Middle East
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Stabilization

Because of the UN’s impartiality, the United States relies on UN peacekeepers to stabilize many regions. UN peacekeepers position themselves between conflicting parties. They bring stability and promote peace by creating conditions for rebuilding successful societies, providing humanitarian assistance, protecting civilians, and reducing violence. In particular, UN peacekeepers:

  • Monitor, verify and report on ceasefires and peace agreements. UN peacekeepers deter violence and create political space for consolidating and sustaining peace in regions that are important to U.S. interests.

Examples: UNTSO (Middle East), UNFICYP (Cyprus), UNMOGIP (India/Pakistan), UNISFA (Abyei)

  • Facilitate humanitarian access. The cessation of violence is only the first step toward sustainable peace. The United States partners with the UN to deliver life-saving assistance -- including food, water, medical care, and shelter-- to war-torn regions.  

Examples: UNAMID (Darfur), UNAMI (Iraq)

  • Protect civilians. In some missions, UN peacekeepers are authorized to protect civilians from targeting by armed factions. Often, the legitimacy and credibility of those missions depends upon the peacekeepers’ ability to do so. To be successful in their efforts to protect citizens, UN peacekeepers need member countries to provide funding, equipment, and political support.

Examples: MONUSCO (The Democratic Republic of the Congo), UNAMID (Darfur), UNMIS (Sudan)