United Nations: stronger political support for UN peacekeepers is needed

On Monday 9 September 2024,  Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, addressed the Security Council  the need for greater political support and resources to ensure the effectiveness and safety of UN peacekeeping missions in an increasingly complex global environment. Mr. Lacroix highlighted how peacekeeping efforts face new challenges, like transnational organized crime, illegal resource exploitation, climate change impacts, the proliferation of cheap weaponized technology, and targeted disinformation campaigns.  He stressed that peacekeeping operations are only as strong as the collective backing of Member States, whose support has become fragmented due to growing geopolitical tensions, underscoring the importance of unified international action to bolster peacekeeping efforts and to promote political solutions to conflicts. 

Lacroix pointed to the tangible impact of UN peacekeepers in various conflict zones, such as protecting displaced civilians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, preventing cross-border violence in southern Lebanon, and mediating resource-based conflicts in Abyei. Despite these achievements, he cautioned that peacekeepers alone cannot resolve conflicts, as they are tasked with maintaining stability rather than engaging in warfare. The success of these missions depends on clear and adaptable mandates, as well as sufficient resources and strong partnerships at the local, regional, and international levels.

Mr. Lacroix also highlighted the rising threats to peacekeepers, particularly drone attacks, and called for countermeasures to protect them. Furthermore, he pointed to the upcoming Summit of the Future as a pivotal opportunity for Member States to strengthen  multilateralism and peacekeeping.