of the role of women
which means they are excluded from taking part in national selection
processes for peacekeeping (e.g. perception that women should be at
home with the family).
(2) A lack of family-friendly policies within the Member States, and the
likelihood for most uniformed personnel to be deployed for 12 months
without the opportunity to travel to visit their families.45 If they are not
permitted to visit their family in their country they would not be
interested in participating in peace operations though they would be
highly paid. Some women choose not to deploy due to the length of
deployment, age of their dependents, an obligation of parenting or
other personal responsibilities.
(3) There is a lack of training and self-development opportunities for
women, including participation in Military Staff Colleges, Police
Academies, and UN-related courses, to meet qualification
pre-requisites for UN deployments.46 There is no training for the
female peacekeepers to defend themselves in a critical situation like in
sexual exploitation although the TCCs/PCCs know about the potential
threat of exploitation.
b. Internal Challenges: Whereas, the internal challenges, inter alia, are
as follows:
(1) Proposed reductions in funding, including in Mission Subsistence
Allowance, make field deployments less attractive for all uniformed
members, and particularly for women, who may require more secure
accommodation or additional protective equipment when working
independently in the field.47
(2) UN prerequisites and job descriptions can include unnecessary
qualifications or unconsciously gender-based wording that limit
applications from and deployment of women.48
(3) Field missions may not always provide adequate security,
accommodation, sanitation facilities and privacy to women. To that
cause, women may be worried about being isolated, an uncooperative
attitude of their male counterparts, and vulnerable to sexual
harassment and exploitation when deployed.
Furthermore, women are still often confined to traditional supportive roles
in peacekeeping missions, such as nurses, doctors, administrators, and
logistics, as is the case in some contributing countries where women occupy

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ancillary or accompanying positions. When they do take on a protection role,

such as the all-female formed police units, their contribution is judged based on
gender: they are lauded for their access in the community and not for their
ability to provide military protection.
Way Forward for the Challenges of Gender Mainstreaming
Responsibility for implementing the mainstreaming strategy is a
system-wide approach, which rests at the highest levels within the agencies.49
To that cause, the probable solutions which can be identified are based on,
firstly, the inclusion of the female peacekeepers in the power structure, and
secondly, proportionately increasing their number in UN missions. Furthermore,
there are crucial areas in which specific gender considerations need to be
absorbed. In this regard, some specific suggestions, inter alia, are as follows:
Structural Modification: Gender is a fluid concept and process, which
means power structures that perpetuate such dynamics, can be altered. In this
regard, in 2019, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized gender
mainstreaming stating that- “this is not just a question of numbers, but also of
our effectiveness in fulfilling our mandates”.50 Thus, instead of focusing on
numbers, increasing the proportions of women in peacekeeping missions will
open a broader understanding of gender. This may focus on the structures that
create and perpetuate gender inequalities.
Gender-neutral Administration: Promoting gender equality in missions
and their opportunity to go up in the ladder at the policy level are
complementary. Even if there are ascending trends of increasing the number of
women peacekeepers over the past twenty years, the real progression is very
slow.51 Consequently, the inclusion of women within peacekeeping does not
appear to change those institutions’ fundamental hyper-masculine structures or
cultures.52 Hence, there needs to be renewed efforts and funding for
female-friendly administration development and inclusion of women in planning
and operation. Clear political will and allocation of adequate resources for
mainstreaming, including additional financial and human resources, if
necessary, are important for translation of the concept into practice. Moreover,
an active working relationship between civil society groups, who are often on
the front lines working to ensure basic human rights, and the local population,
is desirable.
Raising Incentives & Fund Flow: Enlightening the remaining solutions
the focus can be given on how channeling funds as incentives can help improve
this particular context. The UN has financed incentives in peacekeeping,
primarily to encourage troops to deploy rapidly or to high-risk areas. A similar
mechanism will be useful to incentivize the increased women’s participation,
especially the high-ranked officials, in a peacekeeping mission. Based on the
high-ranking women they assign to each contingent, it will ensure that women

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have the opportunity to serve in influential roles at all level. UNSCR 2242
endorses such incentives to bolster female peacekeepers in 2015.53 In this
regard, the UN may eye on the voluntary multi-partner pilot fund to increase the
deployment of female peacekeepers. For instance, as part of the Elsie Initiative
for Women in Peace Operations, Canada has contributed $15 million in 2015.
This fund would establish specific incentives that could include results-based
payments, additional training or deployment slots, and public recognition
through performance awards for the troop-contributing countries. To
accompany this pilot fund, the UN should conduct country-specific analyses of
barriers to women’s participation in security forces and their deployment as
peacekeepers. The pilot fund should then monitor and evaluate the deployment
of female peacekeepers in the field. Based on the results from the pilot phase,
the State can recommend the necessary steps to be taken.54
Fair Legislation: Mainstreaming does not replace the need for targeted,
women-specific policies and programmes, and positive legislation; nor does it
do away with the need for gender units or focal points.55 Gender mainstreaming
requires that efforts be made to broaden women’s equitable participation at all
levels of decision-making. Clear gender analysis should always be carried out
with gender-based targets for selection and recruitment across all positions and
departments.
Training & Development: To close the qualitative gap between male and
female peacekeepers, the UN can also underscore training, having a clear
gendered lens, for strengthening the capacity of the female peacekeepers.
Specialized training on gender issues would create an incentive structure that
could improve the operational effectiveness, accessibility, and credibility of
peacekeeping missions by providing personnel with diverse perspectives and a
broader range of skills. The UN should encourage improved training on core
responsibilities, including protecting civilians from conflict-related sexual
violence. Such reforms would improve the overall performance of
peacekeeping missions. This should also include training that is implemented
fully with gender mainstreaming as well as behaviour monitoring.56 Overall,
gender mainstreaming in UN peacekeeping missions requires a holistic
approach to maneuver the mosaic of the power-structure. This is not a
quantitative adjustment rather a qualitative modification. The changes in
organizational structures and power dynamics can potentially ensure gender
mainstreaming.
Conclusion
The blue helmets are not only for the males, but their female counterparts
also have a common stake for a robust peacekeeping through their strong and
significant performance. On that account, gender mainstreaming is essential for
the success of peacekeeping because it helps operations respond to different
security needs within the society, improves operational effectiveness, creates a

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representative mission, strengthens civil components of the mission, and

escalates democratic oversight. It is the kernel part to overcome the women
leadership labyrinth at this highest level.
As the female peacekeepers number was insignificant, the anticipation to
increase the number of women peacekeepers was accelerated with the
landmark UNSCR 1325 in 2000. An ambitious target to double the number of
women in peacekeeping was set with the UNSCR 2242. The latest UN
Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy 2018-2028 is another groundbreaking
approach to deal with the specific internal and external challenges for gender
equality and empowerment. Consequently, there has been an increase in
female peacekeepers. Despite the increment, they are assigned with limited
peacekeeping agenda due to the fetish of security concerns. Furthermore, they
are evaluated based not on the skills they have gained through militarized
training, rather on their ability to conform to specific ideas about femininity and
their ability to transform the mission culture.
The piece has identified the fact that to overcome the challenges of the
gender mainstreaming in UN peacekeeping missions both gender equality and
the broader structural changes within the peacekeeping model are required.
Women are to be included in all aspects of military activity which does not
relegate them to specialized spaces, such as care giving, support roles or as
providers of gender-sensitive advice. Effective leadership in peacekeeping not
only requires participation by both men and women but also calls on a whole
range of different skills set from both genders. Thus, the key areas to improve
the scenario are the recruitment and training; communications and outreach;
leadership and accountability; and creating the enabling environments for
gender parity in all spheres of social structure. With, policy changes and
structurally revised gendered vision, gender mainstreaming can lead the UN
peacekeeping to be truly transformative in addressing peace and security
globally.

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Notes and References

1. United Nations, International Labour Organisation, ‘Definition of Gender
Mainstreaming’ (2017) Gender Equality Tool p.1 (Webpage)
<https://www.ilo.org/public/english/bureau/gender/newsite2002/about/defin
.htm>
2. Ibid. p.2
3. UN Security Council Resolution (SCR) 1325 S/RES/1325 (Document),
Adopted on 31 October 2000
4. See below Table 1; United Nations, ‘Gender’ (2019) United Nations
Peacekeeping (Website) <https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/gender>
5. Sabrina M Karim and Marsha Henry, Gender and Peacekeeping, ed.
Fionnuala Ní Aoláin et al, Vol 1, Oxford University Press, 2017, p.390
(Webpage) <http://oxfordhandbooks.com/view/10.1093/oxfordhb/ 978019
9300983.001.0001/oxfordhb-9780199300983-e-31
6. United Nations Report of the Economic and Social Council for 1997,
A/52/3.18 September 1997
7. Ibid.
8. L Olsson, ‘Gendering UN peacekeeping: Mainstreaming a gender
perspective in multidimensional peacekeeping operations,’ Report 53, 1999,
Department of Peace and Conflict Research, Uppsala University, Sweden
pp. 2-3
9. Karim and Henry (n 5) p. 391
10. Ibid.
11. ‘Definition of Gender Mainstreaming’ (n 1) p. 4
12. Karim and Henry (n 5) p. 390
13. Ibid.
14. UNDP, World Conference to Review and Appraise the Achievements of the
United Nations Decade for Women: Equality, Development and Peace,
Nairobi,1985
15. UNDP, ‘Fourth World Conference on Women, Beijing 1995’ (Webpage)
<https://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/beijing/fwcwn.html>
16. United Nations, Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action, adopted at the
Fourth World Conference on Women, 27 October 1995, (Webpage)
<https://www.refworld.org/docid/3dde04324.html>
17. UN Security Council Resolution (SCR) 1325 (n 3)
18. Ibid.

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19. Maxi Schoeman et al, ‘South African female peacekeepers: An exploration

of their experiences in the Democratic Republic of Congo’; Doreen Atkinson
et al, ‘Development or decline?’ New South African Review, 2010 (online
version 2018) Wits University Press p. 238
20. ‘Landmark Resolution on Women, Peace, and Security,’ Security Council
Resolution 1325 <https://www.un.org/womenwatch/osagi/wps/>
21. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, ‘Security Council
Resolution 2242 on Women and Peace and Security,’ Adopted on 13
October 2015, S/RES/2242 (2015)
<https://www.refworld.org/docid/562097f44.html>
22. UN Women, ‘Facts and Figures: Peace and Security,’ October 2019 UN
progress on gender parity and mainstreaming in peace and security,
pp.41-47 (Webpage)
<https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/peace-and-security/facts-and-fi
gures>
23. United Nations, ‘Women in Peacekeeping,’ 2019 United Nations
Peacekeeping p. 3 (Website)
<https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/women-peacekeeping>
24. United Nations, ‘Recruiting More Police Women,’ 2019 United Nations
Police 1(Website) <https://police.un.org/en/recruiting-more-police-women>
25. ‘Women in Peacekeeping/United Nations Peacekeeping’ (n 23) p. 11
26. Sabrina Karim and Kyle Beardsley, ‘Equal Opportunity Peacekeeping,’
Women, Peace, and Security in Post-Conflict States: Discrimination,
Protection, and SEAHV in UN Peacekeeping Missions, PART I (2006-2013)
New York, Oxford University Press, 2017, p.296
27. Ibid.
28. ‘Challenges for Female Peacekeepers Can Come from within UN Militaries,’
The Strategist (3 April 2019)
<https://www.aspistrategist.org.au/challenges-for-female-peacekeepers-ca
n-come-from-within-un-militaries/>
29. Ibid.
30. ‘UN Police’, United Nations Peacekeeping (Website)
<https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/un-police>
31.Sabrina Karim and Kyle Beardsley, ‘Female Peacekeepers and Gender
Balancing: Token Gestures or Informed Policymaking?’ International
Interactions Vol 39 (4), 2013, p. 469

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United Nations ... Journal, Issue 6, May 2020

32.United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), 'Force

Commander,’ (at online 10 November 2015)
<https://unficyp.unmissions.org/force-commander>
33.‘NATO Resolute Support, The ISAF History’ (Web page)
<https://rs.nato.int/about-us/history/isaf-history.aspx>
34.Karim and Henry, op.cit. p.461
35.‘Challenges for Female Peacekeepers Can Come from within UN Militaries,’
op.cit. p.13
36.Andrew Morral, Kristie Gore and Terry Schell, Sexual Assault and Sexual
Harassment in the U.S. Military, Volume 2 Estimates for Department of
Defense Service Members from the 2014 RAND Military Workplace Study
(RAND Corporation, 2016) (Web page)
<http://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR870z2.html>
37.‘Challenges for Female Peacekeepers Can Come from within UN Militaries,’
op.cit. p.14
38.Emily Cochrane and Jennifer Steinhauer, ‘Senator Martha McSally Says
Superior Officer in the Air Force Raped Her,’ The New York Times (online at
6 March 2019)
<https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/06/us/politics/martha-mcsally-sexual-
assault.html>
39.Ibid.
40. Karim and Henry, op.cit. p. 400
41. Ibid.
42. United Nations, ‘Uniformed Gender Parity 2018-2028’ Department of Peace
Operations, (Website)
<https://peacekeeping.un.org/sites/default/files/uniformed-gender-parity-
2018-2028.pdf>
43. Ibid. para 6.f
44. Ibid. para 6.b
45. Ibid. para 6.c
46. Ibid. para 6.d
47. Ibid. para 7.a
48. Ibid. para 7.b
49. Carolyn Hannan, Director of the UN Division for the Advancement of
Women

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 Gender Mainstreaming ...

50. United Nations, ‘Deployment of Female Personnel Boosts Effectiveness,

Says Secretary-General,’ as Security Council Holds Open Debate on
Women in Peacekeeping’ Meetings Coverage and Press Releases,
Security Council, 8508TH MEETING (AM), SC/13773 (11 APRIL 2019)
(Web site) <https://www.un.org/press/en/2019/sc13773.doc.htm>
51. Karim and Henry, op.cit. p.390
52. Ibid.
53. Global Affairs Canada-Affaires mondiales Canada, ‘Elsie Initiative for
Women in Peace Operations,’ AC (at online 21 February 2017)
<https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/issues_development-enjeux
_developpement/gender_equality-egalite_des_genres/elsie_initiative-initiat
ive_elsie.aspx?lang=eng>
54. ‘Increasing Female Participation in Peacekeeping Operations,’ Council on
Foreign Relations (online 26 September 2018)
<https://www.cfr.org/report/increasing-female-participation-peacekeeping-o
perations>
55. ‘Definition of Gender Mainstreaming,’ op.cit.
56. ‘Our Secure Future: A Case for Gender Mainstreaming in Peacekeeping
Missions’ (at online 29 Many 2018)
<https://oursecurefuture.org/blog/gender-mainstreaming-peacekeeping-mi
ssions>

Brief Biography

Squadron Leader Rista Binte Siddique joined Bangladesh Air Force on 07

July 2011 and was commissioned in the Legal branch on 29 December 2011
from BAF Academy. She has earned LLB (Honours) and LLM from Rajshahi
University and obtained Master of Public Affairs (MPA) with specialization in
‘Governance and Public Policy’ from Dhaka University. In her career, she has
served as the Base Legal Officer at BAF Base Bashar, BAF Base
Bangabandhu, and BAF Base Paharkanchanpur. Currently, she is serving as
the Officer-In-Charge of Emergency Crash and Rescue Section and Fire
Marshal of BANASU-17 in MONUSCO. Her spouse, Md Mahboob Sobhani is
serving as a Senior Assistant Judge in Bangladesh Judicial Service (BJS), and
they are blessed with a daughter, Rehnuma Sobhani.

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United Nations ... Journal, Issue 6, May 2020

Traditional to Multidimensional Robust Peacekeeping

Operations - Bangladesh Army in Quest of Global
Peace: Contemporary Scenarios and beyond
Lieutenant Colonel S M Ashraful Islam, psc

Background
Over the decades, the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations
(UNPKO) have evolved in many folds. Peacekeepers in various continents
have faced conventional armies, guerrillas, rebels, armed miscreants, militants,
and even evil forces without faces during their tour of duty. The peacekeeping
environment was simple to the complex where peacekeepers were deployed
just to observe-monitor-report on one end and environments like no peace to
keep on the other. The United Nations (UN) also reformed and reorganized its
organs and departments to meet the peacekeeping challenges and to keep
pace with the changing nature of conflicts.
The birth of Bangladesh through the glorious Liberation War (26 March -
16 December 1971), is one of the premiers of troops contribution in UNPKO.
During the Liberation War, this nation has experienced genocide, sacrificed
millions of lives, and faced human catastrophe. This horrific history endowed
this country to become a strong proponent for world peace. The Constitution of
Bangladesh, its national intent, and foreign policies all are complementing to
world peace. Bangladesh’s journey as Blue Helmet started back in 1988 with
the humble participation of 15 UN Military Observers (UNMO) in UNIIMOG.1
Since then Bangladesh army always responded promptly for the call of world
peace under UN mandates. Day by day the response of Bangladesh is getting
stronger and the contribution of the army is becoming firmer. So far,
Bangladesh has successfully completed 54 UNPKO in 40 different countries by
contributing 1,70,243 peacekeepers.2 Presently, more than six thousand
Bangladeshi peacekeepers are deployed in 9 different countries.3
The purview of this article will remain within UNPKO only. It will analyze
how UNPKO has evolved in the last seven decades with special emphasis on
the Bangladesh Army’s transformation to cope with the evolution thereto with a
view to suggesting ways forward.
The UN and International Peace and Security
As enshrined in the Charter, the UN maintains global peace and security
with Special Political Missions (SPMs) or with Peace Keeping Operations (PKOs),
given the responsibility to the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding
Affairs (UNDPPA) and the United Nations Department of Peace Operations
(UNDPO) respectively. Based on the UNSC resolution and mandates, the type
and nature of the missions are determined. In maintaining the international

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peace and security the UN undertakes the following measures:-

a. Conflict Prevention and Preventive Diplomacy: The UN believes
that the preventive measure of the conflict is the most effective way to diminish
human suffering and economic loss. Therefore, it always undertakes structural
and diplomatic measures at the beginning of the crisis in order to prevent
escalation into violent conflict and to help the parties in conflict to make peace
through negotiation and dialogue. Always, the UN plays a vital role to mediate
and negotiate a peaceful settlement for the prevention of conflicts through
active diplomacy.
b. Peacemaking: UN often intervenes during any ongoing conflicts to
mitigate the humanitarian crisis. It imposes various sanctions and utilizes
diplomatic actions to bring the parties to the conflicts into a negotiated
agreement. The main aim of peacemaking is to undertake actions to bring
hostile parties into an agreement for peaceful settlement of the conflicts. The
peacemaking initiative may be undertaken by the UN Secretary-General
(UNSG) or upon the request of the UNSC or the General Assembly.
c. Peacekeeping: Peacekeeping, in fact, is undertaken where there is a
peace to keep and mostly under Chapter VI of the Charter. It is designed to
preserve peace when the fighting is halted, where the peace is in a fragile state
and when the peacemakers have negotiated agreements. In the last
seventy-five years, UN peacekeeping has proven to be one of the most
effective tools to deal with conflict resolution and to bring peace. It has evolved
from the traditional PKO, primarily military model of the observe-monitor-report
ceasefire to a complex multidimensional and robust PKO involving military, police,
and civilian components. Spectrum of the peace process and security activities is
shown at Figure 1 below:-

Figure1: Spectrum of Peace Process and Security Activities

Source: M Weissmann, Theories and Perspectives in Conflict Resolution,

School of Global Studies, University of Gothenburg, 2008

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d. Peace Enforcement: Chapter VII and VIII of the UN Charter authorizes

the UNSC when necessary to use appropriate measures including the use of
military force for the restoration of peace and security. If the UNSC determines
that there is an existential threat to the peace and human lives, or there is a
breach of the peace and act of aggression threatening the civilian lives, it may
deploy peace enforcement missions. In doing that, UNSC may involve regional
organizations for peace enforcement actions under the UN Charter.
e. Peacebuilding: Once peace has been achieved through one or more
than one step as discussed above, it must be sustained and advanced through
social and economic development. Therefore, the UN undertakes peacebuilding
measures to assist countries emerging from war and conflicts. The main purposes
are to reducing the risks of relapsing into conflict, cementing the peace
agreement, laying the foundations for sustainable peace and development. The
epicenter of the peacebuilding activities is Disarmament, Demobilization and
Reintegrarion (DDR) of ex-combatant, Security Sector Reforms (SSR), Electoral
Reforms, Protection of Human Rights and Restoration of the State Authority,
et cetera.
Changing Scenarios of Global Conflicts
After WW-II and during the Cold War era, the world mostly experienced the
conventional war or inter-state war between sovereign states. Two great
superpowers viz; USA and USSR along with their allies mostly backed the warring
countries and through them, the ceasefire and withdrawal of forces took place
under the supervision of the UN. Therefore, UNPKOs were mostly performing the
traditional military model of peacekeeping roles- to observe, monitor and report
ceasefire. During this era, the war theatres were mostly confined in Asia and the
Middle East.
At the end of the Cold War, the unipolar world led by the USA experienced
a vacuum in the balance of power. The ideological and ethnic differences were
severe leading to conflicts. Warring parties and factions, mostly within the states,
fought for the power and authorities with a view to gaining politically and to control
over the national natural resources. Thus, the world experienced and witnessed
eruptions of intra-state conflicts with severe brutality and human catastrophe. The
UN and the global communities find it difficult to maintain international peace and
security where there was no peace to keep. The conflicts mostly waged in Africa
and in the Americas during this unipolar world. Global trends in armed conflict are
shown below at Figure 2:-

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 Traditional to Multi ...

Figure 2: Global Trends in Armed Conflict

Source: Center for Systemic Peace (www.systemicpeace.org)

But soon after the American hegemony was over at the beginning of the
21st century, world politics and the economy was characterized by the rise of the
BRICS4 nation. European Union especially France and Germany were at times
challenging their longtime ally USA over certain political and military issues. The
economic war was replacing military supremacy, especially between China and
America. The global countries were divided into the Global North and Global
South. The Global North was influencing the peacekeeping missions with their
finance and framework; on the other hand, most of the peacekeepers were
supplied by the Global South countries as shown in Figure 3:-
Figure 3: Number of Peacekeeping Personnel Provided By Regions

Source: Stockholm International Peace Research Institute

At this juncture of time, the global security scenario was devastated by the
rise of militancy, ultra-nationalism, international terrorism, religious fanaticism,
absence of rule of law, and societal discrimination. Intra-state conflicts and
violence prevailed in many poorly governed spaces of the multi-polar world. As
such violation of human rights, social discrimination, sex and gender-based

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atrocities against women and children were committed. The belligerents are
showing disrespect for UN peacekeepers and also launching an attack on them.
This is the present global security scenario where the UN Peacekeepers are
operating every day under imminent threats from the hostile forces in the distant
lands of disarray.
Evolving Nature of UN Peacekeeping Operations
The UNPKO helps the warring parties to navigate through the difficult path
of achieving peace. With the changing nature of conflicts, the nature and
character of the UNPKO have also evolved. It is worth mentioning here that the
UN Charter has authorized UNSC primarily to maintain international peace and
security through chapters of the Charter.5 However, the Security Council need not
refer to a specific Chapter of the Charter when passing a resolution and
authorizing the deployment of a UNPKO.6
Figure 4: The UN Charter and the Nature of UN Mission

Source: UN Charter

Traditional to Multidimensional Posture: It has been observed in the

last seven decades that the characteristics of UNPKO are constantly changing to
adapt to the changing requirements. Though not mentioned in the Charter, initially
PKO were deployed with the Traditional Model in 1948 to observe and monitor
ceasefire after the first Arab-Israel war. The pioneer peacekeepers were lightly
armed military observers or contingents that were implementing the ceasefire
agreements. However, more complex tasks were added with the passage of time
including supporting and implementing the comprehensive peace agreement,
protection of civilians, women and child protection et cetera. Peacekeeping
missions became multi-dimensional peacekeeping with the addition of police and
civilian component. These multidimensional PKO successfully completed the
DDR process, organized elections, supervised the writing of constitutions,
promoted democracy and emplaced rule of law.

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 Traditional to Multi ...

Regional Arrangement and Hybrid Mission: Influx demands of

peacekeeping missions in the late 1990s severely affected the resource capability
and organizational capacity of the UN to undertake missions with the expected
quality.7 The nature and magnitudes of the conflicts were severe. It was
characterized by violent intra-state conflicts, lack of consent and cooperation
among the stakeholders. As a result, the UNSG called for a wide range of
cooperation from regional and sub-regional organizations. In response to the call
of the UNSG in 1999, 16 regional and sub-regional organizations had shown
interest in partnering with the UN for peacekeeping and other peace-related
activities. Many of them are EU and African centric organizations. In the history of
the PKO, 15 such UNPKO with regional partnership and arrangements were
deployed. African Union led mission in Darfur, NATO-led mission in Kosovo and
OSCE led mission in former Yugoslavia is a remarkable partnership mission with
the UN. Figure 5 below gives a vivid idea in this regard:-
Figure 5: State of Multilateral Peace Operations

Source: SIPRI

The Robust Turn: Many of these above-mentioned missions under varying

arrangements have ended successfully but criticism started mounting sharply
since the end of the 20th century. The UN missions in breakaway regions of
Balkan and in Africa failed to protect civilian lives. There were genocides and
massacres right in front of the armed peacekeepers. UN peacekeeping missions
displayed an inability to deal with armed rebels and fighters with the plea of
absence of clear and strong UN mandates. Therefore in 2000, the UN undertook
a thorough review of the UNPKO by a panel led by Mr. Lakhdar Brahimi. The
panel’s report commonly known as “Brahimi Report” prescribed for Robust
peacekeeping, meaning whatever it takes, and allowed peacekeepers to use
force at tactical level which will enable them to protect the civilian in violent
conflict.

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Multidimensional Stabilization Concept: The concept of new generation

multidimensional UNPKO has evolved due to the transformation of the
international environment. These newer conceptualized missions were deployed in
the dangerous aftermath of violent internal conflict and often tasked to stabilize the
ground condition as shown in Figure 6 below:-
Figure 6: Dynamics of Multidimensional Stabilization to Multidimensional
Integrated Mission

Source: UN Capstone Doctrine

Multidimensional Stabilization to Multidimensional Integrated Mission:

the implementation of a comprehensive peace agreement.8 These missions are
also tasked to work as Transitional Authority to run state administration for the
peaceful transfer of the authority to the host government. Multidimensional
stabilization missions are deployed in an environment where basic infrastructures
have been destroyed, having ethnic and religious division, with a lot of people
being refugees and IDPs. Concurrent UN multidimensional peacekeeping
missions are mandated to protect civilians from violent conflicts. These actions
required concerted and coordinated effort by all the components and must be
mainstreamed into the planning and core activities of the mission.
UN Country Team, humanitarian agencies and non-governmental
organizations (NGOs) also undertake a broad range of development activities in
support of the protection of civilians. These UN Country Team and development
partners undertake peacebuilding activities. Peacebuilding requires funds and
technical expertise which a multidimensional mission lacks in and they are
required to be incorporated into the UN System. Thus, HIPPO9 report
recommended for the primacy of politics. It proposed that the UN peacekeeping
strategy has to support a political strategy combining politics, partnership, and
people. Therefore, close coordination with these partners is necessary. To
implement this partnership UN has developed the concept of integrated mission
which will integrate all the UN country Team and Humanitarian Agencies under a
common strategy.

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Bangladesh Army in Blue Helmet

Bearing the glorious legacy of the Liberation War, Bangladesh Army has
always stood by the distressed and oppressed people at home and in distant
lands. Fourteen years after getting the UN membership, Bangladesh sent her first
peacekeepers in 1988 to UNIMOG. From the very first deployment, Bangladesh
Army has the quest for excellence through its dedication, professionalism, and
respect for humanity. As a result, Bangladesh and peacekeeping missions
became synonymous around the globe. Bangladesh now is a key contributor to
UN peacekeeping activities and a leading TCC. Position of Bangladesh in UNPKO
for last ten years (2010-2019) is shown in Figure 7 below:-
Figure 7: Position of Bangladesh in UNPKO for Last Ten Years (2010-2019)
Position as TCCs Number of Times Years
st
1 3 2011,2014,2015
nd
2 5 2010,2012,2013,2017,2018
rd
3 1 2019
th
4 1 2016
Source: Author’s Computation from Own Survey

Bangladesh Army has a unique experience to participate in UN peacekeeping

missions in all kinds of terrain. At one point of time, Bangladeshi peacekeepers
have been deployed in four different continents, having six time zones and
Bangladeshi Flag remained hoisted around the globe twenty-four/seven. Also, the
global community has highly appreciated the role played and contribution made
by the Bangladesh Army in PKO. Bangladeshi peacekeepers are now regarded
as the role model to many TCCs. Since 1988 Bangladesh has participated in more
than 54 UN peacekeeping missions by sending over a hundred thousand
peacekeepers in 40 different countries. According to a study of the World Bank,
the Bangladeshi population is less than 3% of the world population but contributed
peacekeepers more than 8% as shown in Figure 8 below:-
Figure 8: Country-Wise Percent Peacekeepers vs Percent World Population

Source: World Bank Report, 201510

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It also participated in all types of UNPKO that has been evolved from time
to time. From the traditional peacekeeping missions to the latest
multidimensional integrated stabilization missions everywhere Bangladeshi
peacekeepers had firm footsteps for the cause of global peace. Bangladeshi
peacekeepers have always won the hearts and minds of the host nation’s
population through their conduct and behavior. At times slipped away discipline
cases of the peacekeepers were reported which was dealt in an appropriate
manner.
UN peacekeeping is one of the most important affairs of the Bangladesh
Government in general and Bangladesh Army in particular. Numerous steps
have been taken by the authority to strengthen the organizational capacity and
capability of the Bangladesh Army for the participation in UNPKO. To supervise
all the mission activities, Overseas Operation Directorate is created in the Army
Headquarters. For enhancing the capacity of the troops in peacekeeping
operations, Bangladesh Army also established Bangladesh Institute of Peace
Support Operations Training (BIPSOT)11 to provide effective collaborative
training. BIPSOT is now a hub of world-class training facilities for the
peacekeepers and Military Experts on Mission (MEM). All those steps have
contributed immensely to the institutional capacity building and qualitative
service of Bangladeshi peacekeepers in UNPKO.
Challenges Ahead
Transformed World Order: Polarization in the global order has shaped
the diplomatic and political efforts of the UN. Besides providing more numbers
of peacekeepers the global south has pumped more finance towards
international peace and security and eventually became more vocal for the
stakes in the peacekeeping operations. World communities and think-tank
groups are also divided onto many issues, especially on the protection protocol
and measures.
Asymmetric Threats: The evolution that the UNPKOs have gone
through is because of the changing global security scenarios. Threats have
now no faces and not confined to a particular region. Evil forces are operating
across the mission areas with their recruited terrorist. Fundamentalism and
ultra-nationalism are more dominating in violent conflicts. “Lone Wolf” tactics
and suicidal attacks are a common phenomenon in the asymmetric
environment. General mass and civilian targets are deliberately attacked by
these perpetrators making peacekeeping a complicated task.
Lack of Consent: Today’s conflicts are characterized by the lack of
consent of the conflicting parties which is one of the principals of UNPKO. In
South Sudan, two armies, Sudanese People Liberation Army (SPLA) and
SPLA-Opposition are fighting with each other. Likewise in Mali, Central African
Republic (CAR) and D R Congo, there is no consent of the belligerents and
peacekeepers are deliberately targeted.

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Unavailability of Specialized Armaments: Fighting an asymmetric threat

and fighting against professional armies requires different types of tactics and
modern armaments. Battlefield conditions are prevailing in most of the
missions. These environments necessitate special armaments and equipment.
Most of these armaments are very expensive and produced by technologically
advanced powerful countries. Its procurement process is complicated and
requires specialized training which at times is not readily available.
Low Peacekeeping Budget: Everyday UN peacekeeping budget is
shrinking. Many rich nations are reluctant to provide funds for the UNPKO. As a
result, many missions are operating with the shortfall of mission-essential .
Absence of Standardized Training: Every military has got its own
training programs that are different from others. But peacekeepers from
different countries operate following a particular mandate of a particular
mission. Various components of multidimensional UNPKO has got different
operating procedures and reporting channels. There arise disharmony and
discord among the components which at times affect the operational tempo. UN
is trying its best to standardize its training modules and also pursuing the TCCs
to follow those training systems.
Ways Forward
Days ahead for the UNPKO are not going to be easy which is also
applicable for Bangladesh Army. Yet lots of development took place over the
years for training and strengthening the institutional capacity, still, Bangladeshi
peacekeepers are facing certain difficulties. Getting altogether for training is at
times difficult for national and service requirements. Peacekeepers must be
trained on robust peacekeeping with special emphasis to be given on the
protection of civilians and peacebuilding activities.
Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) must be intense and hard, combining day
and night time training environment, so that potential peacekeepers are robust
both physically and mentally. This PDT must involve training on all generic and
specialized equipment, taking all the forces on board by creating realistic
mission scenarios and environments. More thematic courses combining with all
components of a multidimensional mission, involving men and women is the
call of the day. BIPSOT may be given the responsibility to act as a pivot for the
training of all Bangladeshi peacekeepers. BIPSOT must be facilitated and
financed to enhance its existing capability for the training of domestic and
international peacekeepers.
Most of the present UNPKOs are working on many cross-cutting issues
like Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), conflict-related sexual violence,
community-based reintegration, child protection, et cetera. All those
cross-cutting issues involve women participation in the effective implementation

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of the mandate. But the fact is that, only 3% of military peacekeepers and 10%
of the police are women which is much less than 15% as targeted by the UN
(at the end of 2018).12 It should be now a top priority for Bangladesh to send
more female military personnel to the UN mission as a leading contributor to
peacekeepers.
Rotary wing aircraft and drones have been proved to be very useful
against terrorists in asymmetric conflicts. Hence, joint training of air and ground
forces utilizing that specialized equipment is necessary. Peacekeeping forces
in the mission area need ground surveillance capability to see before
perpetrators can see them.
Missions are becoming fatal for Bangladeshi peacekeepers because of
the increased use of IEDs, UXOs, mines, and VBIEDs by the militants. Suicidal
attacks and Lone Wolf fighters are also posing great threats for ground troops
on routine and special patrol duties. Therefore, they required more mine
protective/resistant vehicles and surveillance drones for performing duties
effectively.
Global security scenario is going to be more complicated hence
aggressive diplomacy will be required at the higher level. Bangladesh will have
to bargain for more mission leadership and decision making positions in
UNPKO in the future. These will definitely instill confidence among the
Bangladeshi peacekeepers.
Notes and References:
1. The United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG)
2. Rashed uz Zaman and Niloy Ranjan Biswas ‘Bangladesh And United Nations
Peacekeeping Missions: The Quest For A National PolicyTo Meet The
Challenge Of Uncertainty,’ Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh
(Humanities), Vol. 62(2), 2017, pp. 155-181
3. Cedric de Coning and Mateja Peter, United Nations Peace Operations in a
Changing Global Order, Palgrave Macmillan, Switzerland, 2019
4. BRICS nations are Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa
5. Charter of the United Nations and Statute of the International Court of
Justice, San Francisco, the UN, 1945. pp. 3-11
6. ‘United Nations Peacekeeping Operations: Principles and Guidelines (The
Capstone Doctrine),’ United Nations Department of Peacekeeping
Operations, Department of Field Support, 2008
7. Cooperation Between The United Nations And Regional
Organizations/Arrangements In A Peacekeeping Environment Suggested
Principles And Mechanisms, Lessons Learned Unit, Department of United
Nations Peacekeeping Operations, March 1999

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8. The Capstone Doctrine, 2008

9. High Level Independent Panel on Peace Operation (HIPPO), headed by
José Ramos-Horta, formed in 2015
10. ‘Contributors to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations,’ World Bank
Report on UN Peacekeeping, August 31, 2015
11. www.bipsot.net accessed on 14 February 2020
12. Alex J. Bellamy and Charles T. Hunt, Twenty-first century UN peace
operations: protection, force and the changing security environment, John
Wiley & Sons Ltd, Oxford, 2015

Brief Biography

Lieutenant Colonel S M Ashraful Islam, psc was commissioned on 16 June

1995 in Army Service Corps of Bangladesh Army. He has served in various
command, staff and instructional appointments. He has attended various
courses in home and abroad. He had peacekeeping assignments with UN
Mission in Cote d’Ivoire as Senior Staff Officer Logistics and UN Mission in
Liberia as Military Observer. He is a graduate of Defence Services Command
and Staff College, Mirpur and obtained Master of Defence Studies degree from
National University in 2008. He successfully completed in 2004 a Diploma in
Logistic Management from US Army Logistic Management College, Ft Lee,
Virginia, USA. He also obtained MBA from Dhaka University in 2003 and is a
Subject Matter Expert on Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration. He
is a content developer for UN Peacekeeping Training and a former faculty of
BIPSOT. He is an M.Phil Researcher of Bangladesh University of
Professionals. Presently, he is serving as Assistant Director of Supply and
Transport, Area Headquarters in Chattogram Cantonment.

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United Nations ... Journal, Issue 6, May 2020

Peacekeeping for A Peaceful World : A Dream Maker’s

Liberal Vision
Commander Md. Mehadi Amin Miah, (G), psc

Introduction
Conflict is the dominant theme in realism whereas cooperation is the
core concept of liberalism. Liberal vision is a politico-economic doctrine that
emphasizes equality of opportunity, protection of individual rights against state
and ensures peaceful coexistence among states. Our visionary Father of the
Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was always been vocal against
any oppressor or imperialist state towards the suppressed state. As a member
state of the United Nations (UN), Bangladesh had to adopt all the principles of
the UN to its foreign policies which are mentionably, ‘Respect for sovereignty,
territorial integrity and political independence and non-interference in the
internal affairs of the state.’ Bangabandhu’s foreign policy was always ahead
of its time. Till today, Bangladesh is reaping the fruits of Bangabandhu’s
pragmatic foreign policy. In 1972, the very first success of Bangabandhu’s
foreign policy was earning India’s consent to withdraw her soldiers from newly
liberated Bangladesh within a short period. Just three months after the
Liberation War, on 19 March 1972, Bangabandhu inked a 25-year Treaty of
Friendship and Cooperation with India and established strong bilateral
relations.1 Such diplomatic effort of Bangabandhu gave him a special place
among the world leaders seeking a peaceful resolution which finally formed
the basis of the UN peacekeeping.
The traditional model of the UN peacekeeping developed during the
Cold War period (1945-1990) as a means of resolving conflicts between
states. With its ever-changing trend, peacekeeping has now turned into a very
complex effort to cope with the precarious pattern of conflicts in the 21st
century. As far as the Protection of Civilians (POC) and Force Protection are
concerned, peacekeeping effort has now become very risky due to
multifaceted threats prevailing in the host countries wherein the UN
peacekeeping missions are deployed.2 The first UN peacekeepers were
deployed in the Middle East on 29 May 1948, and since then more than a
million peacekeepers have been deployed in 71 missions across the globe to
guarantee peace to billions of people. Bangladesh joined the glorious duty of
peacekeeping since 1988 and remained as one of the highest troop
contributors since decades. Bangladeshi peacekeepers bear the
consciousness of their glorious independence and carrying the legacy of the
Father of the Nation earned the position of most celebrated and well-accepted
peacekeepers around the world. This paper mainly highlights the contribution
of Bangladeshi peacekeepers in the UN Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO)
and their sophisticated mindset for the oppressed people bearing the legacy of
the Father of the Nation.

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Bangladesh in Peacekeeping Operation

Looking back at the seven decades of service and sacrifice by the UN
peacekeepers, it is observed that a huge transformation has occurred in the UN
peacekeeping, from the traditional peacekeeping to complex and
multidimensional peace enforcement extending to peacebuilding. When the UN
Charter was formed in 1945, it did not include any explicit provision of the UN
peacekeeping which emerged subsequently. Some argue that the UN
peacekeeping is an improvisational outcome of the Cold War and
decolonization. However, in the process, the elements of the UN Charter’s
Chapters VI, VII, and VIII have been inducted in the peacekeeping operation
(PKO) which covers settlement of disputes, use of force for peace operation
and authority of the regional organization to establish peace. The UNPKO have
earned due credibility and is widely recognized as a universal feature of
multilateral crisis management.3
Our peacekeepers have played a key role in UNPKO successes.
Bangladesh joined the second generation of the UN peacekeeping and has
coped with its growing transformation with its professional plan. Bangladesh
Army took the pioneering role and subsequently the sister services,
Bangladesh Navy (BN) and Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) as well as Bangladesh
Police, reinforced the peacekeeping forces. Though a late entry in 1988,
through the United Nations Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG),
Bangladesh has deployed more than 0.15 million of its peacekeepers in 54
missions spread across 40 different countries.4 In discharging their solemn
duties under the UN flag, a total of 151 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have made
the ultimate sacrifice among a total of 3,800 UN peacekeepers killed in
peacekeeping duty. Therefore, the International Day of UN Peacekeepers 2020
has been observed to commemorate the glory of the UN Peacekeepers with 72
Years of Service and Sacrifice. Likewise, Bangladesh Armed Forces,
Bangladesh Police and civil officials contributed in peacekeeping are also
celebrating 32 years of service and sacrifice in the UN peacekeeping role
waving our national flag at the topmost position.5 Over the last three decades,
these forces have developed efficient standing operating procedures (SOPs),
established institutional framework to mobilize for PKO, and are in a position to
train and deploy effective and adequate forces when the UN calls for it.
Bangladeshi became a top Troop-Contributing Country (TCC) by early 2000.6
This is a clear manifestation of Bangladeshi peacekeepers’ impartial
commitment, professionalism, dedication, and adaptability.
Bangladesh’s quick rise in the UN peacekeeping role is often discussed in
the international media and academic circles. Bangladesh’s consistent
participation originates from her constitutional obligations to maintain peace,
freedom, and justice across the world. It also stems from her sacrifice in the
War of Liberation in 1971. Hence, there is a strong political and national will of

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Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to participate in PKO and stand by the

oppressed people around the world.
‘A Peaceful World’ – Dream of Bangabandhu
The Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has not
only fought for the Bengalees of Bangladesh but for the rights and peace of the
oppressed people of the whole world and declared his solidarity with their
struggle for the realization of rights. Bangabandhu was the most passionate
and fearless advocate for peace in the world as well as the right of
self-determination. In October 1972, the World Peace Council announced the
award of the Julio Curie Peace Medal for Bangabandhu. During the peace
award ceremony in Dhaka in May 1973, Bangabandhu mentioned that
independence of Bangladesh came through the sacrifice of three million
martyrs for resisting naked attacks of the colonial rulers. Thus, peace and
freedom have united the people of Bangladesh. Bangladeshi people are aware
of the importance of regional peace. Thereby, striving for world peace was the
principal philosophy of Bangabandhu’s life. Bangabandhu stood beside the
people, no matter which part of the world they belonged to, who were
oppressed, suppressed, exploited and fighting for peace and
self-determination.7 This was amply reflected in his remark made during the
speech delivered in the 4th NAM Summit held in Algeria from 5-9 September
1973, “Only a peaceful environment can enable us to enjoy the fruits of the
hard-earned national independence and gather all our strength and resources
to fight poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, and unemployment. The world is
now divided into two groups, the oppressor and the oppressed. I stand by the
side of oppressed people to establish a peaceful world.”8
As the envoy of peace, Bangabandhu wanted to fill the whole universe
with unabated peace. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman remained as the
thundering voice for world peace, an uncompromising voice for realization of
the rights of the exploited and the oppressed people. He had pointed out that
political, economic and racial discrimination prevailing around the world and
also prescribed the way out. The message he had sent to the World Congress
of Peace Forces on the occasion of its conference held in Moscow in October
1973 echoed his sentiment, “I am indeed happy to learn about the holding of the
World Congress Peace Forces in Moscow from October 25 to 31, 1973. At a
time when people in different parts of the world are struggling against
imperialism, colonialism, and racialism and are striving for political and
economic emancipation, such a Congress cannot but strengthen and inspire all
those committed to the cause of world peace. The oppressed people of the
world must liberate themselves from exploitation and man’s injustice to man
must end if the world is to enjoy a stable peace.”9
At the UN General Assembly in September 1974, Bangabandhu
highlighted the continued illegal occupation of territories through aggression.

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The unjustified force used to seize the rights of the people struggling against
racial discrimination and apartheid. He mentioned that Algeria, Vietnam,
Bangladesh, and Guinea-Bissau had achieved great victories through their
struggle. Bangabandhu mentioned that the final victory deserved by the
peace-loving people where justice must prevail. However, injustice and
oppression were still prevalent in many parts of the world. Arab brothers were
continuing their struggles for the complete liberation of the illegally occupied
territories and the legitimate national right of the people of Palestine had not yet
been realized. Bangabandhu underlined that although the process of
decolonization had made progress but the process had not yet reached its
ultimate goal, especially in Africa. By pointing out the determined struggles of
the people of Zimbabwe (South Rhodesia) and Namibia for national liberation
and independence,10 Bangabandhu boldly mentioned that racism and crime
against the humanity committed by the oppressors had still been biting people’s
conscience.
There is a historical speech of Bangabandhu given in Bengali in the
session of the UN General Assembly on 25 September 1974. This particular
speech was also one of the greatest speeches in the history of Bangladesh.
Bangabandhu’s speech delivered to the UN was a courageous utterance and
bold step towards establishing equitable rights, world peace and justice for the
oppressed, deprived of the whole world. Bangabandhu, in his speech, recalled
that after the birth of the UN, a quarter-century of experience shows that there
has been a continuous struggle in the face of enormous obstacles to the
implementation of its ideals. Bangabandhu unequivocally declared on that day
that the UN must harness the power of logic to create an equitable international
system. This system will guarantee the sovereignty of each country over its
natural resources. To develop this system, a practical framework of
international cooperation is needed, the basis of which will be the recognition of
the common interests of all countries of the world in a stable equitable
economic system. It is the time when we have to declare in a voice that we have
an international responsibility. It is the responsibility of every man of the world
to enjoy the economic, social, and cultural rights that are suited to the
development and dignity of everyone’s personality. According to the Declaration
of Human Rights, we have to fulfill our international responsibilities in such a
way that every person is guaranteed to establish the standard of living
necessary for the prosperity of himself and his family. If weapons competition is
reduced, it will be possible to spend huge resources wasted on the competition
for the welfare of mankind. In his speech, he also vowed to build a peaceful
world free from the threat of nuclear war. He observed in his speech, “We will
not move towards a world filled with hunger, poverty, unemployment, fear of
starvation, fear of being destroyed by nuclear war, we will look to a world where
humanity is capable of great success in the era of astounding advances in
science and technology. This future will be free from the threat of nuclear war.

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By the equitable distribution of all the resources and technical knowledge of the
world, the door to such welfare will be opened where every person will have the
minimum guarantee of a happy and respectable life.”11
End-state of a Peace Lover’s Dream
After 49 years of our independence, the legacy of the Father of the Nation
flows deep inside the vein of all Bangladeshi people who are restoring peace
around the world as peacekeepers. At the Commonwealth Summit held in
Kingston, Jamaica, in May 1975, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman called
upon the members of the Commonwealth to fully support the African strategy
for South Africa and to approve the Darussalam Declaration. He declared that
Bangladesh had firmly imposed a full ban on trade relations with Rhodesia and
South Africa. Bangabandhu also declared his country’s solidarity with the
Africans in their justified struggle against the oppression of racism. He assured
the African leaders present at the Conference about the assurance of 70 million
people of Bangladesh in support of peace. Reiterating Bangladesh’s
unwavering support for the liberation struggle of African brethren,
Bangabandhu offered the service of his trained freedom fighters to train the
freedom fighters of Zambia and Namibia. He agreed with Julius Nyerere
(1922-99), former President (1964-85) of Tanzania to be ready for war, even
during the negotiations. Referring to the situation in the Middle East,
Bangabandhu said that it had posed a serious threat to world peace. He
lamented Israel’s refusal to compromise and blamed Israel for keeping the
crisis alive. He described the victory of the people of Cambodia and Vietnam as
the realization of their aspirations through decades of bloodshed and war.12
Bangabandhu had played a significant role and had raised his thunderous
voice for world peace and self-determination of the oppressed people of the
world. He was one of the few leaders in the world who fought for world peace
and rights of self-determination. Such an infinitely courageous leader who
dares to speak for the oppressed, suppressed, exploited and rights-deprived
people of the world is always rare on earth.13 While delivering her speech at a
public gathering in Dhaka during her visit in March 1972, the Indian Prime
Minister Indira Gandhi stated, “You may lack a lot of resources today, but you
have a world-renowned leader who has dedicated his entire life for your welfare
and has given you unity and courage.” Bearer of the legacy of Bangabandhu,
Bangladesh remained as the highest peacekeepers contributing nation to
establish world peace. It remains as the accountability as a nation to fulfill the
will of our Father of the Nation to dedicate our effort to establish world peace.
Today and even days to come, the dream of Bangabandhu will come true
through the sincere efforts of our valiant peacekeepers around the world risking
their lives to establish world peace, to reestablish good order and remain on the
side of oppressed people evading the oppressors.

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Conclusion
The extraordinary blessings given to our Father of the Nation was to be
the voice of the voiceless. We are champion on different causes but the virtue
of commonality was seen inside Bangabandhu’s thinking about gender,
inequality, racism, injustice or fight against the beliefs that one nation or one
species has the right to dominate, use and exploit another with impunity. We are
often disconnected from the natural world where we are pledged guilty of living
in an egocentric world with a belief that we are the centre of the universe. We
go into the natural world and we plunder it for its resources by suppressing
aborigine owners. We fear the idea of personal change. Because we think that
we have to sacrifice something to give something up. When we help, educate
and guide each other to grow and accept redemption for our deeds that is the
best of humanity. Our Father of the Nation taught us to remain with the side of
the oppressed and support humanity. Therefore, if we run to rescue mankind
with love to uphold the legacy of our Father of the Nation, peace will surely
follow us to reform a dream makers dream for a peaceful world.

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Notes and References

1. S Subba Rao, ‘Indo–Bangladesh Relations: From Détente To Entente,’ World
Affairs: The Journal of International Issues, Vol. 16, No. 3, Autumn 2012
(July - September), pp. 152-169, Kapur Surya Foundation and also see:
https://www.jstor.org/stable/48504943, page count: 20
2. Hilde Frafjord Johnson, ‘Protection of Civilians in the United Nations: A
Peacekeeping Illusion?,’ United Nations Peace Operations in a Changing
Global Order, Palgrave Macmillan, 12 October 2018, pp.133-152
3. Elizabeth Schmidt, Foreign Intervention in Africa: From the Cold War to the
War on Terror, New York, Cambridge University Press, 2013, p.117
4. Joachim Alexander Koops, et al, The Oxford Handbook of United Nations
Peacekeeping Operations, New York, Oxford University Press, 2015, p.143
5. John Braithwaite and Bina D'Costa, Cascades of Violence: War, Crime and
Peace building Across South Asia, Australia, ANU Press, 2018, p.255
6. Chiyuki Aoi, et al, ‘Unintended Consequences of Peacekeeping Operations,’
Michigan, United Nations University Press, 2017, p.103
7. S. M. Shamsul Alam, Governmentality and Counter-Hegemony in
Bangladesh, Hampshire, Mcmillan Publishers Ltd, Springer, 2016, p.43
8. Rabīndranātha Tribedī, International Relations of Bangladesh and
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman: 1974-1975, Delhi, UBS Publishers,
1999, p.76
9. ‘Kissinger's triumph began in trauma,’ The New York Times, 20 June, 1974,
p.8, retrieved on 19 February at 2330 hrs on website,
https://www.nytimes.com/1974/06/23/archives/twenty-days-in-october-kissi
ngers-triumph-began-in-trauma.html
10. Trevor Findlay, The Use of Force in UN Peace Operations, Stockholm, SIRI
Publishers, 2002, p.139
11. Dr Rounaq Jahan, ‘The political philosophy of Bangabandhu,’ Dhaka
Tribune, 10 June 2019, retrieved on 12 February 2020 at 0910 hours
12. Special Supplementary compilation of fortnightly news bulletin, New York,
Bangladesh Mission, Bangladesh Embassy, Vol.4, No.1, 11 January 1974,
retrieved on 19 February at 2330 hrs on website,
https://books.google.com.bd/books?id=OHAwAQAAIAAJ&printsec=frontco
ver&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false
13. ‘Einstein and peace,’ Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Vol. 35, No. 3, March
1979, Magazine of Science and Public Affairs, Chicago Illinois, retrieved on
19 February 2020 at 2330 hrs on website, https://books.google.com.bd/
books?id=7goAAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA1&dq

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Brief Biography

Commander Md Mehadi Amin Miah, (G), psc was commissioned in

Bangladesh Navy on 01 January 1999. He completed his basic training from
Royal Malaysian Navy. He completed his Missile Command Course from FAC
School and Maritime Warfare & Tactics course from SMWT. He completed his
Gunnery specialization from BNS Issa Khan. He completed his staff course from
Defense Services Command and Staff College, Mirpur, Dhaka. He served
onboard BNS ALI HAIDER, BNS OSMAN, BNS MADHUMATI, BNS NIRBHOY,
BNS BHATIARY and commanded MISSILE BOATS, 41 PCS and Mine Sweeper
BNS SUROVI. Beside seafaring tenure onboard ships, he completed his mission
in Sudan as a member of Force Riverine unit BANFRU-6. He served in Armed
Forces Division in Operations Directorate as General Staff Officer-2 Ops Navy
and Secretary to PSO AFD. At present, he is serving as Deputy Director of Naval
Intelligence at Naval Headquarters. As a dedicated researcher, he has
successfully completed MPhil from Bangladesh University of Professionals on
‘Coastal Oil Spill Hazard-Assessment on National State of Readiness,’ under
supervision of Professor S.M. Maksud Kamal, Dean, Faculty of Earth and
Environmental Science, Dhaka University. At present he is pursuing PhD
research study program in the same institution.

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Peacekeeping Duty in a Complex Situation Like Mali:

Bangladesh Contingent Perspective
Lieutenant Colonel Raihan Ahmed, psc

Introduction
United Nations Multi-dimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali
(MINUSMA) assumes to be the most complex and the deadliest United Nations
(UN) mission of the contemporary era. Complexity mainly emanates from its
inter-woven geo-strategic, regional, and transnational realities. Deadliness, on
the other hand, accentuates the asymmetric nature of its operational and
tactical environment. Undoubtedly, the geo-strategic and regional dynamics of
Malian conflict adds to its complexity as it out-rules the principle that states
“Sustainable peace can be established only by the people of a particular
country itself.”1 The complexity apart, Malian peace mission, as said before,
assumed to be the deadliest fervor due to its asymmetric nature. Washington
Post in a recent report observes, “In the past four years, 118 peacekeepers
have been killed; making the UN mission in Mali, known as MINUSMA, the
world body’s deadliest ongoing peace operation.”2
However, be it either strategic or tactical dynamics, respectively adding
to the complexity and deadliness of the mission, Bangladesh Battalion
(BANBAT) operating under such situation faces enormous challenges. The
reason being nations like Bangladesh are not at par with the developed
countries to tailor the strategic or regional affair in its favour. On the other hand,
Bangladesh Forces are performing the task with utmost sincerity, dedication,
and profesionalism under such an asymmetric environment let alone the
adverse geographic, weather and other pertinent factors.
In this context, this paper will initially highlight the genesis of the problem
and dynamics of the country followed by operational challenges and difficulties
those are normally faced by the BANBAT in Mali which have been personally
experienced by the author in MINUSMA. Finally, the paper will show some ways
forward to mitigate the difficulties with a few recommendations. Although
Bangladesh Forces include all its organs like Air Force, Engineers, Signals, and
others deployed here, but due to size limitation, the paper restricts the research
on BANBAT only.
Genesis and Dynamics of Malian Conflict
Malian kingdom was established around the 13th century. French
included Mali under colonial Sudan in 1892. Soon the resistance movement
started in the early years of the 20th century. Tuaregs3 also started the
separatist movement in 1916. However, Mali became independent on 20 June 1960
with suppressed Tuareg aspiration. The crisis in Mali started in January 2012

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with Tuareg rebellion under the banner of Movement National pour la Liberation
de l’ Azawad (MNLA).4 Tuareg rebels, bolstered by the return of soldiers from
Gaddafi’s legions with heavy weaponry and assisted by the terrorist groups
occupied a large part of northern Mali. They declared the independence of this
territory which they call Azawad.5 The Malian armed forces’ poor performance
in fighting the rebellion, in turn, triggered the “March 2012 coup d’état” by
frustrated army officers in Bamako.6 The interim government was formed and
negotiation with the rebels started. MNLA’s occupation of northern Mali was,
however, short-lived as their nationalistic movement confronted with extremist’s
religious ideology of Shariwa State. Militarily and financially superior Al-Qaeda
in Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), its offshoot the Movement of Unity and Jihad in
West Africa (MUJAW) and Ansar al–Din quickly drove MNLA elements out.
Their southward move towards the capital Bamako triggered the French military
intervention in 2013 (Operation Serval). French forces quickly re-conquered the
parts with support from African-led International Support Mission to Mali
(AFISMA).
Peacekeepers Intervention: Following the signing of the Ouagadougou
interim peace agreement on 18 June 2013 amongst the two rebel groups of
Northern Mali,7 MINUSMA took over from AFISMA in July 2013.8 By
unanimously adopting resolution 2164 on 25 June 2014, the Security Council
set the tasks and nature of duties.9 Under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter the
MINUSMA started its operation with 12,640 uniformed personnel and civil
staff.10 Bangladesh deployed its total 1322 troops in MINUSMA comprising an
Infantry Battalion, two companies of Signal and one company of Supply and
Transport and Engineer Corps.11 Bangladesh Battalion is deployed under
Sector East in Gao of the northern province. Although a specific Area of
Responsibility (AOR) is not defined yet generally it includes Gao, Gossi,
Ansongo, Doro, Tarkint, and adjacent areas.
Geo-Strategic: Mali has greater strategic and political significance for
Western countries than other UN missions in sub-Saharan Africa for several
reasons.12 Vast geographical areas beset with precious mineral resources like
uranium and gold. Presence of non-state actors; transnational crime networks
and others make the area geo-strategically important to the global powers.
Although the deployment of 1087 European troops in MINUSMA13 confirms the
recent trend of increased European participation in the UN mission since 2013,
yet the geo-strategic importance of Mali creates skepticism at various corners.
Critiques say France supported the intervention from the beginning of the crisis
not only because of the historical background but also for political reasons: the
uranium from neighbouring Niger ensures a large part of the French energy
supply and the escalation of the conflict could threaten its access there.14 Thus
return of French in regulating the role of UN troops in Mali is suspected as
neo-colonialism by the locals and regional stakeholders.

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Regional: Regional dynamics stem from the concept of African Unity

says ‘African’s problem should be solved by the Africans.’ Such a notion is
purely regional that breeds not only from the regional geostrategic context but
also from suspicion about global player’s interest there. The relationship
between the UN and African Union (AU) has at times been characterized by
considerable conflict, mistrust, and tension, often hindering the predictability
and conduct of effective peace operations.15 Thus, G-5 Sahel Force comprising
five neighboring armies including (Mali, Burkina Faso, Chad, Mauritania, and
Niger) came into being in the region, apart from the UN Force. However, France
had their stake in pursuing the creation of G-5 Sahel Force but it is also a fact
that Tuareg’s movement may destabilize the entire region due to ethnic entity in
neighbouring countries.

Ethno-Demographic: Ethnic communities of Africa bear strong racial,

cultural and historical entity that frequently polarizes their communal collectivity
over political, economic, social or for that matter in any affair. There are more
than 30 ethnic groups in Mali of which 11 are major. A feature in The Guardian
states, “It is clear that ethnic identities are so much stronger and you cannot
simply “impose a state” on people who have no desire to live together.”16 Such
a fragmented population not only fuelled the intra-ethnic conflicts rather made
the Malian statehood a misnomer when ethnicity blends with geographical
realities. Major ethnic communities are shown in Figure-1 below:-

Figure-1: State of Ethnic Communities in Mali

SL.No Name Percentage Area Dominating Remark

1. Fulani 9% Central Region

2. Tuareg 5% North
3. Tamashekh - Scattered
4. Songhai 10% Gao Region
5. Bambara 25% After Central Mali up to
Southern part
6. Dogon 6% From Dountza up to
Koro
7. Senoufo 12% Southern portion
8. Malinke 8% After Central Mali up to
Southern part
9. Soninke 8% Kayes Region
10. Moor 5% Scattered
11. Bozo 5% Scattered
12. Others 7% Scattered

Source: https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/mission/minusma

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Ethno-Geographic: Northern Mali is separated from southern parts by a

geographical choke point, culture, life, and living. The northern populations
mainly Tuaregs are nomadic Berber people wandering in the desert of the
Sahara.17 They are traditionally connected to North Africa with their Berber Arab
origin, while the majority of Malian people are Black African with African
traditions.18 Tuareg live in northern Mali, Niger, Algeria, and Mauritania. After
the French colonization, the western powers established borders without
regard for the ethnic groups. The newly drawn borders are the reason for many
conflicts all over Africa because they fragmented the tribes and ethnic
groupsthat created conflict throughout history.19
Historical: There was a historical conflict in Malian society. In the past,
Tuareg people connected East and West Africa; they had the main role in the
trans– Saharan–trade.20 Tuaregs were struggling for autonomy in the Azawad
region since 1916. When Mali gained independence in 1960, Tuareg wanted
autonomy. Socialism and nationalism affected the first President of Mali,
Modibo Keitha’s governing method and he took the land from the Tuareg so
they fled to the neighbouring countries mainly in Libya. While Mali went on to a
democratic transition in 1992 the Tuareg started an insurgency again.21 Finally,
after the fall of Gaddafi as well as his tragic death, these experienced and
heavily armed fighters returned into Mali and triggered the Mali crisis.22 In one
way or another, their historical legacy of fighting is inter-woven with their
sufferings and sense of socio-economic suppression which finally polarizes on
political aspiration.
Political Dynamics: Political instability and weak governance ruined
Mali’s overall infrastructure. President Modibo Keita, stabilized his power in a
dictatorship and built a single-party system.23 Keita’s autocratic aspiration
initiated the ruining of democratic culture. Frequent military interventions in the
political process, long-standing separatist movement, the intrusion of non-state
actors, economic crises accompanied by communal strife ransacked the
political stability of the country turning it into a failed state. Such unstable
political stature is central in Malian conflict which is exacerbated further by
economic realities.
Economic: Mali is the 25th poorest country in the world. In the past few
years, the region suffered from droughts that increased its economic
problems.24 The real and projected growth of Malian GDP is shown in the graph
below.25 Poor economy, lack of opportunity, unemployment, poor
communication and infrastructure, scarcity of food, shelter and other life
amenities affected entire Mali particularly the vast northern area except few
cities. Such devastating socio-economic infra-structure not only fuelled the
Azawad movement but also paved the way for non-state actors in making easy
ingress in the area making leverage on religion.

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Figure-2: Real and Projected Growth of GDP of Mali

GDP growth compared to previous year

Source: CIA World Fact Book, Mali

Religion: Tuaregs’ movement was nationalist, not an Islamist formation.
The MNLA wants autonomy for the Tuaregs while religious extremist groups
envision an Islamic Mali ruled by Shariah law.26 Although fragile
politico-socio-economic infrastructure is the principal reason for the Malian
crisis yet 94% Muslim population is the primary context that allowed the ingress
of non-state actors in Mali.
Non-State Actors: As said before, various non-state actors entered and
grew in Mali making leverage on fragile socio-economic infrastructure,
intra-state conflict, and religious sentiment. Prominent non-state actors like
AQIM, Ansar al–Dine, Kati bat, MUJAW all pursue to create an Islamic state in
Mali to be governed by Sharia law. They have well-trained fighters who had
come from Afghanistan and Somalia, and young people from the neighbouring
countries.27 Unlike local small groups, these large extremist organizations are
not part of the peace accord. They were not also taken in confidence for
dialogue though asymmetric threat environment of Mali hinges on their
asymmetric tactics. However, asymmetry apart, another serious security
concern regarding them is their nexus with transnational organized crime
groups.
Transnational Organized Crime Nexus: In the discussion on Mali, one
factor tends to be overlooked: organized crime28 but in effect it has a deep bearing
on Malian crisis. Severe economic crisis, unemployment intra-state conflict, and
failed state mechanism manifested a strong network of trans-national crime that

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includes smuggling, drug trafficking and child, wild lives and other types.
Organized crime helps to fund most armed groups through direct involvement,
taxation, or protection rackets.”29 Dividing lines between separatist, extremist,
and criminal groups are blurred here. Reports of International Relations and
Security tend to show, “The complexity of the crisis lies in the intersection of
these security challenges, particularly the nexus between local conflict
dynamics, organized crime and jihadi extremism.”30
Challenges and Difficulties for Peacekeeping Duties
While performing UN peacekeeping duties following are the difficulties
faced by the UN peacekeepers:-
Adverse Weather and Terrain Conditions: The operational AOR for
MINUSMA force is vast and adverse due to location. The Republic of Mali is
located in North-West Africa. The total area is 1,24,0193 sq km of which 65%
area falls under the Sahel region of Sahara desert. The average temperature
during summer normally remains 45 degrees Celsius. At the same time,
movement through the desert hinders due to soft sandy tracks. The high
temperature and dust cause mechanical problems very often. In such an
adverse condition, the asymmetric threats by the adversaries appear like a
phantom in the desert.
Asymmetric Threat Perspective: As the war between belligerents
relative military power differs significantly, the threat becomes asymmetric. In
the resistance movement, the militias often have the status of unlawful
combatants. IED attack, Vehicle Born IED (VBIED) attack, Suicidal Vest IED
(SVIED) attack, Indirect Fire (IDF), and complex attack become a regular
phenomenon by the adversaries. Homemade explosives and suicidal attacks
inflict tremendous causality against the highly sophisticated modern world
army. As the pattern of attack changes very frequently, the operating
procedures often fail to ensure maximum protection.
Undefined Area of Responsibility (AOR): As per the SUR,31 BANBAT
is supposed to have a specific AOR. Although positioned at Gao but BANBAT’s
AOR is not yet defined. In military culture defined AOR is of extreme importance
from the context of orientation, familiarization, and affiliation and also for the
development of an effective intelligence network. As AOR is not defined, many
times BANBAT is tasked for extra AOR employment in remote areas. Such
employment inflates the risk potentials for tactical operations about area
orientation and intelligence.
Inadequate Intelligence: Success of operating under asymmetric
environment accentuates entirely on an effective intelligence network. The
research report says, in order for MINUSMA to get ahead of and disrupt the
terrorist planning and operational cycle, a concurrent higher-tempo cycle of
intelligence-led operations would have to be created, which would be
unprecedented for a operation (PKO).32 The Military Intelligence reports are

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often found inadequate from higher headquarters to carry out successful

operations due to limited accessibility and freedom of movements by the
peacekeepers.
Different Types of Stress: In the pre-deployment stage of PKO in Mali,
knowing the ambiguous nature of the mission creates stressful situations to
soldiers’ mind. Furthermore, lack of family preparation time, previous family
separation experience, the attitude of the family towards the assignment and
confidence in support available to the family make him more stressed related to
his family.33 Depending on individual personal health, coping ability, others’
previous deployment experience, confidence in self and the unit and sense of
security in family relationships aggravate his stress further. Furthermore, the
command structure often becomes decentralized.
Decentralized Command Spectrum: As the area of operation is vast
and very open, the operational group sometimes dissipates in a wide area. In
such a command spectrum, the ‘Mission Command’ becomes a necessity to
deal with the situation. Mission Command refers, an organized form of
empowerment, is the exercise of authority under mission-type orders, to enable
a disciplined initiative by the junior leaders within the commander’s intent in the
conduct of full-spectrum operations. It blends the art of command and science
of control to integrate the warfighting functions to accomplish the mission.34 The
decentralized command environment may happen in both the following cases:-
a. During Move in a Convoy: The logistic convoy and large scale
operational group convoy like more than one company consists of more
than fifty vehicles. This large body of troops becomes a long convoy
covering 4-5 km in a move. In case of a mechanical problem or stuck-up
vehicle in desert route often disperse it up to 8-10 km. The communication
between the vehicles and small groups disrupt due to terrain
configuration. At times, communications become difficult with various
military communication means due to terrain configuration. In addition to
that, civil logistic trucks and Lorries do not have any communication
system with the military group within the convoy. As a result, the
command and control become decentralized.
b. During Static Operational Task: In a Temporary Operational Base
(TOB) and UN Base Camp, a small group of security personnel remains
well dispersed. They also become isolated during the complex attack by
the threat. Normal communication system disrupts in case of IDF and
multidirectional attack. They need to take the instant decision and may
have to fight for a prolonged period in fluid situations.
Ways for Bangladesh Contingent to Meet the Challenges
In order to meet the challenges, following are the ways and means for
Bangladesh Contingent:-

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Threat Based Training: Type of threat must be studied and evaluated

well before. Based on the threat, special training on CIED and Search and
Detection (S&D) must be arranged. CIED training from organizations like
Engineers Center and School of Military Engineering (ECSME) and Ordinance
Center and School (OC&S) of BD Army having expertise on the subject matter
can be employed for this type of training. They can conduct the training based
on the modern technique to face the threats. This type of training should get the
highest priority in the preparatory stage. In some cases, previous contingent
member’s experience can be shared during their leave in Bangladesh to find
out the loopholes for improvement. The use of modern gazette and innovative
ideas like ‘IED detecting robots’ can be welcomed for morale boost up. All these
arrangements will help to gain confidence. It will also provide the scope for
healing up the negative impact of the recent fatal incidents.
Building Confidence through Robust and Realistic Training: To work
in an adverse and challenging situation, troop’s self-confidence is a must.
Confidence on own skill and efficiency will help to increase the mental courage
to face the challenge. Physical and mental strength will boost up the morale to
face a difficult situation. It will relieve him from the comparison of lose and gain
in life. In a survey 32% soldiers think that, tougher PDT will help them to survive
during the mission like MINUSMA.35 This confidence can be gained through
robust and realistic physical and tactical training. Few examples are as follows:-
a. Tough Physical Training (PT) some time with full battle gear, which will
be used in mission areas like Bulletproof Jacket, Helmet, Individual
weapon, and camel pack with additional weight.
b. Maximum possible Field Training Exercise (FTX) with Armour
Personnel Carrier (APC) and Light Armour Vehicle (LAV) mounted
maneuvers for prolonged period in a long distance.
c. Effective weapon handling training including firing personal weapons
from APC and LAV to ensure quick response against enemy fire with high
accuracy.
d. Unit level cadre on APC/LAV gun and communication set to create
additional qualified manpower within the platoons other than specialists.
e. Awareness training on IED, VBIED, SVIED for 100% members with
evaluation.
f. Conduct of training competition on ‘IED Hunt’ among the sections and
platoons to bring interest and competitive spirit.
g. Training on special equipment like the drone, GPS, digital map-related
mobile applications and communication equipment for all ranks.
Operating in Specific AOR: BANBAT should take immediate measures
to get its AOR defined through Sector and Force Headquarters. Because
effective tactical operation hinges on area orientation, familiarization,
intelligence network, and popular support, the issue of AOR assumes greater
importance. In case of difficulty, BANBAT may approach through the national
channel for this.

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Increased Military Intelligence Capability: While operating in an

asymmetric environment, intelligence assumes to be a crucial requirement. A
local interpreter can be a very good source for building civil-military relationship
with the local people. Local government representatives and village chiefs often
will be a good source for trusted information, if confidence can be built.
Frequent communication, medical support, and CIMIC items distribution can
increase the personal relationship between peacekeepers and locals. At the
contingent level, a local source from the villagers can be created to get
real-time information of unusual movement about suspected criminals. After
analyzing this type of information, the operational team can modify their plan of
movement and increase protection. A proposed organogram of MIO cell with a
suggested method of intelligence cycle is given below in Figure 3:-
Figure 3: Proposed Organogram of Intelligence Cycle

Source: Author’s self-construct

Here contingent commander will give necessary directives. Intelligence staffs

will collect information through selected sources/agents by themselves within
AOR. The collected information will be processed and converted to intelligence
by MIO/AMIOs (officer and JCOs) and will finally be disseminated by MIO.
Stress Management: Psychologically there are different ways and
means for stress management. Despite traditional motivation and counseling,
professional person like a military psychologist can be detailed. Firstly, he can
identify source stressor by preparing personality profile for all military personnel
in the contingent. Secondly, after categories stressors, he can conduct
counseling and systematic empathic motivational session. Thirdly, he can

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conduct a job analysis to select accurate persons for the correct job. Lastly, he
can conduct acceptance build up and coping up capability enrichment
sessions. Separate sessions and training hours should be allotted for this.
Delegation of Responsibility to Junior Leaders: To increase efficiency
and building capacity, junior leaders must be delegated with the responsibility.
They should be regarded as leaders in their domain who can make
independent judgments and influence the battlefield. The hierarchy needs to
have confidence and patience to accept minor errors. If the superior
commander shows fewer acceptances towards error, junior leaders will also fail
to display a positive attitude towards seeking or shouldering responsibility.36
According to Milan Vego, “The result of such a style of command is waiting for
orders, lack of motivation, stifling creativity, and careerism on the part of
subordinates.”37 Innovative ideas and initiative should be encouraged to
perform assignments in the dispersed battlefield. Junior leaders can be
involved in decision-making and they should be considered as stakeholders as
they are executors of the decision taken. Empowerment concept can be
introduced and practiced for Junior Leaders by sharing of the authority with
subordinates for influencing the outcomes while simultaneously retaining the
inherent responsibility.38 However, they should be accountable and held
responsible for their actions and performance.
Conclusion
MINUSMA in Mali is the most complex and the deadliest UN mission of
the contemporary era. Complexity emanates from geostrategic, regional and
transnational realities while deadliness accentuates on its asymmetric
environment. BANBAT operating under such situation faces enormous
challenges in the asymmetric environment. It is in this context, this paper
studies the complex dynamics of the Malian conflict and MINUSMA to draw out
ways for Bangladesh contingent to address the challenges. In its ultimate
analysis, the article tried to find out some solutions for the best possible
preparation for the challenging mission deployment in any peacekeeping
missions.

Notes and References

1. Jean-MarieGuehenno, The Fog of Peace: A Memoir of International
Peacekeeping in the 21st Century, Washington DC: Brookings Institution
Press, 2015
2. Washington Post avail at https://www.washingtonpost.com/ sf/world/ 2017/
02/17/the-worlds-deadliest-u-n-peacekeeping-mission/?noredirect=on&utm
_term=.b495d97f37cd accessed on 16 June 2018
3. Tuaregs are the members of a Berber people of the western and central
Sahara, living mainly in Algeria, Mali, Niger, and western Libya

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United Nations ... Journal, Issue 6, May 2020

4. AlJ (2015). UN peacekeeper killed in shooting in Mali capital. AlJazeera. May

2015
5. Arthur Boutellis, ‘Can the UN Stabilize Mali? Towards a UN Stabilization
Doctrine?, Stability,’ International Journal of Security and Development, p.1
6. Ibid.
7. J.Cockayne, Strengthening mediation to deal with criminal agendas, Center
for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD Center). November 2013
8. A.Boutellis, Mali’s Peacekeeping mission full-fledged behemoth or have
lessons been learned, Global Observatory. March 2013
9. MINUSMA Fact Sheet, available at https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/mission/
minusmaaccessed on 20 July 2018
10. Ritter Naomi, ‘Mali: A New Challenge for Peacekeeping,’ AARMS Vol. 13,
No. 1 (2014) pp.103–111
11. Statistics,op.cit, 20 March 2019
12. John Karlsrud and Adam C. Smith, Europe’s Return to UN Peacekeeping in
Africa? Lessons from Mali, International Peace Institute, Providing for
Peacekeeping no. 11
13. United Nations, ‘UN Missions Summary Detailed by Country,’ March 31,
2013
14. Eilstrup–Sangiovanni, ‘The EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy and
the Mali Crisis,’ Journal of International Relations, 16 08 2013 at
http://www.e-ir.info/2013/08/16/the-eus-common-security-and-defense
policy-and- the-mali-crisis accessed on 18 August 2018
15. Paul D Williams, ‘Partnership Peacekeeping: Challenges and Opportunities
in the UN-AU Relationship,’ African Affairs, 113/451, pp. 254-278
16. The Guardian at https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/30/-sp-
obama-africa-colonial-excuses-pollaccessedon 20 August 2018
17. D. B.Devon, The Crisis in Mali: A Historical Perspective on the Tuareg
People, Global Research, 2013. http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-crisis-in-
mali-a-historical-perspective-on- the-tuareg-people/5321407accessed on
13 August 2018
18. J. Besenyő, Miletics: Maliországismertető. Budapest: MHGeoinformációs
Szolgálat, 2013 http://www.kalasnyikov.hu/dokumentumok/orszagis mer
teto_ mali.pdf accessed on 18 August 2018
19. Mali: A new challenge for peacekeeping - UNI-NKEatarchiv.uni-nke.hu
/uploads/media, items/aarms- 2014-1
20. Ritter Naomi, ‘Mali: A New Challenge for Peacekeeping,’ AARMS Vol. 13,
No. 1 (2014) pp. 103–111
21. D. B.Devon, op.cit.

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22. Ritter Naomi, op.cit.

23. Ibid.p.3
24. CIA World Factbook, Mali.https://www.cia.gov/library/ publications/ the-
world- factbook/geos/ml.html accessed on 06August 2018
25. Statista, The Statistics Portal at file:///C:/Users/dbl-mil-banbat/ Desktop/
%E2%80%A2%20Mali%20-%20gross%20domestic%20product%20(GDP)
%20growth%20rate%202012-2022%20_%20accessed on 18 August 2018
26. A Thurston and A Lebovizt, Handbook on Mali’s 2012–2013 crisis, Institute
for the Study of Islamic Thought in Africa, Working Paper No. 13–001.m2013.
http://www.bcics.northwestern.edu/documents/workingpapers/ISITA-13001-
Thurston- Lebovich.pdfaccessed on 18 August 2018
27. BBC: Mali crisis: Key players. BBC News, 12 03 2013.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world- africa-17582909 accessed on 18 August
2018
28. Benno Zogg, Organized Crime, Fuelling Corruption and Mali’s Desert War,
IPI Global Observatory, February 27, 2018, p.1
29. Ibid.p.3
30. Sofia Sebastian, The Perils of Peacekeeping in Unstabilized Environments,
International Relations and Security Network published on 26 Mar 2015
31. Summary of Unit Requirements
32. Arthur Boutellis, ‘Can the UN Stabilize Mali? Towards a UN Stabilization
Doctrine Stability?,’ International Journal for Security and Development,
June 2015
33. UN Stress Management Booklet, Department of Peacekeeping Operations
(DPKO), 1995
34. US FM 3-0, Operations, Headquarters Department of the Army, Washington
DC (February 2011), p. 52
35. Survey, op.cit.
36. Lieutenant Colonel Syed Md As-Sazid, ‘Empowerment of Subordinates: an
Effective Leadership Tool,’ Bangladesh Army Journal, 62nd issue December
2017, p.115
37. Milan Vego, ‘On Operational Leadership,’ Joint Forces Quarterly, Vol 77,
2nd Quarter, 2015, p. 63
38. Robert M. Mundell, ‘Empowerment: A 21st Century Critical Leader Core
Competency’ Strategy Research Project Papers of U.S. Army War College,
Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania, 2009, p.4

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Brief Biography

Lieutenant Colonel Raihan Ahmed, psc, Infantry was commissioned with 44

BMA Long Course in the Corps Infantry on 17 June 2001. He has attended
number of courses both at home and abroad. Beside regimental appointments,
he served in SSF and as Instructor Class ‘B’ at Jhenaidah Cadet College. He
commanded 99 Independent Division Support Company, Chittagong under
ATRDOC. He is also a graduate from Defence Services Command and Staff
College, Mirpur and obtained Masters in Defence Studies from the Bangladesh
University of Professionals. Wearing blue helmets, he served in Ivory Coast and
Mali. He is presently serving as GSO-1 (Research and Development) in Inter
Services Selection Board.

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Peacekeeping in New Era

Sahely Ferdous, ppm, Assistant Inspector General

Introduction
Peacekeeping activities had started on the basis and from the principles
of the United Nations’ (UN) objectives of establishment. According to the
Charter of the UN article 1(1) the most important objective of the UN is “to
maintain international peace and security, and to that end: to take, and to bring
about by peaceful means, and in conformity with the principles of justice and
international law, adjustment or settlement of international disputes or
situations which might lead to a breach of the peace.” The perception of
contemporary peacekeeping activities and their behaviour has, therefore,
appeared as a result of more than fifty years of skill, practice, knowledge, and
trial that has been altered gradually with changing situations and due to the
inter-state chaos. After the Cold War, the continuous transformation of the
security situation in the international arena is a great threat to combined attempt
to address the modern intimidation toward global and local tranquility and
safety through the idea of ‘modern peace operations.’ Therefore, due to its
complex and intense nature, at the end of half-century of peacekeeping
operations (PKO) and a clear declaration on the responsibilities of
peacekeepers under the blue umbrella, a debate raises what peace operations
are and whether it is effective. For this, the article focuses on the contemporary
tendencies of global peacekeeping activities and adaptation of a new approach
to combat the threat against peacekeeping.
Features of Peacekeeping since 1986
Peacekeeping activities have come forward in order to react toward
emergency crises. Till 1987, around 12 peacekeeping activities were going on
around the world where most operations were carried out after decolonization
of Europe. The regular duties of such operations in this time were supervising
and strengthening stop fires, monitoring borderlines and intervening between
the nations engaged in conflict or war. There were three fundamentals under
which such operations were performed such as the permission of the persons
concerned, the neutrality of the peacekeepers and the least use of force. These
were considered as interconnected and the basis of the success of such
operations. In fact, the least use of force was the prime policy for UN
Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO) for a long time. According to Marrack
Goulding, the Under Secretary-General of UN, “more than half the
organization’s PKO before 1988 had consisted only of unarmed military
observers. But when operations were armed, it had become an established
principle that they should use force only to the minimum extent necessary and
that normally fire should be opened only in self-defense.” He also stated that

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“however, since 1973 self-defense had been deemed to include situations in

which peacekeepers were being prevented by armed persons from fulfilling
their mandate. This was a wide definition of ‘self-defence.’ In practice
commanders in the field had only very rarely taken advantage of the authority
to open fire on, for instance, soldiers at a roadblock who were denied passage
to a UN convoy. This reluctance was based on sound calculations relate to
impartiality, to their reliance on the continued cooperation of the parties and to
the fact that their force’s level of armament was based on the assumption that
the parties would comply with their commitments.”
Depending on the fundamentals created since forty years of PKO,
Marrack described such operations like “field operations established by the UN,
with the consent of the parties concerned, to help control and resolve conflicts
between them, under UN command and control, at the expense collectively of
the member states, and with military and other personnel and equipment
provided voluntarily by them, acting impartially between the parties and using
force to the minimum extent necessary.”
Basically, in these forty years the PKO which required neutrality have
established the practice of less use of forces from different states. For this, the
UN kept away from taking contingents from the Security Council’s five
permanent member states and from adjacent countries. The advantages of
such attempt were many. For example, local clashes were protected from cold
war completion or enmity and local dominance. Simultaneously, the
disadvantages were also prominent. There was lack of power and strength
among the UN troops that might be mitigated by the presence of superpowers.
However, during this period the results of PKO were mentionable. In this time,
several conflicts were stopped from extending and several operations were
potentially performed. Though there was significant progress in peacekeeping
since the advancement of such operations, it could not be mentioned as the
prime era for peacekeeping operations.
Evolution of UN’s Role in Peacekeeping
During 1989 there was a remarkable increase in forces in the UNPKO. In
the first thirty years (1948-78) not more than 14 missions were started. Again,
more than 19 missions were set up within 1989 to 1994 which included around
71,000 forces, military-observers, and United Nations police (UNPOL). The
critical cause behind such extension is the UN Security Council’s (UNSC)
enhanced capability to motivate member states on specific challenges. Another
cause is the positive perception on PKO which has established that the UN
have a pivotal role in establishing global security and that such operations can
deal with a large extent of critical challenges. Lastly, the demand for
peacekeepers increases after the Cold War in the following ways:
a. A large number of local peace contracts were paved from 1984 to 1990.
This created a requirement of peacekeepers for neutral and global troops

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in order to carry out the provisions of the agreement.

b. The downfall of two communal states like Russia and Yugoslavia due
to the conflicts, raised the demand for operations under the blue helmets.
c. After the Cold War (1946-90), the superpowers want to participate in
conflict resolution under the direction of UN rather than to observe from
a distant place.
After 1989, the UN peacekeeping actions had engaged a large extent of
operations such as supervising and conducting elections (in Haiti, Democratic
Republic of Congo, Namibia, et cetera), protecting civilians from the danger of
using force by the inhabitants or government of that region (in Croatia),
guarding specific area as a safe zone (in Bosnia), confirming the disarmament
of certain area (in Sarajevo), protecting weapons received from the conflict
areas, providing the smooth supply of relief (in Somalia and Yugoslavia), aiding
in government or police reform projects (in Cambodia and El Salvador), and
informing breach of laws during the armed war by the parties. These new
situations demand a new dimension of action. The new action also creates
some new challenges. For example, in supporting democracy, local assistance
is highly required. If such assistance is refused or withdrawn the PKO are in
trouble. For example, in Haiti, the UN actions other than the power of sanctions
were ineffective even in front of a tiny and poorly equipped independent
country. Another example is in the case of delivering humanitarian relief. Mostly,
UN assistance is necessary where supply of relief is essential though it is not
sufficient. At the same time question has been raised whether the situation that
produced the demand for relief and policy that would be adopted to handle has
been analyzed.
UNPKO are largely engaged in supporting and to some extent executing
governmental role in the countries where citizens are affected by regional
conflicts. Counseling, training, and reforming the police have become the
critical part of these engagements. Expansion of UN engagement in more
administrative activities is recurring though the success is inadequate. The
main challenge of such expansion is to identify the difference between
peacekeeping and coercive activities. Now there are found much more
interfering factors in PKO that create another crisis. However, consent to
intervene and use of force during PKO are the critical criteria for peacekeeping.
Consent by Host Nation for Peacekeeping
In the case of Iraq, the ‘safe havens’ for Kurds were attained by the
forces of the USA, UK, and France rather than the UN peacekeeping troops.
After that, the coalition force was replaced by the UN guards who were different
from UN peacekeepers. Though Iraq had no consent for such deployment, this
coalition had saved a great extent of lives. Therefore, the action against the
consent of an independent state persuaded similar UN reactions to other

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challenges. Furthermore, in Yugoslavia, the UNSC developed the UN

Protection Force (UNPROFOR) who was serving under the responsibility of the
Security Council “for the maintenance of international peace and security.” Here
the factor of consent was present. After the formation of UNPROFOR, Boutros
Ghali in ‘An Agenda for Peace’ expressed the ‘downgrading of consent as an
absolute requirement for peacekeeping’. He stated, “the deployment of a
United Nations presence in the field, hitherto with the consent of all the parties
concerned, normally involving UN military and/or police personnel and
frequently that expands the possibilities for both the prevention of conflict and
the making of peace.”
Use of Force being Inevitable Factor for Peacekeeping
In fact, the use of force is directly connected to the factor of consent.
Formerly, UN troops were authorized to use force while they openly
endangered or while their actions were resisted. However, in recent days
unknown threats and use of force are observed. For this, the demand for use of
force is increasing. The example is Namibia. Here in 1989, UN approved the
use of force in order to resist the infiltrators coming from South-West part of the
African organization. It was the critical prerequisite for the accomplishment of
the peacekeeping and post-election activities. Boutros Ghali defined
enforcement as an action which might be essential for specific forces, as he
stated, “Cease-fires have often been agreed to but not complied with, and the
UN has sometimes been called upon to send forces to restore and maintain the
cease-fire. This task can on occasion exceed the mission of peace-keeping
forces and the expectations of peacekeeping force contributors. I recommend
that the Council consider the utilization of peace-enforcement units on clearly
defined circumstances and with their terms of reference specified in advance.”
However, the basic challenges in the use of force have risen, not in the
cases of defensive operation rather in the areas of ongoing clashes where
direct actions are critically needed. One challenge is that if such robust use of
force is applied, it may increase the reliability of peacekeepers but at the same
time the peacekeepers that are less equipped there may be at risk. Another
challenge is that while involving the use of force in conflict areas it may engage
in murder and casualties of mass people along with the equipped rivals. In that
case, the credibility of peacekeepers would be at stake because such action
would be similar to a cruel or colonial type of action. Despite the above
challenges, the demand for an intelligent way of using force for PKO is staying
behind. If this way may not be discovered, the PKO would lose credibility. It was
found in Somalia and Haiti in 1994 when the UN efforts had received the
‘decline in their credibility’ that had restored after applying use of force in the
next year. In support of the use of force, the UN Under Secretary-General, Kofi
Annan, mentioned that “Today’s conflicts in Somalia and Bosnia have
fundamentally redrawn the parameters. It is no longer enough to implement

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agreements or separate antagonists; the international community now wants

the UN to demarcate boundaries, control and eliminate heavy weapons, quell
anarchy, and guarantee the delivery of humanitarian aid in war zones. These
are clearly tasks that call for ‘teeth’ and ‘muscle’, in addition to less tangible
qualities that we have sought in the past. In other words, there are increasing
demands that the UN now enforce the peace, as originally envisaged in the
Charter.”
Issues to be Considered for Success in New Era
From the above discussion on changing features of UN peacekeeping, it
is observed that PKO are changing its approaches from non-lethal to lethal and
also from armed operations to humanitarian activities. Therefore, UN must
restrict its actions to the circumstances where it only can focus on, which
means the UN should go forward for the ‘classic approach’ in order to keep the
peace. But there is a lack of practice in UNPKO which could meet both
humanitarian and use of force categories. Now, the UN is facing difficulties in
selecting the option either for use of force or of humanitarian approach.
However, there are no boxes fit for all. So no options are individually sufficient
to fix the crisis other than a combined approach. According to John Ruggie, in
case of civil conflicts, the UN should develop the policy “to deter, dissuade and
deny.” During the war, UN should adopt the strategy of deterrence in order to
establish peace in that area. It should then dissuade the regional rebels that
enforcement or force application will not bring success in dispute resolution.
Furthermore, in all types of conflict areas, peacekeepers need to collect
intelligence and have the finest structure of command and control. They require
trustworthy intelligence and rapid decision for operations. Usually, they gather
information by their own mechanism and in many times they have to depend on
their countries of origin. It leads toward a deviation from a uniformed action
plan as multinational troops are serving in different groups like contingents.
Therefore, an integrated unit at headquarters level should be developed for
individual peacekeeping activities where coordination within intelligence,
command, and control can be maintained.
Conclusion
PKO are changing in nature due to its different types of loopholes and
multi-dimensional challenges. Furthermore, peacekeeping activities are
increasing due to the UN’s enhanced capability toward addressing the global
crises almost all over the world where its Security Council plays a pivotal role to
reach agreement on several important issues. The reason lies behind this
development that the UN holds more significant part in transnational safety and
that peacekeeping can undertake a significant number of critical challenges.
However, the challenge confronted by PKO is lack of a homogeneous universal
system. Urgency for a hybrid approach is therefore inevitable where
enforcement and humanitarian attitude can work together.

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Notes and References

1. M.Goulding, ‘The Evolution of United Nations Peacekeeping,’ International
Affairs, Vol. 69, No. 3, July 1993, p. 455
2. B.B. Ghali, An Agenda for Peace: Preventive Diplomacy, Peacemaking and
Peacekeeping, New York: United Nations, 1992
3. K.A. Annan, ‘UN Peacekeeping Operations and Cooperation with NATO,’
NATO Review, Vol. 41, No. 5, October 1993, p.4
4. A. Roberts, ‘The crisis in UN peacekeeping,’ Survival, Vol. 36, No.3, 1994,
pp. 93-120
5. M. Malan, ‘Peacekeeping in the New Millennium: Towards Fourth
Generation’ Peace Operations,’ African Security Review, Vol. 7, No. 3,
1998, pp. 13-20
6. J.G.Ruggie, ‘Wandering in the Void: Charting the UN's New Strategic Role,’
Foreign Affairs, Vol. 72, No. 5, November/December 1993, pp. 8-12

Brief Biography

Sahely Ferdous, PPM, Assistant Inspector General has joined Bangladesh

Police as Assistant Superintendent of Police in 2001. She has served in
different commanding positions in Dhaka, Chittagong, and Khulna Metropolitan
Police. She was in Narail and Kurigram districts as Additional Superintendent of
Police and in-charge of Superintendent of Police respectively. She has
achieved her Master degree in Policing, Intelligence and Counter Terrorism
from Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia with Australia Government’s
scholarship. She obtained the Master degree in Soil Science from University of
Dhaka, MBA from Khulna University and Master in Disaster and Human
Security Management from Bangladesh University of Professionals. She has
served UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo as Operation Officer in
2006-07. She was the contingent commander of female FPU in Haiti in
20011-12. She has received the prestigious Leadership Award from
Bangladesh Police Women Network. She was also rewarded with the honour of
President Police Medal for her unalloyed contribution to Bangladesh Police.
She is serving as Assistant Inspector General in Community Policing at Police
Headquarters.

