Bureau of International Organization Affairs - Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Law Policy

Peacekeeping and Humanitarian Law Policy

Ambassador Rosemary DiCarlo expressed the support of the United States in implementing the “New Horizon Project,” which attempts to better “anticipate challenges to peacekeeping missions.” Furthermore, the United States called for clearer mandates for Peace Keeping Operations (PKO’s) by including “specific benchmarks whenever possible,” which would “greatly enhance the capacity of the UN to effectively undertake complex peace operations and to review those operations once undertaken.” The Ambassador also encouraged a greater effort from the UN member states as a whole to train and equip PKO’s to meet increasing demands. Later, Ambassador Susan E. Rice reiterated the need to strengthen the “capacity of the organization to engage effectively in complex peace operations, at a time when the burdens and challenges placed on the institution are greater than ever.” Similarly, to assist and protect the civilians caught in conflicts, the United States claimed to be “deeply committed to supporting and advancing international humanitarian law.” In order to uphold this commitment, the international community has specific tasks it must undertake: “preventing conflicts, in the first place, keeping existing conflicts from escalating to mass atrocities, acting early and decisively when they occur, and ensuring that peace-building and post-conflict assistance consolidates peace durably once the conflict ends.” Lastly, Rice confirmed the necessity of PKO’s to end violations of international humanitarian law and to safeguard civilians.