UN announces creation of peacekeeping panel

MANILA, Philippines – The United Nations announced yesterday the establishment of a new panel to make a comprehensive assessment of the state of UN peacekeeping operations.

In a statement, UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon said the high-level independent panel on peace operations, chaired by Jose Ramos-Horta of Timor Leste, will “draw together individuals with a wide range of experience and expertise.”

The panel will examine the UN’s peacekeeping operations and special political missions.

“The world is changing and the UN peacekeeping operations must change with it if they are to remain an indispensable and effective tool in promoting international peace and security,” Ban said.

“We must take stock of evolving expectations and consider how the organization can effectively advance peace, assist countries caught in conflict and ensure that our peacekeeping operations and special political missions remain strong and effective in a changing global context,” he added.

The 14-member panel will work closely with concerned UN departments and member states. The panel’s recommendations will be available for consideration during the UN General Assembly at its 2015 General Debate.

The UN secretary general said the last major external review of peace operations was undertaken in 2000 and led by Lahkdar Brahimi. It called for renewed political commitment among UN member states, significant institutional change and increased financial support.

The Philippines had called on the UN to take immediate action to protect UN peacekeeping forces after Filipino troops were seized in the Golan Heights in August.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario told the UN General Assembly’s 69th annual high-level meeting that the Philippines was deeply concerned with the continuing and emerging dangers faced by UN peacekeepers and urged the UN and all member states to ensure that these dangers are addressed comprehensively.

“We believe that outstanding operational and tactical issues relating to UN peacekeeping must be resolved at the highest levels as soon as possible. The Philippines reiterates its solid commitment to uphold multilateral peacekeeping, collective security and the rule of law,” Del Rosario said.