In the past twelve months, conflict-related deaths reached a 28-year high, with a full quarter of humanity living in conflict-affected areas.
Amidst these challenges, in 2023, 88,000 peacekeepers from 125 countries served in 12 missions, making strong contributions to peace, such as:
Combatting?Active Conflict
Four missions worked to end large-scale conflict. For example:?In 2023, the UN?Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) worked with partners to implement the 2019 peace agreement, providing security, political and logistical support, and helping the government deploy officials who will be critical to keeping communities safe and building sustainable peace.
Maintaining?Ceasefires
Seven missions worked to maintain ceasefires or similar agreements in areas where violent conflict has largely stopped, but not resolved, helping prevent further deteriorations in global and regional tensions and impacting hundreds of millions of people. For example:?In the territory of Western Sahara, the UN?Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) monitored violations of the ceasefire, worked to lower tensions in the face of resumed hostilities between the parties to the conflict, and investigated alleged incidents as the only impartial observer in the Territory.
Protecting?Civilians
Six missions helped protect civilians millions of civilians from violence. For example: The UN?Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) is directly protecting more than 100,000 internally displaced people in Djugu Territory alone. These displaced populations are under constant threat from armed groups, making the physical protection given by MONUSCO vitally important for their safety and security.
Preventing?Conflict
Eight missions helped prevent conflict tackling root causes like discrimination and inequalities for people. For example: The UN?Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) helped civil society organizations establish the Barabar Centre to promote inter-community dialogue among the multi-ethnic?society of Kosovo. Through channels like culture, education, and advocacy the Barabar Centre is fostering sustainable peace for all Kosovo residents.
Promoting?Human Rights
Five missions worked to promote human rights. For example:?MINUSCA?conducted training to build the capacity of thousands of men and women to protect children during armed conflict. This included members of the security and defense forces.
Strengthening?Security
Eight missions strengthened the rule of law and security institutions to help better protect people. For example: The UN?Mission in South Sudan (UMISS) worked with partners to strengthen the capacity of the justice system in the world¡¯s youngest country. This included training for Sudanese police officers on topics like community-centered policing and crime investigation techniques.
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