The Role of UN Peacekeeping Operations in Promoting Human Rights in Conflict Zones During the Post-Cold War Era
The Role of UN Peacekeeping Operations in Promoting Human Rights in Conflict Zones During the Post-Cold War Era
By Shahla Ahmed
Introduction
Since the conclusion of the Cold War, the role of United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions has changed, with a greater emphasis on advancing human rights in post-conflict areas. Peacekeeping operations now have to cover not only security but also humanitarian needs, transitional justice, and the rule of law, with a focus on women’s empowerment and gender equality due to geopolitical shifts. Maintaining human rights norms in conflict areas has grown more difficult as missions have progressed from simple monitoring to intricate duties, including safeguarding people and establishing institutions. Thus, peacekeeping missions can only succeed if they are grounded in human rights principles, as safeguarding human dignity is essential for lasting peace. The concept of human rights has changed throughout history, reflecting the global community’s dedication to their preservation, as outlined in the United Nations (UN) Preamble (1945). Among the UN’s primary objectives are the protection of international peace, the promotion of relations between nations, the encouragement of global collaboration, and the advocacy of human rights (1945).
This article explores the achievements and challenges of contemporary UN peacekeeping missions in promoting human rights, providing insights into the variables that affect their efficacy. It will then demonstrate how UN peacekeeping can be powerful when done carefully, while also acknowledging the challenges of applying human rights standards during conflicts. The research in this paper has been guided by the following questions:
- What role do UN peacekeeping operations play in promoting human rights in conflict zones during the Post-Cold War Era?
- What successes have UN Peacekeeping Operations achieved in promoting human rights during conflicts in the post-Cold War era?
- What difficulties and challenges do UN Peacekeeping Operations face when attempting to promote human rights in conflict zones during this era?
A Brief Background on Peacekeeping
The UN initiated peacekeeping operations in 1948 in response to instability in the Middle East. Since that time, peacekeeping has evolved to tackle international security issues, with each operation confronting specific challenges. While peacekeeping has received both commendation and criticism, it is crucial to understand that each mission necessitates a customized approach. Following the conclusion of the Cold War, peacekeeping operations overseen by the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPO) have undergone significant conceptual and operational changes, especially in acknowledging the connection between violent conflict and inadequate democratic governance. The United Nations continues to be the primary body responsible for initiating and managing peacekeeping missions across the globe.
In the aftermath of World War II, to promote international collaboration, the UN has faced criticism for favoring Western normative frameworks, highlighting the conflicts in the way global governance interacts with various political cultures. After the dissolution of the League of Nations in 1945, the UN sought to promote peace and stability through international cooperation, as stated in the UN Charter. The Charter emphasizes the prevention of threats to peace, the cessation of acts of aggression, and the resolution of disputes through justice and international law.
As peacekeeping operations expand into areas affected by violence and human rights abuses, the relationship between peacekeeping and the protection of human rights has become increasingly evident. The UN’s dedication to global peace and human rights informs its actions in conflict regions, striving to restore order and uphold essential rights.
Success and Challenges in Peacekeeping
This section analyzes the successes and obstacles faced by UN peacekeeping operations in their efforts to maintain human rights in areas of conflict. Significant successes include the efficient provision of essential assistance even in challenging situations, facilitating peace agreements to reduce violence, and enhancing local institutions to encourage lasting progress in human rights. For instance, in Liberia, the UN Mission (UNMIL) played a crucial role in restoring security following the civil war, aided in conducting credible elections, and notably, introduced the first all-female police unit in any UN mission, thereby fostering greater involvement of women in policing and governance and demonstrating concrete advancements in rights and gender equality in a post-conflict environment.
Conversely, challenges arise from the intricate nature of conflict dynamics, including resource limitations that impede effective monitoring and resolution, cultural barriers that hinder community engagement, and apprehensions with respect to human rights abuses within mission settings. Despite these challenges, the UN’s successful peacekeeping endeavors in recent decades have significantly curtailed conflicts, prevented the resurgence of hostilities, and prolonged periods of post-conflict tranquility.
