Protection of Civilians – Implementation in UN Peace Operations

In light of the new policy by the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations on protection of civilians (POC), this brief looks at the latest operationalization of POC in field missions by civilians, military and police.

Over the past decade the UN Security Council has gradually moved POC to the centre of mandates of peacekeeping operations. Missions have been at the forefront of developments of multifunctional POC structures and mechanisms.

Drawing on these lessons learned, the UN headquarters have developed strategic guidance that is now consolidated in the new policy on POC. This brief focuses on the connection between the policy and operational level, how the implementation of POC mandates materializes in today’s peace operations.