Statement of Lithuania at the June 10 Debate on the Protection of Civilians in the Context of Peacekeeping Operations
PK
Today’s debate is a reminder once again that an ample knowledge base exists on what is needed to improve the protection of civilian populations by peacekeeping missions, including as reflected in the recommendations of the High-level Independent Panel on Peace Operations (S/2015/446) and last year’s reviews on peacebuilding and women and peace and security.
As noted by many delegations today, clear, credible and achievable mandates matched by the reliable and readily availability of the necessary materiel, equipment and critical enablers; strong mission leadership and personal responsibilty; the pre-deployment training of troops, including on the protection of civilians; inclusion of thematic advisers on women, children and the protection of civilians in peacekeeping missions; a more robust, proactive protection posture; and the existence of specific protection-of-civilians strategies for each peacekeeping mission with a protection mandate all play an important role in the protection of civilians.
Protection
The effective protection of civilians and, for that matter, the safety of peacekeepers themselves depend also on close ties with and the trust of local communities, including women, youth and marginalized groups.