In the recent years, the United Nations has introduced the inclusion of civilian police in peacekeeping. The civil police work alongside the military police in order to intervene in different crisis situations including political affairs, human rights and reconstruction among others. However, while the use of civilian police has led to positive results, it has also impacted negatively on the civilian police.
One of the positive outcomes in the use of civil police is the achievement of successful missions. This is achieved through the protection of the local communities and the civil police from harm. The United Nations recruits the civil police from different countries across the world resulting into diversified peacekeeping missions. Prior to their recruitment, the UN ensures that the local civilians possess the required capacities. Knight (2005) further observed that the UN should prepare their staff on some of the mission expectations. Proper preparation will make the staff psychologically prepared to overcome the challenges that they may face in the line of duty.
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On the other hand, civil police face a lot of challenges during the peacekeeping missions. However, the UN makes efforts in order to avoid sending them in areas that pose a risk to their lives (Nadin, 2018). Despite these efforts, they face some challenges which include threats to their human rights. For instance, in Mali, they faced armed extremism and lacked government support as it does not have authority in some parts of Mali (Welcome to the UN). It is therefore important to ensure that they are secured as they perform their duties. Mollel (2010) stated that it is important for the mission to possess structures and resources that will successfully lead to the implementation, development and support of protection strategies. The security of the civil police should be the main responsibility of the mission as opposed to the governments of countries where they are deployed.
In conclusion, the use of civilian police has resulted into successful missions. However, they face different challenges that put their lives at risk. It is therefore important for the UN to put in place measures that ensure their safety.
References
Knight, A.W. (2005). Adapting the United Nations to a Postmodern Era: Lessons Learned . Houndmills, Basingstoke, Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan.
Mollel, Andrew. (2010). Evaluating UN peacekeeping missions in resolving armed conflicts: a focus on the MONUC. Journal of African and International Law. 3 (1): 49-90.
Nadin, Peter. (2018). The use of force in UN peacekeeping .
Welcome to the United Nations. (n.d.). Despite Overcoming Fresh Challenges in Mali, Swift Action Needed as Peril Still Threatens Civilians, Peacekeeping Mission Chief Tells Security Council | Meetings Coverage and Press Releases. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sc13016.doc.htm