Likewise, since the conclusion of the Cold War, UN peacekeeping efforts have broadened significantly, playing a crucial role in promoting human rights and rebuilding governance in areas affected by conflict. Significant achievements include the establishment of legal frameworks, support for transitional justice processes, facilitation of humanitarian assistance, and the advancement of gender equality. Key examples include Rwanda, where the UN supported post-genocide justice through the International Criminal Tribunal, and East Timor, where peacekeeping initiatives contributed to the creation of essential institutions and legal systems in a newly independent nation. The UN has recognized Rwanda’s continuous efforts to tackle insurgents based in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and it has also played a crucial role in fostering post-genocide justice and reconciliation efforts within the country. These missions illustrate the UN’s ability to not only stabilize communities following conflict but also to encourage lasting peace and uphold human rights, emphasizing the organization’s tangible influence in governance after conflict.
UN operations have also been instrumental in ensuring access to humanitarian aid and addressing issues related to sexual and gender-based violence. UN peacekeeping missions have progressively integrated gender-sensitive approaches, empowering women in roles related to peacebuilding and decision-making—an important step towards inclusive recovery. For instance, in Liberia, the UN introduced the first all-female Formed Police Unit, serving as role models and fostering greater involvement of women in governance and security sectors.
Likewise, in Rwanda, while the UN continues to tackle regional security threats posed by insurgents in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the UN has strengthened its role in advancing peace and human rights by continuing to support post-genocide justice and reconciliation. However, these achievements must be considered alongside ongoing and emerging challenges, such as persistent security threats and the necessity for wider institutional reforms. Legal limitations, especially concerning respect for state sovereignty and the politicization of the UN Security Council, often hinder prompt and effective responses—as seen in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The selective enforcement of the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) doctrine exposes deficiencies in global consensus and political resolve. Humanitarian efforts encounter difficulties such as restricted access, worsening security conditions, and logistical challenges. Geopolitical tensions further complicate interventions, undermining the UN’s efficiency in crisis response.
Additionally, institutional and governance issues continue to influence the outcomes of missions. Fragile state institutions, local opposition, and corruption obstruct long-term reforms, while the increasing number of global conflicts places additional strain on UN resources and coordination capabilities. There is a growing demand for reform within the UN, focusing on better decision-making practices and increased accountability to more effectively respond to the complexities of modern peacekeeping. As an illustration, in 2015, Canada and Sweden collectively promoted greater transparency and quicker deployment strategies in UN peacekeeping efforts, highlighting the necessity for reforms that tackle operational inefficiencies and enhance responsiveness to new conflicts.
Concluding Remarks and Takeaways
Overall, United Nations peacekeeping operations reveal the toll of conflict on human lives. Although motivated by honorable goals, these missions frequently fail to safeguard civilians, as demonstrated in the cases of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and Palestine. Insufficient responses and a lack of accountability diminish confidence in international actions. Beyond political dynamics, peacekeeping initiatives have significant global consequences. With 193 member states, the UN’s credibility and influence render it an essential entity for fostering peace. Compared with warfare, peacekeeping is a more efficient and humane approach, providing crucial support for the reconstruction of societies and the promotion of stability. To protect human rights in complicated situations, this article offers a comprehensive analysis of UN peacekeeping missions. It provides information on how human rights and peacekeeping operations interact, assisting practitioners and policymakers in creating complex plans that improve peacekeeping efficacy and fortify protections. Additionally, the results advance our knowledge of peacekeeping procedures and conflict-related decision-making, offering a better understanding of the complex interactions among human rights, protection, and peacekeeping operations. Armed with these subtle insights, policymakers are better able to develop plans that align with the dynamic nuances of conflict areas, thereby increasing the efficacy of peacekeeping operations.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shahla Ahmed is an independent researcher and a master’s graduate in international relations from China University. She specializes in peacekeeping, human rights, and post-conflict governance. Her research focuses on the role of UN peacekeeping operations in promoting human rights and gender equality in conflict-affected areas. Shahla is passionate about advancing evidence-based policy solutions to enhance peace and stability worldwide.