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In Quest of Peace in the Saharan Desert:

Contribution of Bangladesh Battalion (BANBAT) in Mali
Colonel Mohammed Rezaul Karim, afwc, psc, G

Introduction
United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stablization Misssion in Mali
(MINUSMA) was established on 25 April 2013 by United Nations Security
Council (UNSC) Resolution 2100 to stabilize Mali after the Tuareg rebellion of
2012. It was officially deployed on 01 July 2013 and has become the United
Nation’s (UN) most dangerous peacekeeping mission, with 204 peacekeepers
killed out of a force of about 15,000.1 As a leading peacekeeping nation,
Bangladesh is also participating in this mission with one Infantry Battalion
known as BANBAT, one Engineer Company known as BANENGR, one Signal
Company known as BANSIG, one Transport Company known as BANTPT, Air
element known as BANAIR, and Naval element known as BANRU. Out of all
these elements, BANBAT is the largest force of Bangladesh deployed in
MINUSMA. The first BANBAT was deployed in May 2014 known as BANBAT-1;
subsequently, other four BANBAT performed its duty in Mali in 2016, 2017,
2018, and 2019 respectively. Presently, BANBAT-6 is performing its duty in Mali
under Sector East (SE) of MINUSMA at Gao.
This paper attempts to highlight the role and contribution of BANBAT in
MINUSMA. In the process, endeavour has been made to look into the
background of the crisis under which the UN Forces as well as BANBAT were
deployed in Mali. In addition, challenges faced by BANBAT in MINUSMA and also
sacrifices made by BANBAT for the peace of Mali have been discussed basing
on real experience.
Background
The Republic of Mali is a landlocked country of West Africa. It is the eighth
largest country in Africa, with an area of 1,242,248 square kilometers.2 The
population of Mali is 19.1 million.3 Its capital is Bamako. Mali was a French
Colony since 1893 and became independent in 1960.
The main tribe of Mali is Mande (50%), other tribes are: Fula (17%),
Voltaic (12%), Songhai (6%), Tuareg (10%) and others (5%). Amongst them,
the Tuaregs are inhabitants of northern Mali i.e. Kidal, Timbouktu and Gao
region. The main languages in Mali are French (official), Bambara, Fulfulde
(Peulh), Songhai, and Tamasheq. The main religions are Islam (90%),
traditional religions (6%), and Christianity (4%).4
The Tuaregs have been living in Northern Mali since 5 BC and speak in
Tamasheq. They were converted to Muslims in 11th AD. Besides Timbouktu,

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Figure 1: Political Map of Mali

Source: Internet
Gao, and Kidal, they also inhabit in Algeria, Niger, and Libya. Tuareg revolt
started in 1916 after the denial of their autonomous zone (the Azawad). Even
after the independence of Mali, Tuaregs conducted numerous revolts and
rebellion against discrimination about land and cultural rights, deprivation of
infrastructural development which resulted in armed conflict and civil war since
1990. Tuaregs mostly, shifted to Libya during Gaddafi regime and returned to
Mali after his demise being well trained, armed and financed.
In April 2010, Mali, Algeria, Mauritania, and Niger set up joint command to
tackle the threat of terrorism. In January 2012, a Tuareg rebellion began in
Northern Mali, led by the National Movement for the Liberation of Azawad
(MNLA). In March, military officer Amadou Sanogo seized power in a coup
d’etat, citing President Toure’s failures in quelling the rebellion, and leading to
sanctions and an embargo by the Economic Community of West African States
(ECOWAS). The MNLA quickly took control of the north, declaring the
independence of Azawad.
On 11 January 2013, the French Armed Forces intervened at the request
of the interim government of Mali, with the Op SERVAL. On 30 January 2013,
the coordinated advance of the French and Malian troops has retaken the last
remaining Islamist stronghold of Kidal. The African-led International Support
Mission to Mali (AFISMA) forces started their deployment in Mali on 17 January
2013 which was later replaced by MINUSMA on 01 July 2013.5
BANBAT’s Contribution to MINUSMA
Providing Security to Gao Airport: Gao Airport is the hub of all
communications for MINUSMA. Though it is located in Sector East, it can be
termed as the life line of MINUSMA as logistic supply and other mission support
to two main sectors i.e. Sector East and Sector North. Terrorist Armed Groups
(TAG) always targeted to make this Airport non functional by conducting
Suicidal Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (SVBIED) attack and
Indirect Fire (IDF) by Rocket and Mortar. The most devastating one was the
SVBIED attack on 29 May 2016 in which a major portion of the Airport Terminal

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was totally destroyed. In recent days, IDF attack on Gao Airport has become a
normal phenomenon. BANBAT ensures the security of Gao Airport round the
clock.
Ensuring Security of Gao UN Super Camp: Unlike other peacekeeping
missions in Africa, all the UN Forces in Sector East including the Sector
Headquarters are concentrated in Gao Super Camp. As such, Gao Super
Camp has become the most lucrative target to the TAGs. Almost in every
month, Gao Super Camp faces IDF and Harassing Fire (HF) of TAGs. BANBAT
is providing security to this Gao super camp with one company strength by
manning 11 duty posts and two main gates.
Providing Security to MOC Compound: The Mécanisme Opérationnel
de Coordination (MOC) compound is one type of mini cantonment where the
members of various signatory armed groups stay together. The MOC of Gao,
which includes members of the Malian Armed Forces, Coordination des
Mouvements de l’Azawad (CMA) and Platform, was set-up in January 2017. As
the MOC process is one of the vital steps of the peace process, the TAGs are
trying hard to spoil this process. As such, they conducted a deadliest VBIED
attack on the Gao MOC compound on 18 January 2017, killing 54 people.
BANBAT is providing security to this Gao MOC compound.
Logistics Convoy Escort Operation: One of the most challenging tasks
of BANBAT is to provide escort to the logistic convoy of Sector North, which is
operating in northern Mali. Sector North is fully dependent on Sector East for
their logistic supply as none of the airport in northern Mali is operational due to
the activities of TAGs. Normally, a convoy of 60-80 logistics vehicles moves
from Bamako to Tessalit (Sector North location) twice in a month through the
Saharan Desert covering more than 1750 km distance. The TAGs keep no
stone unturned to disrupt this convoy movement, as this is the only lifeline to the
MINUSMA forces operating in northern Mali. The Improvised Explosive Device
(IED) attack, HF, Ambush and Complex attack to these logistics convoy has
become a normal phenomenon. BANBAT providing escort and ensuring the
security of this logistic convoy from Mopti to Gao (570 km) and Gao to Anefis
(240 km) with company strength manpower along with 15-20 Armoured
Personnel Carriers (APC) and 5-10 own logistic vehicles. Usually, it takes 8-12
days time to complete one convoy escort operation for Gao-Mopti-Gao and
6-10 days for Gao-Anefis-Gao. BANBAT faced numerous IED attacks, HF and
ambush while conducting these operations.
Escort to VIP, DDR, MILOBS, and Other UN Agencies: Like all other
peacekeeping mission, various UN and non-UN agencies are also working in
Mali. Unlike other missions, Mali is the only place where no agency can operate
without the military escort. BANBAT provides escort to all these elements
regularly usually with one platoon strength manpower and 3-5 APCs for a
one-day mission and with two platoon strength of manpower and 7-10 APCs for
more than one-day mission.

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Zone Control Operation: BANBAT conducts regular Zone Control

operation in its area of responsibility (AOR). The aim is to deter the TAGs,
conduct Key Leader Engagement, enhance the cooperation with the locals,
conduct information operation and develop the acceptance of MINUSMA forces
to the locals. This type of operation is being conducted with two platoon
strength manpower including 6-8 APCs and required amount of own logistic
vehicles for a duration of 2-3 days twice or thrice in a month.
Domination Patrol: Within its AOR, BANBAT conducts regular patrol in
order to establish domination, interact with locals, collect information and
accomplish any other task given by the sector headquarters. This type of
operation is conducted with one platoon strength manpower including 3-4 APCs
for the duration of 6-8 hours once or twice in a day.
Force Led Special Operation: In addition to all above operations, some
operations are planned and conducted under the supervision of Force
Headquarters in which various elements of MINUSMA and other forces also
participate. This type of operation is conducted to search and clear any
particular axis or area, to deter TAGs from any particular area, to conduct
reconnaissance of any particular road or area or to accomplish any other task
given by the Force Headquarters. BANBAT participates in this type of operation
with 12-16 APCs, 5-6 own logistic vehicles and more than a company strength
manpower. This type of operation may continue for months together.
Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Activities: In addition to its
operational activities, BANBAT conducts regular CIMIC activities in its AOR to
assist the local people as well as create friendly attitudes of locals towards
MINUSMA. BANBAT is quite successful to win the heart and minds of the local
population and earn support for the UN Forces in Mali.
Distribution of Water: Like other Saharan desert areas, shortage of
water is one of the main crises of the local population. In dry season, the water
crisis is worst. Despite its own limitation, BANBAT continues to help the local
people by distributing 10,000 litres water per day in Gao city and available
amount to other places whenever possible.
Promotion of Education and Sports: The AOR of BANBAT is one of the
remote regions of Mali. The economic and living conditions of local people are
quite poor. In most places, people do not have adequate educational and sports
facilities. BANBAT distributes the educational materials and sports items
whenever they move out for any operation to the local area. Despite their poverty,
Malian people are very much fond of sports and culture. In respect to their
feelings, BANBAT organizes football, volleyball and basketball competition
among the local teams and also between the BANBAT team and the local teams.
Medical Outreach: Due to the remoteness and poor economic condition most
of the areas do not have hospitals, doctors and medical facilities. Though Gao city
has some facilities but the condition in outside the Gao city is beyond description.

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BANBAT medical team is playing a very vital role in terms of medical support to
the local population. BANBAT conducts number of medical campaigns in each
operation. In addition, BANBAT provides medical support to the local population
from its level-1 hospital located in Gao super camp. Even, BANBAT conducts
regular medical campaigns in the vicinity of Gao city every week.
Veterinary Support: In this region of Mali, cattle farming is one of the
main earning sources of the locals. But, like normal medical support, they are
also in great need of veterinary support. In some cases, they like to get the
veterinary support for the treatment of their cattle even more than their own
treatment. In this regard, BANBAT veterinary team plays a vital role by
providing regular treatment and medicine to the cattle of the local people.
Challenges Faced by BANBAT in MINUSMA
Extreme Weather Condition: Basically, there are three seasons: a hot
summer, a short and limited rainy season, and a mild winter. The rainfall occurs
between June and September. Here, the main difficulties are faced in the
summer and rainy seasons. May is the hottest month, where the highest
temperature is 52°C and the coolest month is January with a minimum
temperature of 15°C. August is normally the wettest month.
Table1: Weather Forecast of Mali

100

50
Temp
0
Jan Apr Jul Oct Rain

16 53 43 30 Humidity
Temp
Rain 3.1 0 60 10
Humidity 15 20 65 30

Source: Internet

During summer, the troops fatigue becomes very critical as peacekeepers

are not habituated with this type of temperature. Even sometimes, some of the
parts of the generator and vehicle get melted due to the high temperature. In
the rainy season the desert becomes wet and soft which ultimately restricts the
movement of all types of vehicles. Because of all these reasons, the wear and
tear of the equipment gets increased to a great extent which ultimately leads to
more maintenance load of the equipment.
Vast AOR: The AOR of Sector East is about 3, 22,000 square kilometers
which consists of Gao and Menaka region. Out of this, the Gao region is the
AOR of BANBAT and the Menaka region is the AOR of NIGER BATTALION
(NGRBAT). As such, the AOR of BANBAT is about 1,61,000 square kilometers
which is larger than the whole area of Bangladesh.

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Figure 2: AOR of SE and BANBAT

Source: Author’s Collection from BANBAT-4

Asymmetric Nature of Threat: MINUSMA is one of the few UN

peacekeeping missions where the peacekeepers are being targeted by the
TAGs. It is the UN’s deadliest peacekeeping mission, where nearly 200
peacekeepers were killed.6 Some of the latest attacks are as follows:-

Table2: Recent Attack/Incidents in Mali

Serial Date Target Type of Attack Casualties

1. 1 October Malian Complex Attack 23 Killed
2019 Battalion 60 Missing
2. 18 November Malian Complex Attack 24 Killed
2019 Battalion 29 Wounded
3. 25 November French Force Helicopter 13 Killed
2019 Collision during a
joint attack
Source: Security Council Report7

The main arsenals used by the TAGs are IED, Remote Control Improvised
Explosive device (RCIED), VBIED, Victim Operated Improvised Explosive
Device (VOIED), IDF by Mortars and Improvised Rockets, HF, Ambush and
Complex Attack.
Poor Communication Network: Though Mali is the eighth largest
country of Africa, it is one of the poorest countries of Africa. The communication
system in the conflict-prone zone i.e. northern Mali is very poor. There is hardly
any metal road running from Gao to Kidal area. The only communication is
through the Saharan desert which consists of desert tracks, sand dunes, rocky
hills, rocky ground, and scattered jungles. Movement through these areas is
really difficult. Moreover, movement during the rainy season becomes more
difficult.

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Sacrifices of BANBAT for the Peace of Mali

Despite so many challenges, BANBAT is determined to uphold the name
and fame of Bangladesh and as well as continue to contribute to world peace
establishment effort. Like all other forces, BANBAT is also facing regular
terrorist attacks in Mali which is causing casualties to our valiant soldiers and
damage to our equipment.
Out of the many, three major attacks on BANBAT in 2017 and 2018
caused maximum casualties. First major attack was on 24 September 2017, in
the area near Tabancourt while leading the convoy escort from Gao to Anefis.
In this attack, Major Imtiaz and three other soldiers were injured.
The second major attack was on 24 September 2017, in the area near
Tinakore while the convoy escort was coming back to Gao from Anefis. In this
attack, BANBAT lost its three brave soldiers: Sergeant Altaf, Lance Corporal
Zakirul, Sainik (Private) Monowar, and local civil interpreter Zibril. On 24
September 2017, while leading the convoy escort from Anefis to Gao, the leading
APC of the convoy came under a devastating IED attack where four
peacemakers sacrificed their lives for establishing a better and peaceful Mali. In
the same attack Major Zadid, Corporal Muhim, and Sainik Sobuj were seriously
injured.
BANBAT faced a third major IED attack on 28 February 2018 in Doenza
area while leading the convoy escort from Gao to Mopti. In this attack, BANBAT
lost its five brave soldiers: Warrant Officer Kalam, Lance Corporal Akter, Sainik
Raihan, Sainik Rashed, and Sainik Jamal. In this attack, the third APC of the
convoy came under a devastating IED attack where these five peacemakers
sacrificed their lives for establishing better and peaceful Mali. In the same
attack, Corporal Rassel, Sainik Neuton, and Sainik Akram were severely
injured.
Conclusion
The overall situation in the AOR of BANBAT was very unstable,
unpredictable, uncertain, tensed, and violent. MINUSMA forces were always
targeted with deadly attacks. Despite so many challenges and difficulties,
BANBAT never gave up its professional standard. BANBAT always maintained
its operational efficiency by monitoring the situation closely and maintaining
operational posture and aggressiveness at any cost. As a result, BANBAT could
uphold the flag of Bangladesh to the world community.
Besides conducting other operations, BANBAT carried out CIMIC and
medical outreach activities in its AOR. In addition, it also distributed water,
educational and sports materials to the local population. BANBAT helped the local
population to construct religious and educational institutions. As such, BANBAT and
the UN could win the hearts and minds of the Malian population. The contribution
and sacrifices of BANBAT for establishing peace and stability in Mali indicate the
commitment of Bangladesh as a whole and Bangladesh Army in particular for world
peace and stability. The contribution and sacrifices of BANBAT were highly

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appreciated and recognized by both the UN Secretary-General and Force

Commander of MINUSMA on various occasions. BANBAT is still continuing its
contribution for the betterment of Malian people and will continue to do so in the
future also, whenever deemed necessary and requested by the UN.

Notes and References

1. En.wikipedia.org>United_Nations_Multidemensional...
2. Wikipedia>wiki>Mali
3. Ibid.
4. Wikipedia>wiki>Demographics_Mali
5. www.minusma.unmissions.org
6. www.peacekeeping.un.org/11.2018
7. Security Council Report.org/monthly-forecast/2020-01/mali-7

Brief Biography

Colonel Mohammed Rezaul Karim, afwc, psc, G was commissioned in 3

Field Regiment Artillery on 29 November 1995 with 33 BMA Long Course. In
addition to 3 Field Regiment Artilley, he served in 14 Field Regiment Artilley, 20
Field Regiment Artilley, and 30 Field Regiment Artillery. As Staff Officer, he
served in Headquarters 19 Artillery Brigade as General Staff Officer-3
Operations, in Headquarters 9 Artillery Brigade as Brigade Major and General
Staff Officer-1 in Headquarters Army Training and Doctrine Command . He
served in School of Artillery as Instructor Gunnery and Senior Instructor
Gunnery. He also served in School of Infantry and Tactics as Directing Staff of
Unit Command and Staff Course. In addition to his mandatory courses, he
completed his Gunnery Staff course from School of Artilley and Battery
Commander Course from Nanjing Artillery Academy, China. He is a graduate
from Defence Services Command and Staff College, Mirpur. He also completed
his Armed Forces War Course from National Defence College, Mirpur. He
commanded 12 Field Regiment Artillery. Presently, he is serving in Armed
Forces Division as Colonel Staff, Training Directorate.

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Children in Armed Conflict : Role of

United Nations
Squadron Leader Nowshin Khundker

Introduction
Armed conflict is as old as civilization. Any armed conflict can be
devastating enough to destroy a society or even a country. Societies, ravaged
by armed conflicts, have paid a massive toll in regards to human life, economy,
politics, social disintegration and so on. Ethnic and religious animosities, mass
violations of human and minority rights, and ethnic cleansing resulting from
extreme forms of nationalism are factors that exacerbate armed conflict. It is
estimated that some 500 million light weapons are in use in the world. At least
seven million small arms are in West Africa, where they have killed more than
two million people since 1990, more than 70 per cent of which are women and
children.1
Children suffer unspeakable atrocities in armed conflicts. In the past
decade, two million children were killed in armed conflicts.2 Thousands of
children are serving as soldiers in armed conflicts around the world who are
known as Child Soldiers. These boys and girls serve in government forces and
armed opposition groups. They may fight on the front lines, participate in
suicide missions, and act as spies, messengers, or lookouts. Girls may be
forced into sexual slavery. Many are abducted or recruited by force, while
others join out of desperation, believing that armed groups offer their best
chance for survival. In the past decade, up to two million of those killed in armed
conflicts were children. Many have been seriously injured or permanently
disabled, many of them maimed by landmines, and millions were
psychologically scarred by violence.
United Nations (UN), being the custodian of world peace, took numerous
measures to curb the participation of children in armed conflict. Children are the
ones who are very vital for deciding how the world is going to be in future.
Therefore, it is the responsibility of the international community to safeguard the
children from being involved in armed conflict. Till now, 130,000 boys and girls
have been released as a result of “Action Plans” mandated by the UN Security
Council aimed at preventing the recruitment and use of children in armed
conflict. This article will highlight the outrageous facts of children involving in
armed conflict and the role of UN to prevent children from being involved in
armed conflict.3
Historical Perspective of Child Soldiering
Unfolding the precise historical pattern of the recruitment of child soldiering
will be difficult since there is no comprehensive data available for scholars.

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However, it will be useful to look at the past practices involving children in

armed conflicts. Throughout much of eighteenth and nineteenth century, child
soldiers were an unremarkable feature of military life. By the middle of
nineteenth century, public started to realize the importance of protecting the
children from being involved in child soldiering.4
Child soldiers were recruited in the American Revolution by the armies
and militias. Almost 30-40% youngsters participated in that armed conflict
between 1740 and 1781. Since the local militias were organized by the colleges
of the colonies, teenagers played a major role in American resistance to British
rule. Continental army had no fixed policy about recruiting child soldier. It was
not surprising to witness that the continental army was filled with boys aging
from 9 to 16.5
During US Civil War (1861-1865), mixture of children, youth and men was
pointed by some researches. Charles King asserted that the civil war was
fought by a grand army of boys, where he claimed 800,000 soldiers were below
the age of 17; 200,000 soldiers were below the age of 16 and another 100,000
were about 14.6 The child soldiers of the American Civil War were often
musicians, drummers, scouts, servants, or messengers who marched
alongside fighting men. Others, however, experienced the violence firsthand.
Some served as “powder monkeys” on warships, carrying gunpowder to the
cannons. Others picked up rifles themselves and went straight into the
trenches, fighting and dying among grown men.7
Profound impact upon the recruitment of child soldiers had been emerged
by 1915 with the conscription by Britain National Registration Act registering all
persons aging from 15 to 65. It was done by the general population registration
offices. By 1916, volunteer army was abandoned and conscription for all single
men aging from 18 to 40 was introduced.8 According to UN Secretary General
report of 2017, presently, only 6 nation states were designated by the UN as
recruiter of child soldiers. By the late twentieth century, the human rights group
politicized the concept of child soldier as the idea of saving the innocents from
their evil society and cultures.9
Related Definitions and Terminologies
Armed Conflict: Armed conflict is defined as a political conflict in which
armed combat involves the armed forces of at least one state (or one or more
armed factions seeking to gain control of all or part of the state), and in which at
least 1,000 people have been killed by the fighting during the course of the
conflict.10 According to Project Ploughshares, a Canadian council of churches,
that works with government and civil society, some major points of armed
conflicts are as follows:
a. Militia groups or factions are engaging in criminal activity (e.g. theft,

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looting, extortion) in order to fund their political/military campaigns. Some

armed bands are also involved for the personal enrichment of the
leadership and the general livelihood of the fighting forces.
b. However, these conflicts are characterized more by social chaos than
political/military competition. In many contemporary armed conflicts, the
fighting is intermittent and involves a very wide range of levels of intensity.
c. An armed conflict is deemed to have ended if:
(1) There has been a formal ceasefire or peace agreement and
following which, there are no longer combat deaths.
(2) In the absence of a formal ceasefire, a conflict is deemed to have
ended after two years of dormancy (in which fewer than 25 combat
deaths per year have occurred).11
The International Law Association (ILA) defines Armed Conflict as
presence of organized groups who are engaged in intense armed fighting.
Actions like targeting to kill without warning, indefinite detention without trial and
search and seizures on the high seas without consent are reported as the
characteristics of an armed conflict by the ILA.12
Children: The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Children
(UNCRC) defines a child as everyone under 18 unless, "under the law
applicable to the child, age of majority is attained earlier".13 According to this,
even if a child is:
a. Living independently.
b. In further education.
c. A member of the armed forces in hospital.
d. In custody in the secure estate.
“Child Protection Guidance” still considers them as legally children and
should be given the same protection and entitlements as any other child.14
Child Soldier: Any person below 18 years old and associated with an
armed force or armed group is generally defined as a child soldier. Regardless
of gender, a child soldier is used for different purposes. Their tasks can vary
from combatants, cooks, porters, spies or even sexual slaves.15 Moreover, the
use of children for acts of terror, including as suicide bombers, has emerged as
a phenomenon of modern warfare. Each year, the UN receives reports of
children as young as 8 or 9 years old associated with armed groups.16 Girls are
also recruited and used by armed forces and groups. They have vulnerabilities
unique to their gender and place in society and suffer specific consequences

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including rape and sexual violence, pregnancy and pregnancy related

complications, stigma and rejection by families and communities.17
Children Engaged in Armed Conflict: Present Day Context
Reasons behind the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict: Child
soldiers are recruited for many different reasons. Some are conscripted, others
are press-ganged or kidnapped and still others are forced to join armed groups
to defend their families. Governments in a few countries legally conscript
children under 18, but even where the legal minimum age is 18, the law is not
necessarily a safeguard. In many countries, birth registration is inadequate or
non-existent and children do not know how old they are. Recruiters can only
guess at ages based on physical development and may enter the age of
recruits as 18 to give the appearance of compliance with national laws. Out of
many, some major reasons that are responsible behind transforming a ‘child’ to
a ‘child soldier’ are as follows:-
a. Forced Recruitment: This is the most common way of recruiting a
child soldier. They are either being abducted, threatened or coerced into
joining, or are enticed with money, drugs or in other ways. In many cases,
children choose to join as a result of economic or social pressures.
Children who are poor, displaced, separated from their families or living in
a combat zone are particularly more vulnerable for force recruitment.
b. Easy Manipulation: Children can be easily manipulated by the armed
groups to serve their purposes. As children don’t have a highly developed
sense of danger, they are trained easily. They don’t need much food, or
any other social needs. So the armed groups can get their mission
accomplished without giving much effort.
c. Emotional Instability: Child soldiers are often forced to perform horrific
acts, such as killing their parents as a form of initiation into the armed
groups. It is thought that, this initiation hardens them to brutality and
breaks the bonds with their community, making it difficult to return them
into a normal social life.
d. Availability of Weapons: Proliferation of inexpensive light weapons has
made the recruitment of child soldier much easier. These guns are so easy
to handle that children can use them without much of training and
difficulties. The international arms trade has made assault rifles cheap
and widely available so the poorest communities now have access to
deadly weapons capable of transforming any local conflict into a bloody
slaughter.18
e. Weak Government Administration: Countries with weak
administrative systems do not conscript systematically from a register.

