Description
This paper analyses how the United Nations characterises acts of violence undertaken by its peacekeeping forces. The UN, through policies related to Robust Peacekeeping, as well as practices associated with Stabilisation, and the Protection of Civilians, has codified forms of direct violence undertaken by deployed military personnel in the execution of the mandates they work under. However, to what extent does the organisation reflect on this violence in its public statements, and do we see evidence of reflection in these statements on the role that the UN plays in certain circumstances as a violent actor? Through analysing Reports to the UN Security Council, and public communications this article addresses these questions. By doing so, it will ask the extent to which the UN is fully reflective of its role as a conflict intervener, and what impact this has on how peacekeeping is understood as an activity with the aim to resolve conflict.
