United Nations Truce Supervision Organization Role, Relevance, Function, and Utility – Lessons for Future Peace Operations
Written by
Annika Hilding Norberg
Head of Peace Operations and Peacebuilding, Geneva Centre for Security Policy
Robert Mood
Former Head, United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation and Former Head United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria
Apurba Kumar Bardalai
Former Deputy Force Commander and Former Acting Head of Mission United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon
Ed.
Cedric H. de Coning
Research Professor
Summary:
The aim of the study is, firstly, to assess the role, relevance, function, and utility of UNTSO, and secondly, to identify what lessons can be learnt from UNTSO’s model and experience that can help to inform the future of UN peace operations in the context of the UN Secretary-General’s policy brief on a New Agenda for Peace, as well as in the preparations for the Summit of the Future.
The effectiveness of peace operations is dependent on the political backing, financial support, and deployment of trained peacekeepers by the UN Member States. While recognising the important roles of the UN missions, the UN Secretariat, host states, and other key stakeholders and contributors, the primary audience for the present study’s findings and recommendations is the UN Security Council and UN Member States.
Although the study is primarily focused on UN peace operations, it is suggested that the findings can also be informative for strengthening the role of observers in other organisations, including regional organisations, and can enhance cooperation between different organisations in dealing with peace and security issues. As outlined in Our Common Agenda, an emerging “networked multilateral system” requires enhanced and specialised capabilities, and broader thinking for wider application and cooperation beyond the immediate organisation and structure of current peace operations.
The effectiveness of peace operations is dependent on the political backing, financial support, and deployment of trained peacekeepers by the UN Member States. While recognising the important roles of the UN missions, the UN Secretariat, host states, and other key stakeholders and contributors, the primary audience for the present study’s findings and recommendations is the UN Security Council and UN Member States.
Although the study is primarily focused on UN peace operations, it is suggested that the findings can also be informative for strengthening the role of observers in other organisations, including regional organisations, and can enhance cooperation between different organisations in dealing with peace and security issues. As outlined in Our Common Agenda, an emerging “networked multilateral system” requires enhanced and specialised capabilities, and broader thinking for wider application and cooperation beyond the immediate organisation and structure of current peace operations.
- Published year: 2024
- Publisher: Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI)
- Page count: 54
- Language: English
- Journal: EPON Report
Written by
Annika Hilding Norberg
Head of Peace Operations and Peacebuilding, Geneva Centre for Security Policy
Robert Mood
Former Head, United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation and Former Head United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria
Apurba Kumar Bardalai
Former Deputy Force Commander and Former Acting Head of Mission United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon