Policy on UN Transitions in the Context of Mission Drawdown or Withdrawal

Abstract

This Policy was endorsed by the Secretary-General on 4 Feb 2013. It provides strategic guidance to UN headquarters offices and field presences on how to plan and manage the transition of UN operations where a peacekeeping or special political mission (hereinafter referred to as UN missions) is deployed and the UN presence is preparing for, or involved in, a significant drawdown or withdrawal of the mission. It establishes key principles that apply across all UN mission transition processes and clarifies roles and responsibilities of UN actors at headquarters and in the field. It also establishes the links between transitions and other related policy streams.ssThis Policy was developed in response to increased demands from the field and headquarters offices as well as Member States for improved planning and management of UN transitions. Its scope and content is informed by an analysis of recurring challenges and lessons identified in areas such as planning, political process, capacity development and staff management and logistical support.