2015.07 Policy on Protection of Civilians in United Nations Peacekeeping

Abstract

This Policy provides the conceptual framework, guiding principles, and key considerations for the implementation of protection of civilians (POC) mandates in United Nations peacekeeping operations. In line with the five core challenges identified by the Secretary-General in his 2009 Report on the protection of civilians in armed conflict and encouraged by the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations’ request that the Secretariat “pursue efforts in close consultation and with the participation of the missions to address their needs for further operational guidance on the protection of civilians” (A/66/19), DPKO and DFS have drawn on the most recent lessons learned and the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) recommendations to review and revise the Operational Concept and consolidate it with other key guidance materials referenced above in the form of this Policy. Aimed at clarifying and reconciling the concept and operationalization of the protection of civilians in peacekeeping with overall Security Council guidance and directives, this policy identifies and organizes the range of mandated tasks contributing to the protection of civilians.