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In many instances, recruits are arbitrarily seized from the streets or even
from schools and orphanages. This form of press ganging, known in
Ethiopia as “afesa,” was prevalent there in the 1980’s, when armed militia,
police or army cadres would roam the streets picking up anyone they
encountered. Children from poor sectors of society are particularly
vulnerable. In Myanmar, at times whole groups of children from 15 to 17
years old are surrounded in their schools and forcibly conscripted. Those
who can subsequently prove they are under-age may be released, but not
necessarily.19
f. Lack of Family Ties: Studies also illustrates that, some children get
involved in armed conflicts due to lack of their family supervision, or even
as a family tradition. Frustration, resulted from lack of family bonding, at
times compels or entices young generation to join the armed groups.
Family supervision is very much required for children to prevent them
from involving in armed conflict.20
g. Poverty: One of the most basic reasons that children join armed
groups is poverty. Hunger and poverty may drive parents to offer their
children for service. In some cases, armies pay a minor soldier’s wages
directly to the family. Child participation may be difficult to distinguish as
in some cases whole families move with armed groups. Children
themselves may volunteer if they believe that this is the only way to
guarantee regular meals, clothing or medical attention. Some case
studies tell about parents who encourage their daughters to become
soldiers if their marriage prospects are poor.21
h. Self-Protection from Social Violence: Some children feel obliged to
become soldiers for their own protection. Faced with violence and chaos
all around, they concider them safer with guns at their hands. Often such
children join armed groups after experiencing harassment from
government forces. In some cases, armed forces pickup unaccompanied
children for humanitarian reasons, although this is no guarantee that the
children will not end up fighting.This is particularly true for children who
stay with a group for long periods and come to identify it as their protector
or “new family.”22
j. Immorality and Unethical Motivations: It is easier to convince the
children against society by the allegation of being oppressed by others. It
ranges from religious value to any social movement. Once a child is
motivated against his society, he is willing to take arms in hands
voluntarily.
Recruitment of Child Soldier: There are an estimated 250,000 child
soldiers in the world today in at least 20 countries. According to ‘Child Soldiers
International’, fifty countries still allow children to be recruited into armed

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forces.23 Many non-state armed groups also recruit children. The UN

Secretary-General's annual "name and shame" list for 2017 highlighted the
armed forces of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria,
and Yemen for recruiting and using under-18s for armed conflict.24 But
non-state armed groups also recruit children. The report said that there were at
least 4000 verified violations by government forces and over 11,500 cases by
non-state armed groups.25
Children are recruited all over the world by state armed forces and armed
groups outside government control. Non-state armed groups are more likely than
states to use children in armed conflict. This makes the problem more difficult to
tackle as these groups are less visible and difficult to be negotiated with.
Impact of Involving Children in Armed Conflict
Involving in armed conflicts miserably affects the children, resulting
hindrance of their psychological, social, and physical wellbeing. Many could
never recover from those issues. In some cases, it took years for the society to
accept them even after the child was rehabilitated. If children are born into and
raised in a conflict zone, they are more likely to be desensitized to violence.
They are also less likely to have been exposed to opportunities, such as
education or jobs. The versatile factors that affect a child involving in armed
conflict are discussed below:-
Psychological Impact: The psychological impacts on children in armed
conflict can range from anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),
depression, insomnia, irritability, sleeping disorders, aggression and the
inability to concentrate. The psychological effects continue to last even after the
conflict is over. Children exposed to long-term violence are also at risk for
psycho-somatic symptoms. In Liberia, studies showed that 90% of child
soldiers showed evidence of PTSD and 65% displayed symptoms of a major
depressive disorder. Many have tendency of committing suicide. Due to the
severe violence, they lose the ability to rationalize between wrong and right,
causing long-lasting damage to their psyche.26
Social Impact: As a child soldier is brought up with violence all around,
he/she may find it difficult to disengage from the idea that violence is a
legitimate means of achieving one’s aims. Even where the experience of
participating in social cultures has been positive, the transition to a non-violent
lifestyle will be difficult for a child soldier. Again, in some cases, society does not
render support to rehabilitate child soldiers which makes it difficult for them to
lead a normal life.
Health Issues: A child’s health is compromised during conflicts causing
mortality, infections, armed conflict-related injuries, and malnutrition. Children
may be killed in action or die from illness and/or starvation. Many can

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experience infections such as cholera, measles, meningitis, HIV/ AIDS or

malaria. Armed conflict related injuries may include those from bullets or
shrapnel, bums, malformed limbs or possible amputation.27
Sexual Violence: Both boys and girls are victim of sexual violence.
About 40% of child soldiers are girls who are often used as sex slaves and
taken as “wives” by male fighters.28 They are being raped and get pregnant at a
very early age, which results them further malnutrition and other gynecological
issues. In Afghanistan, male child soldiers are used as male prostitutes and
dancing boys, which is commonly known as “Bacha Bazi.”29
Role of UN for Children in Armed Conflict
UNICEF is in charge of the reintegration of former child soldiers within the
UN system. Their priority is to prepare them for a return to normal civilian life.
Psycho-social support, education and training are important aspects of
reintegration programme. Attempting to reunite children with their families and
communities are also essential, but sensitization and reconciliation efforts are
sometimes necessary before a child is welcomed back at home. The
reintegration of former child soldiers is a long process which needs extensive
support from the international community. By helping children those are deeply
affected by conflict, UN contributes to build a peaceful future. In the past two
decades, thousands of boys and girls have been freed as a result of “Action
Plan” mandated by the United Nations Security Council.30
Campaign against Recruiting of Child Soldier: In 2014, the Special
Representative of the Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict along
with UNICEF launched the campaign “Children, Not Soldiers” to bring about a
global consensus that child soldiers should not be used in conflict. The
campaign was designed to generate momentum, political will and international
support to restrain recruitment of children by national security forces in conflict
situations. The campaign has now ended, but the consensus envisioned is now
a reality. All Governments concerned by the Campaign are engaged in an
“Action Plan” process with the UN. Chad and the Democratic Republic of
Congo put in place all necessary measures to end and prevent the recruitment
of children in their armed forces and are no longer listed. While crises have
hampered progress in Somalia, South Sudan and Yemen, there have been
significant improvements and a reduction in verified cases of recruitment and
use of children by national security forces, especially in Afghanistan, Myanmar,
and Sudan.31 Few activities included in “Action Plan” are as follows:
a. Criminalize the recruitment and use of children by armed forces and
issue a military order to stop and prevent child recruitment.
b. Investigate and prosecute those who recruit and use children.
c. Appoint child protection specialists in security forces.

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d. Release all children identified in the ranks of security forces.

e. Provide regular, unimpeded access to military camps and bases so
that child protection actors can verify.
f. Provide release and reintegration programmes for children.
g. Strengthen birth registration systems and integrate age-verification
mechanisms in recruitment procedures.
h. Implement national campaigns to raise awareness and to prevent the
recruitment of children.
Campaign Achievements: UN has launched national campaigns to
promote the objectives of “Children, Not Soldiers” in most countries concerned
and beyond. Achievements of the campaigns are as follows:-
a. All Governments concerned by the Campaign are engaged in an Action
Plan process with the UN.
b. The government of Afghanistan criminalized the recruitment of
children, endorsed a road map to accelerate the implementation of its
Action Plan as well as age assessment guidelines to prevent the
recruitment of children.
c. Chad put all necessary measures in place to end and prevent the
recruitment of children in its armed forces and is no longer listed.
d. A second country, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) put all
necessary measures in place to end and prevent the recruitment of
children in its armed forces and is no longer listed for this violation in the
annexes of the Annual report of the Secretary-General on children and
armed conflict.
e. Over 800 children were released from Myanmar’s army since the
signature of the Action Plan in 2012. In September 2015, the country
signed the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child
on the involvement of children in armed conflict.
f. Somalia ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child in
September 2015. The Government established a child protection unit in
the Somali armed forces and put in place the mechanisms for handing
over to the UN if any children are found in the ranks.
g. Sudan signed an Action Plan with the UN to end and prevent the
recruitment and use of children in country’s security forces.
h. In 2014, South Sudan recommitted to the Action Plan signed in 2012.
Implementation has been stalled due to conflict.
j. Yemen signed an Action Plan with the UN in May 2014.
Implementation has been stalled due to conflict.

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k. During the campaign, the Special Representative and UNICEF worked

with their UN and NGO partners to support and strengthen their
engagement with the concerned Governments.
Annual Report by UN Secretary General: The UN Secretary-General
publishes an annual report on children and armed conflict. The
Secretary-General’s 2017 report on children and armed conflict said that there
had been several positive moves. Those include armed groups in the
Democratic Republic of Congo and in the Philippines being delisted and the
signing of a peace agreement in Colombia that included a special agreement
on the release and reintegration of children. Efforts are being made to support
the release of children in these countries, to help them for reintegration, and a
plan to prevent future recruitment of those children. Measures are being taken
around the world to prevent children becoming soldiers in the future. It is
important to establish and enforce 18 years as the minimum age for
recruitment.
Conclusion
Children are the future of the world. Protecting a child’s social rights is our
responsibility. Armed conflicts cause great sufferings to the children; they are
either affected, or involved. In either case, children become victims. Due to lack
of social awareness and other issues, children are involving in social violence
and armed conflict. Poverty, force recruitment, easy manipulation, less effort to
train, emotional instability are some of the main reasons behind children
involving in armed conflict. Regardless of how and why children are recruited in
armed conflicts, their participation in conflicts bears serious implications for
their physical and emotional well-being. They are commonly subjected to abuse
and most of them witness death, killing, and sexual violence. Girls are raped
and being pregnant at a very early age, which cause them malnutrition, physical
inabilities, and in some cases psychological disorder. Many are forced to
commit violent acts and some suffer serious long-term psychological
consequences.
Child soldiers can be dangerous for the society as they are violent in
nature from childhood. Thus the reintegration of these children into civilian life
is essential for society in order to build a better future. A child soldier alone
cannot desire to have a normal social life unless society extends positive steps
towards them. Many countries are yet to welcome the children who are
rehabilitated from armed conflict. This leads them (former child soldiers) to
further depression and problems acquiring social norms and etiquette. As a
result, many child soldiers find it difficult to get back to a normal social life.
There are still countries to recruit child soldier by state and non-state groups.
This is alarming. Laws are imposed upon state armed groups. But, non-state
groups are less visible and difficult to be negotiated, which makes it difficult to
fight against involvement of children in armed conflicts.

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UN is playing a vital role for protecting the children from being involved in
any kind of armed conflicts. Steps are taken for prohibiting the recruitment of
child soldiers. Victims are treated as per requirements. UN has launched
campaign, named “Children, Not Soldiers,” under which UNICEF has
mandated some “Action Plans.” These regulations have imposed countries
under UN to restrain child soldier. Declaring recruitment of child soldier as a
punishable offence, rising awareness among mass people, taking special care
for child soldiers, and strict state level supervision for use of illegal weapons
can be helpful for a complete demolition of children in armed conflict.
Recommendations
Basing on the aforementioned discussions, following recommendations
are made:-
a. UN should ensure strict compliance of the Action Plan by the member
states in regards to Child Soldiering.
b. Child recruitment as soldier can be declared as a punishable offence
for every country regardless of state armed forces and armed groups
outside government control.
c. Rising awareness among mass people regarding children involved in
armed conflict can be effective to shrinkage the matter.
d. All countries should strengthen birth registration systems and integrate
age-verification mechanisms in recruitment procedures.

Notes and References

1. POGO Staff, ‘The Legacy of Illicit Small Arms:Devastation in West Africa,’
2004 https://www.pogo.org/investigation/2004/05/legacy-of-illicit-small-
arms- devastation-in-west-africa/
2. Ibid.
3. Children,Not Soldiers, UN Office of the Special Representative of the
Secretary General for children and Armed Conflict, 2016
https://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/children-not-soldiers/
4. M. David Rosen, ‘Child Soldiers in Historical and Comparative
Perspective:Creating a Space for Data Driven Analysis,’ Lee Public Legal
Studies Research Paper Series,Washington 2019
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3315722
5. Ibid.
6. Ibid.
7.Ibid.

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8. Ibid.
9. Ibid.
10. O’Connell and Mary Ellen, Defining Armed Conflict, Project
Ploughshares,The Canadian Council of Churches, 2002
https://ploughshares.ca/armed-conflict/defining-armed-conflict/
11. Ibid.
12. O’Connell and Mary Ellen, ‘Defining Armed Conflict,’ Journal of Conflict and
Security Law, Volume 13,Issue 3, Winter 2008, pp. 393-400.
https://academic.oup.com/jcsl/article/13/3/393/797652
13. Convention on on the Rights of the Child, 1990, United Nations.
https://web.archive.org/web/20101031104336/http://www.hakani.org/en/co
nvention/Convention_Rights_Child
14. Child Recruitment and Use, Office of the Special Representative of the
Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict, 2013
https://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/six-grave-violations/child-soldiers/
15. Ibid.
16. Ibid.
17. Ms Graca Machel, Impact of Armed Conflict on Children, UN General
Assembly, 1996
18. Ibid.
19. Brandon A Kohrt, Mark J.D. Jordans, Wietse A. Tol, Em Perera, Rohit Karki,
Suraj Koirala and Nawaraj Upadhaya, Social Ecology of Child Soldiers:
Child, Family, and Community Determinants of Mental Health,
Psychological Wellbeing, and Reintegration in Nepal, US National Library of
Medicine, National Institutes of Health, 2013 doi: 10.1177/136346
-1510381290
20. Ms Graca Machel, op.cit.
21. Ibid.
22. Child Soldiers Their World, 2016 https://theirworld.org/explainers/child-
soldiers#section-5
23. Satoshi Sugiyama, ‘UN Reports Sharp Increase in Children Killed or
Maimed in Conflicts,’ The New York Times, 2018
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/27/world/un-children-armed-conflict.html
24. Child Soldiers Their World, 2016 https://theirworld.org/explainers/child-
soldiers#section-5
25. Ibid.
26. Gary Humphrey, ‘Healing Child Soldiers,’ Bulletin of the World Health
Organization, Volume 87(5), 2009, pp. 330-331. doi: 10.2471/BLT.

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27. Ambika Varma, ‘The Invisibles:Female Child Soldiers,’ 2018

http://natoassociation.ca/the-invisibles-female-child-soldiers/
28.Children Among the Largest Casualties of Afghan Conflict Say Herat
Religious Scholar, Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary
General for Children and Armed Conflict, 2019
https://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/2019/01/children-among-the-largest
-casualties-of-afghan-conflict-say-herat-religious-scholars/
29. Child Recruitment and Use, Office of the Special Representative of the
Secretary General for Children and Armed Conflict, 2013
https://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/six-grave-violations/child-soldiers/
30. Ibid.
31. Children Not Soldiers, UN Office of the Special Representative of the
Secretary General for children and Armed Conflict, 2016
https://childrenandarmedconflict.un.org/children-not-soldiers/

Brief Biography

Squadron Leader Nowshin Khundker joined Bangladesh Air Force on 07

July 2011. She was commissioned in Logistics branch on 01 June 2013 from
BAF Academy. She has completed B.Sc (Aeronautical) from Bangladesh
University of Professionals. She has served in different appointments in BAF
Base Bangabandhu and BAF Base Paharkanchanpur. She served in Special
Security Force (SSF) from 2016 to 2019. Presently, she is serving as Military
MOVCON Officer of BANASU-17 in MONUSCO. She is married to Major Md
Tawfiq Alam.

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Contribution and Activities of Bangladesh Navy in

United Nations Peacekeeping Mission
Lieutenant Commander M Maruf Hossain

Introduction

“Ship is my home, Sea is my play ground, War is my game”

- A famous couplet runs in Naval Academy

Keeping this in mind and heart, the journey of a naval officer begins in
Bangladesh Navy (BN). With the motto, “In War and Peace Invincible at Sea”
the BN was created during the 1971 Liberation War of Bangladesh. Initially,
there were two ships and 45 Navy personnel. On 9 November 1971, the first
naval fleet consisting of six small patrol vessels was inaugurated.1

The cardinal principle of the foreign policy of Bangladesh is “Friendship to

all, malice to none.” As a peace-loving country, Bangladesh believes that it is
her sole duty to serve and support peace and humanity all over the world. To do
so, the Armed Forces of Bangladesh has started its peace mission under the
blue helmet as a member of the Iran-Iraq observer team. Later from 1993, to
establish world peace, BN personnel are participating in the United Nations
(UN) peacekeeping mission. Being entrusted with the responsibility of the UN
peacekeeping mission and by its effective implementation, dedication, and
supreme sacrifice, BN has uplifted the name of Bangladesh to a great extent in
the world.2
With this backdrop, this paper will have an endeavor to highlight the
contribution of BN in UN peacekeeping missions. To unfold, the deployment of
the mission area will be discussed first. It will be followed by peacekeeping
activities and challenges faced by BN to raise the flag of humanity as well as the
country.

History of Maritime Forces in UN Mission

Since the late 1940s, the UN has employed military forces voluntarily
granted by its member-states to assist in conflict management and resolution
efforts is known as peacekeeping or peace operations. Such operations have
been carried out mostly by ground troops, with maritime forces playing a small
and partial role. However, with the end of the Cold War and the changing nature
of armed conflicts around the world i.e. the decrease of classic international/
interstate conflicts and the simultaneous increase of internal/intrastate conflicts),
this scenario has changed and naval forces have become more and more
important to peacekeeping and conflict management.3

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Peace Keeping Mission Deployment of BN

BN started her journey in the UN peacekeeping mission in 1993 by
sending 15 Military Observers in UN Operation in Mozambique (UNUMOZ). In
UN Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission (UNIKOM), BN was the first contingent
that has been deployed to patrol the waterways in demarcating Iraq-Kuwait
border. In 2005, following the footstep, BN sent the first independent Force
Riverine unit for keeping peace in Sudan. BN boats were patrolling the Niger
River in Ivory Coast for protecting the security of commercial water transport. In
May 2010, with the direction of Honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, for
the first time, BN sent two ships: BNS Osman and BNS Madhumati in UN
Interim Forces in Lebanon. That’s how the BN started her journey in UN
Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO) which is continuing to date with sacrifice
and care.
So far, 6109 officers and sailors from BN have participated in 29 UN
peacekeeping missions for the cause of humanity. They were highly
recommended and achieved great name and fame to establish the peace and
rule of law in the area of responsibility. At present, about 345 officers and sailors
of BN are participating in the UN mission as Observer, Military Staff, Liaison
Officer, and as the member of the contingent. Recently, BN deployed a Force
Marine Unit (BANFMU-1) with 203 personnel in UNMISS (South Sudan). In the
course of peace initiatives, till April 2020, total four BN personnel have made
supreme sacrifices while one was injured. 4
Activities of BN Ships and Units in UN Mission Area
UNIFIL- Lebanon: Originally, UNIFIL was created by the Security Council
in March 1978 to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, restore international
peace and security, and assist the Lebanese Government in restoring its
effective authority in the area. Following the July/August 2006 crisis, the
Council enhanced the Force and decided that in addition to the original
mandate, it would, among other things, monitor the cessation of hostilities;
accompany and support the Lebanese armed forces as they deploy throughout
the south of Lebanon; and extend its assistance to help in ensuring the
humanitarian access to the civilian population and the voluntary and safe return
of displaced persons. The first-ever Multinational Maritime Task Force under
UN Interim Force in Lebanon was formed in 2010 to enforce UN Security
Council Resolutions (UNSCR )1701 and 1884. Two BN Ship OSMAN (FFG)
and MADHUMATI (OPV) joined the UNIFIL, MTF in May 2010 along with Brazil,
Germany, Turkey, Greece, and Indonesia. After successful completion of four
years tour of duty, both the ships were replaced by another two BN ships
namely BNS ALI HAIDER (FFG) and BNS NIRMUL (OPV) in June 2014. These
two ships also completed their tour of duty, and were replaced by BNS BIJOY
(FSG) in December 2017. BN is proud to be a member of the elite maritime task
force of the UN. BN ships are deployed for the following tasks:-5

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a. Conduct Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) in Area of Maritime

Operations (AMO).

b. Conduct surveillance and patrolling in the AMO.

c. Contribute to UNIFIL AIR Surveillance.

d. Contribute to UNIFIL intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR).

e. Training of Lebanese Navy personnel.

f. Detect, locate, hail, positively identify, and classify any vessel inside
AMO.

g. Deter, escort and/ or handover all suspicious vessels to Lebanese

authorities.

h. Conduct inspection boarding at sea onboard suspicious vessels.

j. Exercise self defense/area defense against all possible threats.

k. Provide force protection as required.

In particular, the tasks performed by BN are as following:-

a. Conduct of MIO Duty: Two BN ships have been deployed in UNIFIL

since 2010 where both the ships are remaining about 70% time at sea.
These ships have been successfully conducting MIO to prevent the flow
of illegal arms and related materials into Lebanon.

b. Participation in Multinational Exercise: While deployed for UNIFIL

mission, both BN ships participated in a combined multinational exercise
with Brazil, Germany, Turkey, Greece, and Indonesia. BN officers and
sailors displayed highest level of professional standard in carrying out all
the exercises conforming to NATO and international standards.

c. Training to LAF (Lebanese Armed Forces) Navy: Regular training to

LAF-Navy (Cadet and Sailors) by ‘STAGE AT SEA’ and Coastal Radar
Stations (CRS) was carried out by the ship and earned great reputation
and respect from Lebanese authorities.

d. Conduct of BN Peacekeepers: So far during such a long deployment

of peace keeping in UNIFIL and elsewhere, there has not been a single
occasion of breach of UN code of conduct. Our peacekeepers are highly
praised for outstanding conduct by the Lebanese authorities, UNIFIL
Force Commander, and MTF Commander.

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Force Marine Unit in UNMISS (South Sudan): On 9 July 2011 South

Sudan became an independent country in the world. The birth of the Republic
of South Sudan is the culmination of a six-year peace process which began with
the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005. The Naval
unit deployed there is known as Bangladesh Force Marine unit BANFMU-1.
Bangladesh Force Marine Unit is equipped with 06 x DCB, 06 x RHIB and 02 x
Gemini with a heavy and light machine gun. BN is proud to be a member of this
multi-dimensional force of the UN. In this mission, BN Force Marine Unit is
tasked with: 6
a. Provide armed escort to the UN barges to secure movement of UN
supplies, equipment, and personnel.
b. Collect and report any intelligence.
c. Conduct medical evacuation for the assigned Protection Teams.
d. Protecting designated ports and riverine infrastructure.
e. Provide fire support to ground forces.
f. Conduct search and rescue operations (SAR).
Riverine Unit in MINUSMA (MALI): UNDPKO opened the UN Mission in
Mali known as UN Multi- Dimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali
(MINUSMA). To support MINUSMA, BN deployed a riverine unit named
“Bangladesh Riverine Unit-1 (BANRU-1)”. BANRU-1 was equipped with 2 x
HSB (High Speed Boat), 4 X RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat), 2 X Gemini Boat
and 1 x Support Vessel (Naval Ship). The mandated tasks for BANRU-1 are as
follows:- 7
a. Conduct show-of-force.
b. Conduct riverine security operations.
c. Establish a safe corridor for riverine shipping.
d. Provide riverine transport for CASEVAC/MEDEVAC purposes.
e. Conduct waterborne reconnaissance.
f. Collect and report any intelligence.
g. Provide support to humanitarian relief emergency operations as
authorized by FHQ.
h. Provide armed forces protection to UN personnel and equipment using
the navigable waterways in the area of operations.
j. Provide maritime transport to UNMOS deployed in the monitoring,
verifications, and observation duties.
k. Provide fire support to ground forces.

