International day of UN Peacekeepers
Heroes of Peace
Background Information
The United Nations has, since the year 1948, seen to it that there are Peace Co-operations put in place.This was necessitated by the happenings of World War II where there was a colossal loss of human life.To ensure that there would be no recurrence of this, under the United Nations Charter, the Security Council was set up and given the primary responsibility of maintenance of international peace and security.
For this year, in Kenya, the peacekeeping commemoration was held at the United Nations offices at Gigiri, Nairobi. In appreciation, the 29th of May each year is set aside as a commemoration of the peacekeepers who have lost their lives while undertaking this noble cause and also to give thanks to those who have served to retirement.
The Director General UNON, Ms. Sahle-Work Zwede graced the ocassion this year.
She broke down important issues to do with the United Nations Security Council and peacekeeping, most of which is mentioned within this article.
70 years down the line, has anything being achieved?
Well, there have been 14 peacekeeping missions in the world so far out of which half of those have been in Africa. These missions have not all been successful, that is true, however, it would be unfair not to recognize the success stories of some of these peacekeeping missions.
The missions to Cambodia, Angola and Mozambique are among the notable success stories. Also ongoing are missions in South Sudan, Central Africa Republic and Mali.
The United Nations has also managed to partner with regional organizations such as the African Union which has assisted in peacekeeping. Furthermore, the UN looks to ensure that Africa is represented among nations that have veto power in the United Nations Security Council.This aims at giving Africa a voice too as the representatives have never had a permanent seat at the Security Council.
As many people would expect, the peacekeepers are meant to use amicable and diplomatic means of maintaining peace wherever they are deployed. However, in some cases, the Security Council can resort to imposing sanctions or even authorize the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security. This is more so when the lives of the peacekeepers are threatened.
Are there any challenges?
The answer to this question is in the affirmative. There are challenges. These challenges affect different parties either directly or indirectly involved in the peacekeeping missions.
For the UN, the fact that most States are sovereign already limits the capacity in which they can act and the extent to which it can get involved in the matters of a State. The UN cannot overstep hence sometimes there is really not much help it can give. Its ‘hands’ become tied.
The peacekeepers face a lot. The first challenge is usually leaving the comfort and love of a home and family and going to a foreign territory where the living conditions are mostly deplorable. It takes a toll on them and that is why before going there are measures taken to prepare them psychologically.
In some instances, after interacting and coming into a peaceful agreement, tables turn and they face hostile attacks. The residents turn against them, forcing their use of arms to defend themselves. This sometimes ends in loss of lives and sustaining of injuries.
After the missions, most usually suffer from PTSD. On coming back home, they are not in the same space mentally. This in turn takes a toll on their families. Family who all along have lived in constant worry about the safety of their loved ones but on having them back now struggle to assist them in their mental recovery. It becomes a constant point of stress. Their partners experience nightmares, sometimes are hyper-vigilant/alert (they always see everything as a threat and go to the extent of even avoiding public places), have recurrent negative thoughts among others.
What next after the mission for the peacekeepers?
When peacekeepers return from their missions, they are in need of psychological help. In Kenya, under Dr. Susan Gitau, there has been a program where volunteers assist in counselling sessions and simple encouragement to the peacekeepers when they return. So far, this has been a good starting point but it would be far much better if an organization is established specifically for this.
However, there also exists the Soldiers of Peace International Association where the peacekeepers are members. In addition, there is also the Heroes Oasis which is a group for military families (includes their parents, partners and children) which helps them understand how to deal with the peacekeepers post deployment.
“I came, I saw, I acted” has now replaced “I came, I saw, I conquered” among the peacekeepers. This is because not all missions are “conquered” and are successful but the fact that they did something about the situation is what matters.
We salute all the peacekeepers.
We are proud of all that they have done and are still doing.
Anyone too can be a hero of peace in whatever capacity.
Let’s create our own blue helmets.
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