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l. Conduct SAR.
m. To carry out any other task on order.
Participation of Female Members
In all fields of peacekeeping, women peacekeepers have proven that they
can perform the same roles, to the same standards and under the same difficult
conditions, as their male counterparts. It is an operational imperative that we
recruit and retain female peacekeepers. 8 Female peacekeepers frequently can
access populations and venues that are closed to men, thereby improving
intelligence about potential security risks. They are also better able to screen
women during searches, helping to close a security loophole that extremists
increasingly exploit. Also, the presence of female officers improves access to
community members, thereby, amplifying situational awareness and helping
military commanders to fulfill their mandates, including the protection of
civilians.9
With the development of women empowerment, female members from
BN are also participating in the UN peacekeeping mission. They are also
working with the male-dominated environment where there is no discrimination
between the male and female peacekeepers. Presently, five female members
are participating in the UN mission and eighteen female members have already
completed the UN mission as UN peacekeepers. Few of the female members
from BN along with Army and Air Force have gone to Abu Dhabi for pre-mission
training before actual deployment. This is a new dimension to the preparatory
state of the UNPK mission in Bangladesh.
New Horizon of Gaining Global Experience
BN ships participated in various exercises with other countries. As a
result, the personnel who participated in UN Mission can acquire knowledge
and become more professional in their service. Through this, they became
more experienced and can apply the expertise earned for further advancement
of the country. By imparting training to naval personnel, diplomatic relations
between participating countries are increasing to a new height than ever before.
Moreover, fraternal relations became stronger through UN Mission journey.10
UN peacekeeping is a unique global partnership. It brings and ties the
strong relationship between the countries that are participating in the UN
mission. They share their cultural views and ideas among themselves. It bring
the General Assembly, the Security Council, the secretariat and troops
contributing countries together.11
Challenges Faced and Challenges Ahead
Peacekeeping is one of the cornerstones of the UN and also an essential
tool for creating lasting peace in war-torn societies. The international system
has changed in many ways since the first deployment of peacekeepers

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in 1948; new actors and challenges have emerged and mandates have
evolved.12 As a result, members of blue helmets of BN are also facing
constantly evolving threats, increased levels of violence, and deep societal
divisions - all of which present more diverse challenges for peacekeeping
environment.
Since the 21st century, UN-mandated missions require robust and
operationally efficient UN deployment. Prolonged and effective training is the
only means to achieve the standard. BN personnel are facing some difficulties
in acquiring this training. Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operational
Training (BIPSOT) is the prime institution where BN personnel can attair this
training. As such, before any UN deployment, training in BIPSOT could be
mandatory.
The naval ship needs to be fully functional and requires its operational
efficiency 24/7, to be able to face tremendous rolling and pitching in rough sea.
It becomes difficult to keep awake due to seasickness of level high. In some
cases when the workshop and dockyard facilities are required for keeping
ships’ machinery operational all the way, then it faces some difficulties.13
BN had very few representations of senior leaderships in decision-making
level both at field and UN HQ. Necessary steps to be rendered by appropriate
authority to have BN leadership in the decision level cycle of UN.
There are also a few legal and legitimacy challenges for the UN in the
sea. The use of the seas is governed by two sets of rules. The 1982 Law of the
Sea Convention (LOSC) and for UN, chapter VII is the guiding rules. The
challenge is, while the rights and duties established by the LOSC create “no go
zones” in coastal states jurisdictional waters, the provisions of the UN Charter
Chapter VII allow the trespassing of such spaces if mandated by the UNSC. As
such, BN needs to do in depth analysis of the mission mandate and should act
accordingly before any UN peacekeeping mission deployment.
Conclusion
From 1948 to 2020, UN peacekeeping has evolved from comparatively
small, conventional naval operations to multifaceted and multinational
operations. Being a country committed to peace, Bangladesh has always been
keen in contributing peace across the globe. Accordingly, BN also remained
dedicated to the UNPKO as it was assigned with. BN’s role in UN peacekeeping
has always been appreciated by the global authority. BN personnel have been
discharging their duties in the UN peacekeeping mission with sincerity,
efficiency, dedication, high professional attitude, and devotion. BN has already
earned honour for Bangladesh by successful completion of their past UN
mission. They have enhanced the image of Bangladesh in the World. Moreover,
Bangladeshi people are easily moved by the misery of distressed people and
hence our troops don’t hesitate to sacrifice their happiness for others.

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Today’s multidimensional peacekeeping operations are called upon not

only to maintain peace but also to facilitate the political process, protect
civilians, assist in the disarmament, demobilization and sometimes support in
organizing the elections, protect humans from militants etcetera. BN is being
upgraded as a global standard force under the modernization plan, continues to
train and equip them to function effectively in a multi-national operating
environment in the distant unfamiliar waters away from the homeport.
Since 21st century, peacekeeping demands more robust yet accessible
to local or host communities. BN should ensure maximum participants of
female members. By increasing the participation of female members,
peacekeeping missions will be benefitted by improved intelligence, better
community relations, and reduced risk of abuse. Bangladesh and BN in
particular, on its quest to establish world peace, has already made enormous
contributions under the auspices of ‘Blue Helmet’. BN believes that it is her
sacred duty to serve humanity anywhere at any time in the world.

Notes and References

1. Admiral M Farid Habib, BN, Turn of the Tide, A Chronicle of BN, Directorate
of Naval Education Services, Naval Headquarters, Bangladesh, 2016
2. Nabik, Bangladesh Navy, 2016
3. Luiz Gustavo Aversa Franco, Peacekeeping at Sea? A Case Study of The
Maritime Task Force in Lebanon, 2015
4. BN Official website, available at https://www.navy.mil.bd/UN-MISSION.
Accessed on 02 Jan 2020
5. https://www.thedailystar.net. Accessed on 05 Sep 2018
6. AFD Bangladesh Official website, available at https://www.afd.gov.bd/
un-peacekeeping. Accessed on 02 Sep 2018
7. https://en.m.wikipedia.org ›wiki. Accessed on 05 Sep 2018
8. https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/women-peacekeeping
9. https://www.cfr.org/report/increasing-female-participation-peacekeeping-ope
rations
10. https://news.navy.gov.au› operations. Accessed on 06 Sep 2018
11. https://www.thedailystar.net. Accessed on 11 Sep 2018
12. UNU_MERIT, Challenges to Peacekeeping in the 21st Century, New
Series, 16 March 2016
13. https://theindependentbd.com. Accessed on 06 Sep 2018

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Contribution and Activities ...

Brief Biography

Lieutenant Commander M Maruf Hossain was commissioned in BN on 21

July 2012. He completed BSc (Engg) from Chittagong University of Engineering
& Technology (CUET) in 2009. He has served as Engineer Officer onboard BNS
SAGAR and as Squadron Engineer Officer in Mine Sweeper (9 MSS). He did
Post Commission Professional Training from Officers Training School in BAF
Base MATIUR, Jashore. He did Type training on Dornier 228 NG aircraft from
RUAG aerospace, Germany. He has successfully completed “Engine Ground
Run” course on Dornier 228 NG Naval Maritime Patrol aircraft from RUAG
aerospace, Germany. Presently, he is appointed as Air Engineer Officer in MPA
Flt Line, Naval Aviation Wing. He is married and blessed with a daughter.

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Environmental Management in the UN Mission:

An Approach to Preserve Nature by the Peacekeepers
Major Iqbalur Rahman
Introduction
The environment of the world is on the verge of imminent risk of
irreversible loss due to the present state of rapid degradation. Unless the world
is treated in a better way, we will risk harming the environment to extinction.
This needs to be dealt with globally. Peacekeepers are true Ambassadors of
peace and bringing global prosperity.
UN Peacekeeping began in 1948 when the Security Council authorized
the deployment of UN military observers to the Middle East. Bangladesh started
participating in peacekeeping since 1988. This era of globalization is
characterized by modernization of the gadgets, gears, weapon systems,
equipment, and daily necessities to sustain in any environment. However, all
these logistics and operational requirements have also entailed a huge
production of waste in the Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) areas that causes
environmental damage. Presently, there are numbers of PKO ongoing
throughout the world. Bangladesh is presently the second highest Troops
Contributing Countries (TCC) with more than 6000 peacekeepers currently
deployed in PKO throughout the world. 1
Bangladesh has been one of the most capable forces for peacekeeping in
the world. Bangladeshi forces peacefully resolved many crises in the
international arena under the Blue Helmet. But fighting environmental hazards
is the most difficult and challenging task besides peacekeeping. Proper
accountability and management of the environment are deemed necessary to
save and preserve the global environment.
During the deployment in a temporary tour of duty in PKO, the host country
should be made a better place by the presence of peacekeepers. The local
people are likely to become sensitized by continuous endeavors to preserving
nature. This will estblish peace and also protect the environment at same time.
Figure 1: Global Ranking of Peacekeepers

Source: Internet (peacekeeping.un.org)

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Necessity of Learning Environmental Management in PKO

UN Department of Field Support (DFS) has already issued instructions on
environmental management since January 2017. The system has been
distributed into 3 phases. The first phase will terminate in Jun 2020. The entire
management system is planned to be fully operational by 2023 completing the
third phase. Bangladesh, as one of the top TCC, should play a key role in
preserving nature and create global awareness in war torn African countries.
Recent PKO are taking place in many desert-like areas where forestation,
management of water, waste management et cetera can leave a wider impact
on the overall environment of the world. This will also entail a proper distribution
and use of minimum natural resources. By this, the resources of the host
country will be preserved for long. 2
Environmental Management
Definition of Environmental Management: Environmental Management
is the systematic process of preserving nature by limiting the production of waste
and treating the waste that is produced. The raw materials are processed in
various ways as they move along and eventually emerge as products that are
then distributed to the Peacekeepers for the sustainability and survival of the
PKO. Environmental management seeks to find ways of carrying out activities
that reduce or even prevent harmful degradation of the environment that is
caused by the waste produced in the process. Environmental management is,
therefore, the management of the activities of an organization that identifies
environmental interactions and implements the measures to best minimize its
negative impact.3
UN PKO are backed up by a huge quantity of resources that produce a lot
of waste. These wastes are in turn returned to the environment unprocessed.
These wastes harm the environment in several ways and leave irreversible
damage to the environment. The abundant and abrupt use of limited resources
causes scarcity in the host countries. The environment can be preserved in the
PKO and its continuity can thus be ensured for future generations and create a
legacy.
Environmental Management System (EMS) in PKO: An EMS is a
system that an organization may utilize to manage any environmental issues
and prospects. A comprehensive EMS cannot be created solely on best
practices. EMS varies from state to state, country to country, and continent to
continent. EMS deals from the preservation of nature to a long term planning to
prevent the environment from speedy decay and destruction. A most important
part of EMS is waste management. Waste is produced in tons every day in
almost every city in the world. The PKO are of no exception to that. By these
wastes, our existence is threatened to the brink of absolute destruction.
Managing those wastes is the main theme of environmental management.4

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PKO start when there is already a conflict beyond mutual resolution.

Therefore, by default, peacekeeping starts when the political, social and
territorial stability is imbalanced. In this situation, the environment is already
ignored and it is being harmed greatly. Peacekeeping missions are a set of
complex organizations that frequently have very important interactions with the
environment. PKO are dependent on base camps and temporary operating
bases. They are equipped with light and heavy machinery, modern weapons
and equipment, and self-sustainment items. All these induce decay to nature
unless a well-organized EMS is effective.
EMS in the PKO can be an effective tool in global awareness on the
preservation of the environment. Peacekeepers, being Ambassadors of one
country deployed in another country, by practicing EMS in day-to-day life can
create a habitual awareness in oneself. This habit can make the environment of
the entire world better with time.
Environmental Damage Caused by PKO
Nature of Environmental Damage Caused by Peacekeepers:
Peacekeepers need to maintain weapons, equipment, vehicles and a huge
quantity of logistics for the operation and survival. These elements produce a
lot of waste and cause environmental damage. Any substance, agent, effluent,
object, material or equipment to be discarded, destroyed or disposed of, which
has been generated through UN personnel, contingents, staff or UN Military
Observer (UNMO) from Bangladesh during operation, routine activity or
process, is to be considered waste. These wastes are the main source of
environmental damage in the PKO.
Categories of Waste: Waste can be categorized into various groups
basing on the material it is made of and the process of disposing it of. The waste
produced in the mission area may be divided into various categories like water
and wastewater, solid waste, plastic waste, food waste, paper waste, e-waste;
Petroleum, Oil, Lubricant (POL) waste, medical waste and many more.
Figure 2: Types of Waste

Source: Overseas Operations Directorate, Army Headquarters (01 Oct 2019)

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Environmental Management in PKO

Environmental management in PKO is mostly dependent on the

management of the waste produced in PKO. Waste causes damage to nature.
Proper management of waste will allow the PKO to preserve nature in the
deployed area. Environmental management is also dependent on the
preservation of nature, culture, forestation, and leaving a wider impact on the
global environment of the world. Following managements can be adopted
during UNPKO:

Water and Waste Water Management

a. Nature of Water Waste in PKO: In PKO, usage of water can be

divided into 3 parts in PKO: drinking water, wash water and water used
during operating outside base camps. In all forms of deployment, a good
amount of water is wasted in the process of daily use; like- shaving,
bathing, washing clothes, cleanliness of the camp, gardening and direct
drainage of wash water without any legible reuse in the base camps.

b. Preventive Measures: Camps must ensure judicious use of water by

limiting the use by judicious distribution per head on a day. Setting up
water meters for platoons/sections can also be done. Adequacy and
equity of the use of water should be ensured by a laid down in a Standing
Operating Procedure (SOP) enforcing those. 5

c. Mitigating Measures: Even after all preventive measures, a good

amount of water is likely to be wasted. Following measures can be taken
for water and wastewater management:

(1) Recycling the wash water through a water treatment plant.

(2) No absolute wastage of water. Water must be reused as much as

possible. Like- wash water can be used for gardening and treated wash
water can be used for dust suppression in the camp.

(3) Periodically conduct ‘Campaign on Water Conservation’ to create

awareness.

(4) Special emphasis should be given to PKO in desert areas, like Mali,
Sudan, South Sudan, and Central African Republic. ‘Lime treatment’ to
waste water can be done before reuse.

(5) Water stored in the septic tanks of toilets should be cleared before it
overflows. Various plants can be planted near the probable overflowing
places to allow the trees absorb the water and prevent overflowing and
also preserve the nature.

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Figure 3: Water Recycling Module

Source: Author’s module

Solid Waste Management

a. Nature of Solid Waste in PKO: Personal use dress, utensils, fired

cartridge cases, unserviceable boots, barrack items, various unusable
materials due to wear and tear become solid waste. Vehicles, weapons,
equipment, and machineries also produce solid waste in the process of
PKO.

b. Preventive Measures: Compliance of 4R solution (Reduce, Reuse,

Recycle and Recover). Recyclable materials should be separated from
others and placed into the nearest recycling bin.6

c. Mitigating Measures:

(1) Solid waste must be decontaminated before disposing of. Dumping

is not a solution.

(2) Avoid littering and adopt waste minimization strategies (less than
1kg/person/day). This depends on the operational scenario of PKO.

(3) Fired Cartridge Cases (FCC) should be cleared from the range. No
open disposal of clips, packaging materials and FCC in and around the
firing range.

(4) Barrack waste and any general waste that is commonly disposed of
in general trash cans and should be disposed of following SOP of the
contingent.

(5) Compost whenever possible.

(6) While in patrolling or operations, collect all solid waste produced

during that operation and bring it back to the camp for disposal. If it is
not possible, dispose of those by burying 3 feet beneath the earth.

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(7) Metal waste created in the process of ‘overhauling’ the vehicles

must not be littered/carelessly stored. Reuse/disposing of these
metallic waste should be done following contingent SOP.
(8) Barber shop’s wastes should be packed in paper packets and
buried beneath the earth.
Plastic Waste Management
a. Nature of Plastic Waste in PKO: Plastic takes more than 200 years to
decompose to nature. Plastics include all numbered plastic (#1-7) such as
coffee cup lids, yogurt cups, plastic bottles and cans, plastic bags plastic
wrap et cetera. Surprisingly, most of the PKO packaging materials are
plastic due to its long-lasting nature. These packaging materials become
a waste right after the material is opened for use. One time packaging
materials become waste after they are being used. Daily necessities for
survival and comfortable living like razor, brush, pen, water bottles
etcetera are also plastic waste in PKO.
b. Preventive Measures: Do not use ‘One Time Use’ plastics in PKO.
Reuse containers for storing leftovers or do shopping in bulk for the
operation team. Use a razor with replaceable blades instead of a
disposable razor. Use a reusable bottle or mug for beverages than the
plastic cups.
c. Mitigating Measures:
(1) Reuse plastics in any form that preserves nature and does not make
it a waste (like flower pot, various decoration pieces).
(2) Gather all plastic of food packaging, beverages, water bottles, and
destroy those by making a stack and burying the packet 3ft beneath the
earth surface.
(3) Do not throw away plastic packaging of food items, bottles in
deployed areas. Collect all and bring them back to the camp for
disposal. If bringing back is not feasible, bury those.
Food Waste Management
a. Nature of Food Waste in PKO: During PKO, food is wasted in many
forms. Like excess catering than necessary, additional demand than
required, disposing of Combat Ration Packs (CRP) / Meal Ready to Eat
(MRE) packets while operating outside the base camp, disposing of
leftover food by individual after meals and collective disposal of leftover
foods after meals.
b. Preventive Measures: Food shall never be catered with
excess/additional quantity than necessary. When cooked food is found to

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be extra; it should be buried rather than openly throwing those off.7

c. Mitigating Measures:
(1) Food distribution should also be done proportionately to prevent
wastage after a meal.
(2) Reduce demand basing on the requirement.
(3) CRP/MRE should always be prepared and consumed individually
rather than ‘buddy based cooking’.
(4) Foods should not be stored without proper planning. Demand less if
some item is already in store.
(5) Additional food can be canned and converted into fertilizer.
(6) Food waste shall be dumped centrally and buried as frequently as
possible to prevent animal attraction and discomfort to people.
(7) Convert to bioelectricity produced from food waste.

Figure 4: Food Recovery Hierarchy

Source: Overseas Operations Directorate, Army Headquarters (01 Oct 2019)

Paper Waste Management

a. Nature of Paper Waste in PKO: Paper waste includes printer/copy
paper, notebook paper, various cardboard packaging of stationary and
office items, draft papers, survey board paper of the contingents et cetera.
b. Preventive Measures: Drafts should be checked by sharing online
rather than getting a printed copy. Whenever printing a draft is necessary,
both sides of paper should be printed.
c. Mitigating Measures:
(1) Shred the draft papers rather than throwing those to the paper

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bins. Use the shredded pieces for other purposes (like decoration,
burying).
(2) Shredded papers should be buried.
(3) Cardboard can be used as a round cover to tree saplings to prevent
animals.
(4) Cardboard may be flattened and used as a temporary seat while
deployed outside base camps.
(5) The used paper may be used for decorating the camp after adding
color on it rather than buying separate decorating papers.
E-Waste Management
a. Nature of E-Waste in PKO: Used CDs, damaged pen drives, used
electric and communication cable, various communication items, out of
order drones, mobiles, laptops, projectors, televisions, microwave ovens,
electric cookers et cetera.
b. Preventive Measures: Reduction of energy demand through-
metering, thermostats, sensors, efficient AC, LED lights et cetera.
Judicious maintenance of electronics including CDs and DVDs, phones,
mobile phones, chargers, cables, printers, printer cartridges, computers,
TVs, fridges et cetera.
c. Mitigating Measures:
(1) Use of ‘On-site Photovoltaic’ (solar panels) to reduce the use of fuel
generators.
(2) Perimeter security should be established by light and sentry.
Dependence on electronic surveillance items and excessive use of
security light should be minimum.
(3) Deposition of damaged electronics centrally.
(4) Shift from ‘OFF-GRID’ to ‘GRID’ connection for electricity wherever
available.
(5) Recycling should be contacted for larger or special items.
(6) Surveyed and unserviceable items should be locally sold rather than
throwing away.
Petroleum, Oil, Lubricant (POL) Waste Management
a. Nature of POL Waste in PKO: POL is wasted while overhauling the
vehicles, applying lubrication oils, maintaining generator and AC, spillage
while carrying barrels to long operations, bad storage of POL et cetera.8
b. Preventive Measures: POL storage must be done in a way that does
not spoil the ground or the air. POL carriage is to be done with sealed barrels

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to prevent spillage. Decontaminate soil from petroleum Hydrocarbon from

the spilled POL.

c. Mitigating Measures:

(1) Replacement of parts in a vehicle is to be done on a hard surface.

(2) Oil-based generators should be replaced by solar panels, as much

as possible.

(3) Generators should be kept on a hard surface to prevent dripping oil

the ground.

(4) While pouring POL to the vehicle tanks, adequate measures to be

taken to prevent leakage and dripping to the ground.

(5) Vehicle washing pit is to be prepared keeping the provision of

Oil-Water separator (according to the guideline of DFS).

Medical Waste Management

a. Nature of Medical Waste in PKO: Unconsumed medications of the

peacekeepers, unused and date expired medicines, various medical
examination items of the Level-1 and Level-2 hospitals, Plastic Protective
Equipment, gloves, saline packets, syringes, needles, and other used
surgical items.

b. Preventive Measures: While in campaign outside the base camp, the

patients must be given a prescription with instructions to use the
medicine. Personal Protection Equipment, surgical gloves, face masks,
and latex gloves should be deposited separately in a waste collection bin.
Washable ones should be sterilized before reuse.
c. Mitigating Measures:
(1) A designated place should be arranged to act as ‘isolation’ to prevent
the spreading of any contagious diseases from the used equipment.

(2) Four separate waste collection bins should be arranged: general

waste, infected plastics, infected waste, and glassware. The bins
should be colour-coded and placed together.9

(3) Sharp items like needles may be packed together and deposited as
solid waste.

(4) The deposited medicines and objects are to be pressed hard to form
separate bricks after removing the sharp objects from the trash can and
buried 5 feet beneath the earth.

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Figure 5: Colour Coding of Medical Wastes

Source: Internet (m.theindependentbd.com)

Fire Hazard Management

a. Nature of Fire Hazard in PKO: Haphazardly thrown cigarette filters or
matchstick, electrical items in the barrack by a short circuit, unattended
POL, overheating vehicles/generators, cooking fire, naked electrical wire
on the floor et cetera may cause a fire in a PKO camp.
b. Prevention: Following measures will prevent fire outbreak:-
(1) Designated smoking zone.
(2) Fire extinguisher (adequate and based on the threat) should be kept
available near vehicle park, generator point, cookhouse, barrack, and
hospitals.
(3)Firefighting materials should be stored, checked and
replenished/replaced periodically.
(4) Sand and aggregates should be kept available outside each barrack
in the camp to equip the firefighting team in case a fire breaks out. It
should be guarded by protective fencing which allows airflow.
(5) Oxygen cylinders of level-1 and level-2 hospital should be placed
always to prevent a fire outbreak in the hospital.
(6) Generators to be kept under a shed that saves those from extreme
weather that might cause fire due to overheating.
(7) Deposit all used batteries with their terminals taped to prevent fires.
C. Mitigating Measures:10
(1) No cooking inside the barrack, under any circumstances. Flammable
items should be stored separetely, away from the accomodations.

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It should be guarded by protective fencing which allows airflow.

(2) No smoking outside the smoking zone. Smoked cigarette filters
should not be thrown anywhere.
(3) The firefighting team should be earmarked periodically to act as
the first respondent to any fire outbreak.
(4) No naked electric wires on the floor of the barracks.
(5) In case a fire breaks out, assess the risk and do firefighting
simultaneously. Do not blindly stagger around the flame.
(6) In case of a fire; saving lives gets priority, then separate
flammable items, then separate valuables.
Wider Impact
Long term preservation of nature is required. This will leave a legacy of a
positive impact on the nature of the host country. Peacekeepers may take the
following steps to have a positive and long-lasting wider impact:-
a. Every contingent should promote tree plantation and conduct
campaign on ‘Tree Plantation.’
b. No destruction of crops or vegetation while operating outside the camp.
c. No animal hunting while operating outside the camp.
d. Strict adherence to national and international rules and regulations on
preserving nature and culture during the tour of duty.
e. Increase the awareness level to which the missions take into account
the wider environmental impact of their deployment and attempt to deliver
a positive legacy.
f. Respect the local culture and help to preserve the traditions. No
enforcement of native and religious tradition.
g. In PKO in desert areas, do not spend water abundantly in front of the
locals, even if the water is fetched from some other source.
h. No wild animals should be caged as pets/zoos.11
Conclusion
EMS in PKO can be the most effective means to promote environmental
preservation throughout the world. This will minimize waste generations and
encourage reuse which will prevent the material from becoming waste. The
practice of waste management will leave habitual environmental preservation
by peacekeepers in their home country as well.12 Peacekeepers should conduct
awareness training quarterly/bi-annually to make the best use of resources by
spreading awareness among everyone. Bangladeshi peacekeepers should
plan and create a legacy of good deeds, humane attitude, sincere mindset and
long-lasting rapport of preserving nature and natural resources of the host

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country. Environmental Management will only be fruitful by managing the

resources and ensuring the least waste generation in PKO.
Bangladesh, as one of the leading TCC, can take a giant leap forward in
preserving the nature and also may keep record of the history of the
deployment areas. By conducting various pacification and environmental
management activities, peacekeepers may keep a long-term legacy of
preserving nature while bringing peace in a conflict-ridden area. Being a major
actor in peacekeeping in the world, the officers and troops of Bangladesh can
show a positive impact by systematic environmental management and become
a global role model.13

Notes and References

1. A.W Jerry Leone, International Waste Techniques at UN Peacekeeping
Missions, New York, UN Publication, 2019
2. ‘Peacekeeping Website,’ available at:// https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/shtml
accessed on 12 February 2020
3. ‘Wild Apricot,’ UN website, available at://https://gflawma.wildapricot.org/
resources/Documents/International%20Waste%20Techniques%20at%20U
N%20Peacekeeping%20Missions.pdf accessed on 12 February 2020
4. ‘Research Gate,’ Waste Management Research Organization, available
at://https://www.researchgate.net/ accessed on 16 February 2020
5. ‘Nairobi, Kenya,’ Municipality Waste Management Division, available
at://https://cegkenya.org/review-of-solid-waste-and-sanitation-management
-in-nairobi/ accessed on 12 February 2020
6. ‘UN Environment Program,’ available at://https://www.unenvironment.org/
es/node/23428 accessed on 09 February 2020
7. ‘UNEP Training Forecast,’ available at://https://www.unenvironment.org/
news-and-stories/story/reducing-environmental-footprint-peacekeeping-op
erations accessed on 10 February 2020
8. ‘UNEP Reducing Environmental Footprint,’ available at://https://www.
unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/press-release/unep-train-blue-helmet
s-environmental-challenges-peace-and-security accessed on 13 February
2020
9. Segregation of Hospital Biomedical Waste, available at: http://m.the
independentbd.com/printversion/details/171006
10. ‘UN Disaster Response,’ available at://https://www.unenvironment.org/

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topics/disasters-conflicts/what-we-do/preparedness-and-response/greenin
g-blue-helmets accessed on 02 February 2020
11. Mohiuddin Farooque and S. Rizwana Hasan, Laws Regulating Environment
in Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association
(BELA), 2004
12. ‘Summary of Environmental Issues,’ available at://https:// peacekeeping.
un.org/sites/default/files/171116_dfs_exec_summary_environment 0.pdf
accessed on 02 February 2020
13. ‘Wild Apricot International Peacekeeping Missions Waste Management,’
availableat://https://gflawma.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/Internati
onal%20Waste%20Techniques%20at%20UN%20Peacekeeping%20Missi
ons.pdf accessed on 02 February 2020

Brief Biography

Major Iqbalur Rahman was commissioned in December 2010. He served in

different staff and command appointments in four infantry regiments and was
appointed as Officer In Charge of Formation Recruit Training Centre in Jashore
for almost 3 years. He completed all the compulsory courses with brilliance and
commendable achievements. He also completed the Army Commando Course
from School of Infantry and Tactics. Major Iqbal participated in UN
peacekeeping mission in MINUSMA with BANBAT-2 in 2015. During his
deployment, he was a key contributor in preparing “Battalion Standing
Operating Procedure” in Mali and “Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP)
of Armed Groups in Mali and Preferred Tactics for Bangladeshi Contingents.”
Both were prepared from scratch in Mali and were found very effective. At
present, he is serving as General Staff Officer Grade-2 in Overseas Operations
Directorate of Army Headquarters.

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Our Cherished Partner for Peace : United Nations

Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
Md. Ariful Islam, Additional Superintendent of Police
Introduction
The ongoing volatile situation of ethnic conflicts and racial intolerance
faced by South Sudan continues to constitute a threat to the international peace
and security in the region. This is vividly reflected in the words of a hapless
Sudanese woman which runs, “We are tired. We are losing our husbands,
losing our children. Our youth cannot continue shedding blood. How long are
we going to talk about peace?” “Leaders are supposed to lead us. They are our
shepherds and we are their flocks. Do they want to kill all of us? Can they rule
without us? We need an answer today.”- cries Alice Senna Philip, as she sits
alongside other weeping women in a humid hut in the heart of Juba town. She
added - “If they don’t want to hear from us, we only have one option - we are
going to decide as women, we better leave this country and go for asylum. We
leave them to fight because they like fighting.”
The Security Council by its resolution 1996 (2011) of 8 July 2011 acting
under Chapter VII of the United Nations (UN) Charter established the UN
Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) for an initial period of one
year as from 9 July 2011.1 The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
delivered a message of peace in UNMISS, “We must all commit here and now
to make a peaceful progress in South Sudan.”
Background
The new nation, the Republic of South Sudan has a territory of 61,97,045
square km with a population of about 11 million having ten major administrative
states. Those are: Central Equatoria State - Juba, Eastern Equatoria State -
Torit, Western Equatoria State-Yambio, Lakes state - Rumbek, Jonglei State-
Bor, Upper Nile State- Malakal, Unity State - Bentiu, Warrap state - Kuajok,
Northern Bahr el Ghazal State - Aweil, and Western Bahr el Ghazal State -
Wau. The state has two official languages: Arabic and English.2
Ethnic violence in South Sudan has a long history, as well as they, believe
in Tribalism as their Religion. South Sudan has 64 tribes and varied ethnic
groups -Dinka, ( Ayuel Dinka, Dachuek Dinka), Nuer (Lou Nuer, Jikany Nuer,
Bul Nuer), Shilluk, Murle, Mathiang Anyoor, Fertit, Jie, Jur, Karo, Kakwa,
Pojulu, Acholis, AdamaDieng, Apuk, Aguok, Ruop, Pakam, Zande, Bari,
Anyanya, Ifwanyaki are the major clans. The largest being the Dinkas
constitute about 35% of the population and always predominate in government.
The second-largest are the Nuers. Conflict is often aggravated among nomadic
groups over the issue of cattle and grazing land and is part of the wider
Sudanese nomadic conflicts.3
If a young man hopes to marry in South Sudan, it will take 20 cows or 35
goats to buy a bride. This encourages cattle raiding. The Murle and the Lou

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Nuer clans are largely nomadic cattle herders. Cattle are used as food and also
used as a store of wealth. A cattle keeper always protects his herd with an
AK-47 in South Sudan which is really horrible and a big threat to lives. Violence
between the two groups Dinkas and Nuer go back generations exacerbated by
tensions over land and water. The attacks often target an entire village, burning
them in their round thatched huts. Militias frequently abduct children during
cattle raids who are then raised as their own. This is seen as a method, notably
among the Murle to increase the numbers of the small minority group. In past
generations, attacks used machetes and sticks.4
However, after decades of two civil wars; a first civil war which continued
from 1955 to 1972 and second civil war within 1983-2005, the region is awash
with guns, and young men are now armed with high-powered weapons. On 9
January 2005, Sudan’s Vice President Dr. John Garang de Mabior signed the
Nairobi Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and said, “I’m guerilla, I take
my time you see, now the new Sudan / South Sudan has an anchor in history-
let’s move forward with the momentum of 5,000 years.” On 9 January 2011,
Southern Sudanese voted in a referendum stipulated in 2005 CPA to decide for
being separated from North and became an independent nation on 14 July
2011. The Republic of South Sudan joined the UN as the world’s 193rd nation.
The first President Salva Kiir Mayardit from Dinka clan calls upon all to forget
clashes and to build the new nation as a new dawn of South Sudan. On 15
December 2013, violence broke out between Dinka and Nuer; fighting erupted
in Juba and spread throughout the country. A large number of killings took place
including targeted attacks against communities; thousands of civilians fled,
houses and cattle were burnt. From 2013 to 2019, it was claimed that an
estimated 4,00,000 lives demise and counting fresh more every day. Again,
peace became a far cry for South Sudan.5
Transition to Peace and Protection of Civilian
UN Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKO) are guided by three inter-related
and mutually reinforcing principles: Consent of the parties, Impartiality, and
Non-use of force, except in self-defense and defense of the mandate. The
Special Representative of Secretary-General (SRSG) and head of the UNMISS
Mr. David Shearer said; “We need a substantial amount of progress to give all
parties trust and confidence coming into a transitional government. The
progress made will be a measure of the parties’ commitment to peace.” The
protection of civilians is fully consonant with these principles, including the
authorization of the use of force. As such, the principles of peacekeeping can
never be an excuse for failure to protect civilians.
Challenges and Complex Environment of UNMISS
More than 1,00,000 Internally Displaced People (IDP) are under UNMISS
holdings in five major states: Juba, Bentiu, Malakal, Bor, and Wau who are
passing their livelihood with the scarcity of food, water, tents, medicine,
etcetera. The five other states: Aweil, Kuajock, Rumbek, Torit, and Yambio are

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known as green states as there is no IDP Camp in those states. However, those
are war-torn areas and also have a lack of infrastructure and logistics to
maintain the law and order situations.
Existing crucial issues across the country are: lack of transparency in oil
revenue spending, lack of road or railway communications within the states,
very expensive air transportations, unpaid soldiers, reunification of military
forces issue, irregular /delayed payment for civil servants, no mechanism of
using rainwater or lack of utilizing the water resources of the river Nile, and
dispute regarding borders and administrative centers of South Sudan.
Challenges also include the fragility of politics, politics of patronage, and the
politicization of identity. The UNMISS authority always emphasized in restoring
peace of South Sudan with the partners and stakeholders as stated, “The
peace we are talking about will not come from outside. It comes from inside and
from you. This is why we are here to help you come to peace with one another.”6
UN Police (UNPOL): Committed for UNMISS
UNMISS mandate includes: firstly, support for peace consolidation and
building economic development; secondly, support the Government of the
Republic of South Sudan in exercising its responsibilities for conflict prevention,
mitigation and resolution and protect civilians; and thirdly, to support the
Government of the Republic of South Sudan in developing its capacity to
provide security in establishing the rule of law and to strengthen the security
and justice sectors. At present, UNMISS UNPOL force comprises a total
number of 642 Individual Police Officers (IPO) out of which 541 are male IPOs
& 101 are female IPOs. They are from 39 different nations serving with 3
Formed Police Units (FPU) of Rwanda, Ghana, and Nepal. According to UN
Security Council Resolution No. 2459 dated 15 /03/ 2019, UNMISS Police are
engaged for:
a. Protection of civilians.
b. Monitoring and investigating human rights.
c. Creating the conditions conducive to the delivery of humanitarian
assistance.
d. Supporting the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement.
e. Providing Technical Assistance and Advice (TAA) for nation-building.
The Police Commissioner of the UNMISS Mrs. Unaisi Lutu Vuniwaqa has
reaffirmed the commitment of the UN Police’s role in supporting South Sudan
peace process. She stated, “We are here to complement the role of the South
Sudanese National Police (SSNPS) and understand how the UNPOL can better
support you and emphasized the importance of cooperation between UNPOL
and SSNPS to protect civilians.”⁷

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My Credentials in UNMISS
As a Police Advisor, initially, some directory and roster duties had to be
carried out like- “A place, a people and an operation / I never gave much
thought / they’d pop in and pop out / Day shift or night shift / But I never gave
much thought.” These verses are cited from ‘Silent Transit’- a poem by
Jamaican poet Karen Williams-Komlani matched my credentials during the very
first days which were passed in UNMISS.
The next day, my disappointment heightened because of heavy heatwave,
food and water scarcity, congested accommodation, unhygienic atmosphere,
mosquito, flies, malaria, venomous snakes, and fear of transmitted diseases. All
these provoked and induced my negative thoughts and also every sense of mine
intensified my wait for country. But after a few days, I settled my mind and gave much
attention to UNMISS for upholding and also serving mankind in South Sudan.
I joined UNMISS on 20th April 2019 and after completion of my induction
training, I was initially deployed to the Protection of Civilian (PoC) site in Upper
Nile state, Malakal Field Office (FO) as Police Advisor under UNPOL unit as
IPO. I served there from 15th May 2019 to 20th October 2019. I also served as
Logistics Officer at Malakal FO from 4th September 2019 to 12th October 2019
and as Personnel Officer from 13th October 2019 to 4th November 2019. Later
I was redeployed at Community Policing and Reform Pillar / Training and
Sensitization Unit in Mission Headquarters. Presently, I’m performing here a
few duties: Training and Curriculum Development Officer and a facilitator of
TAA and Sensitization workshop for SSNPS.8
Credibility of TAA on Scheduled Activities for Peace
In compliance with the present mandate some scheduled activities are
ongoing:
a. Daily Activities: Correlated ideas and practices of standard policing
needs to be incorporated in the host country. Briefing, logistics support,
and monitoring of day to day activities of different Police stations are part
of that to enhance the capacity of the institutions.
b. Weekly Activities: ‘TAA Technical Working Group’ meeting is arranged
at least once in a week to review the progress of the security and law and
order situations, and to formulate tasks order in implementing it in the
concern areas.
c. Monthly Activities: As part of TAA in collaboration with UN Development
Program (UNDP), Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (UNFAO),
UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) training for SSNPS, South Sudan Police
Service (SSSPS), SSFB, customs, other agencies and also some
sensitization programs for youth, social workers, NGOs, INGOs, Community
Watch Group, etcetera are implemented for stabilizing the peace process.

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UNMISS UNPOL undertakes comprehensive efforts to ensure the safety

and security of IDPs in UNMISS PoC sites which include the support and
guiding the community-based protection mechanisms inter alia in the form of
Community Watch Groups.9
Community Outreach & Engagement Programs for Peace
Checkmating the Activities of Armed Groups: The proliferation of
small arms and the weak rule of law are the main threats in avoiding further
clash among different armed groups. UNMISS-facilitated agreements have also
led to the demobilization of armed groups including child soldiers which directly
supports the peace process.
Chiefship to Prosecution for Criminal Justice System: According to
the constitution of South Sudan, amended in 2011 and Judiciary Act 2008, the
court will deliver decisions of conviction or acquittal and no Chief of any tribe
can determine arrest, trial, and punishment of any crime. A chief can be a
witness of the criminal justice system but can’t be a judge in South Sudan.
We’re working here to help the authority to enforce that. We’re working also in
coordination with Prison officers to ensure a safe and secure prison system in
the country.
Confidence-Trust Building Policing: Policing by consent and
Police-Community Coordination Meetings are going on and the blue beret is
building trust and confidence between the Police and Community in different
states of South Sudan. These are to prevent and fight against crimes as well as
to enhance the peaceful coexistence.
Protection of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence: Women in South
Sudan work outside of the home to bring water, food, and firewood for family
and they are the first victim of violence. Sensitization on sexual and
Gender-based violence against women and children through promotion in
UNMISS PoC sites and all states in South Sudan by conducting community
sensitization workshops including the use of media and Radio Miraya
broadcast, and also services attending through National Police Emergency
Call-112. UNMISS is trying to curb the gender-based violence including the
indiscriminate killing of women and girls by developing useful activities for the
youth.
Protection of Child: No child soldier is the slogan and UNMISS is
sensitizing all parties to discourage the recruitment of child soldiers in their
infantry. UNMISS’s “effects-based approach,” which demands that all local
engagement be linked to the mission priorities offers a potential model for other
peace operations. It is important to emphasize that the trajectory of the peace
process is very uncertain without the protection of the child.
Upholding Human Rights Issues: UNMISS is immensely concerned
about the gross violations of human rights across South Sudan since 2013.

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Women are being gang-raped and used in prostitution; children and youth are
kidnapped and used as a forced soldier; young girls are forced to marry;
extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests and detention;
violence aimed at spreading terror among the civilian population and attacks on
hospitals; kingship and chiefship justice mechanism responsible for the
repressive and regressive justice system -all these phenomena’s took the
nation in a bad rating in the scale of human rights status. We’re working on the
areas to make progress of the criminal justice system in South Sudan by
guiding and upgrading the key actors of the criminal justice system like police,
prosecution and defense, court and prison; so that the justice system may help
the reconciliation and healing process in South Sudan.10
Cycle for Peace: UNMISS routinely takes different events like marathon,
mini-marathon, courtesy match, cycling for women, football match, social
campaign against violence and awareness, anti-crime campaign, campaign
against HIV, street show, and peace concerts to connect people in sharing the
ideas of common peace for all in South Sudan.11
Creating Conditions Conducive to the Civilians
UNMISS believes that the path to peace for South Sudan is through
political means. We are implementing our commitments by focusing on a set of
eight key priorities outside PoC sites: Politics, Women, Peace and Security,
PoC, Safety and Security, Performance and Accountability, Peacebuilding and
Sustaining peace, Partnerships, and Conduct of peacekeepers and
peacekeeping operations (PKO). UNMISS is strengthening security within and
outside PoC sites in partnership with the relevant UNMISS PoC site actors and
fix the priority tasks as follows:
a. To support crime prevention initiatives, community safety relations and
community led-informal mitigation, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
b. To contribute with humanitarian actors to the creation of security
conditions conducive to the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
c. To ensure the security of the movement of UN and associated personnel
where appropriate and to ensure the security of its installations and
equipment necessary for the implementation of mandated tasks.
d. To conduct short and long-distance ‘Confidence and Trust Building
Patrol’ to ensure the sense of safety and security to the citizens.
e. To advise and assist the National Elections Commission in coordination
with the members of the UN country team to be consistent with the
agreement.
f. Projecting TAA on mandated scheduled activities to different PoC field
offices, SSNPS, and other law enforcement agencies.
g. To foster a secure environment for the safe and voluntary return of IDPs

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and refugees through monitoring and ensuring respect for human rights in
strict compliance with the UN Human Rights Due Diligence Policy
(HRDDP); coordination with police services and civil society actors in
relevant; and protection- focused activities such as sensitization to sexual
and gender-based violence to strengthen the protection of civilians.
h. To implement a mission-wide early warning strategy including a
coordinated approach to response violence or attacks against civilians.
j. To exercise good offices to mitigate inter-communal conflicts to foster
sustainable local and national reconciliation as part of a long term
state-building activity.
k. To provide training support and advisory assistance to the SSNPS and
other agencies for the implementation of ‘National Policing Strategic Plan
2019 -2024.
The UN, African Union (AU) and Inter-Governmental Authority for
Development (IGAD) have also collectively advocated for the establishment of a
trust fund to provide independent oversight of finances related to the
implementation of the peace agreement. UNMISS welcomes the recent
agreement between the Government and the opposition to set up such a
mechanism. The UN Peacekeeping Mission is ceaselessly working with the
people of South Sudan to protect civilians and thus UNMISS has a great
contribution in nation-building and also to attain durable peace in South Sudan.12
Commendations from Various Corners
We have seen some positive developments throughout 2019 including a
significant decrease in political violence after the signing of the revitalized
peace agreement. The ceasefire is largely observed across the country which
has given confidence to thousands of people who are returning from refugee
camps outside South Sudan and displacement sites within the country.
Inspector General Of Police, SSNPS, General Majak Akec Malok noted, “The
sensitization and harmonization of roles and responsibilities are the most
pressing needs facing the security services of SSNPS is getting logistics
supports and TAA from UNMISS to transform the police from the paramilitary
force into a civilian police force.” President of the Republic of South Sudan and
leader of SPLM, H. E. Salva Kiir Mayardit13 remarked on the activities of
UNMISS, “The peace process remains precarious but progress is being made
– progress in areas very visible such as Policing, Justice, and Democracy.”14
Above all, former UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon heartedly
reminded the world, “In addition to protecting individuals, UNPOL is helping
society of South Sudan as a whole by redefining the role of policing in countries
emerging from conflict, forging trust in uniformed police, establishing faith in
national justice systems, and fostering confidence in peace processes.”
As a large, bigger and multidimensional PKO with 17,000 troops, 2,000
police and 2,000 civilians, and almost 100 corrections officers - UNMISS has

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been provided with significant resources and an extraordinarily ambitious

mandate. Our humanitarian colleagues are showing great courage and
determination in reaching communities to deliver aid, providing access to clean
water, aiding in healthcare and education system as well as building resilience
so that people can ultimately sustain themselves.
Cherished the Revitalized Peace Process in South Sudan
UNMISS has witnessed a Revitalized Peace Agreement in September
2018 in Ethiopia and also observed ‘Revitalized Peace Accord’ on
12 November 2019 in Kampala, Uganda between President Salva Kiir Mayardit
and SPLM-IO leader Dr. Riek Machar to resolve the outstanding issues and
form a transitional Government by February 2020. Peace partners from the AU
and its spokesperson Mr. Amadou Ceesay said, “Everybody has a role- the
South Sudanese and the international community. We will all join hands
together to make sure that the process can be finalized and the agreement
implemented to the letter.” UNMISS can be considered one contributor among
many working together to end the civil war and lay the foundations for durable
peace in South Sudan before forming the unity Government and working to
revitalize the peace process.15
As a Peace Partner, Bangladeshi Peacekeepers in the form of
Bangladesh Military Contingents, Military Liaison Officers ( MLO), Bangladesh
Force Marine Unit (BANFMU), Corrections Officers, UN Volunteers (UNV), UN
permanent staff, and IPO under UNPOL-altogether around 1700 peacekeepers
are continuously working hard with other global peacekeepers to re-construct,
re-build and restore the stability and peace in South Sudan and here UNMISS
is undoubtedly our umbrella, a big family and a long-cherished partner.
Conclusion
The proactive approach taken by UNMISS in protecting civilians and
building peace is paying dividends. A perception survey of 2500 people across
South Sudan found that 83% of those interviewed, rated our protection and
peacebuilding efforts as either very positive or somewhat positive. On the
positive side, recent face-to-face meetings between political leaders in Juba
have been encouraging to implement the peace agreement. About UNMISS the
international community is showing real ‘Unity of purpose’ in supporting the
peace process which can be confidently summed up in three words: “Peace
Goes On.”

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Notes and References

1. For details see en wikipaedia/org/wiki/southsudan(UNMISS)
2. Fatih Karim, South Sudan: Birth of a New Nation, E.J. Brill, Leiden, 2015, p. 10
3. Stefano Manfred, ‘Sociological study of South Sudan,’ Sociological Studies,
2016 p. 35
4. Ingo Henneby, ‘The Political System of South Sudan,’ Ubersee, Vol 12, 2013,
pp. 174-176
5. Fatih Karim, op.cit. p. 22
6. Rebecca Hamilton, Southern Sudanese Independence and UNMISS, Pulitzer
Centre, Washington, 2014, p. 59
7. Ibid.
8. Ibid.
9. Ibid.
10. Ibid.
11. Ibid.
12. Ted Dagre, Republic of South Sudan: Opportunities and Challenges,
Congressional Research Service, Washington, 2017, p.152
13. Salva Kiir Mayardit (b.1951) is a South Sudanese politician whose Party
Sudan People’s Liberation Movement led the independence war of South
Sudan. He has been the President of South Sudan since its independence in
2011. Prior to indepedence he was the First Vice President of Sudan from
2005 to 2011.
14. Daan Luel Wei, Salva Kiir Mayardi: The Joshua of South Sudan, Independent
Publishing Platform, California, 2016, p. 82
15. Ibid. p. 83

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Brief Biography

Mr. Md. Ariful Islam, Additional Superintendent of Police has served in

different capacities of Bangladesh Police and mission abroad after joining the
Bangladesh Civil Service in 2008. He had opportunities to serve in the United
Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) during 2014-2015. Mr. Arif is
an author of six books: Operations Sundarbans, Let’s Love the Land Like the
Lily, Horse Police-Dog Police, State of the Union: A Review and Reckon, Help
Line- Triple Nine, and Jibito Na Mrito. He is also a regular contributor to The
Detective- a monthly magazine of Bangladesh Police. Presently, he is serving
in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

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 (CMR DTE)

E-mail : afdcmrpandc@gmail.com

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 ISSN 2706-7297
Armed Forces Division
Prime Minister’s Office
Dhaka Cantonment, Dhaka 1206
Bangladesh
E-mail: afdcmrpandc@gmail.com
Website: www.afd.gov.bd 9 772706729707