United Nations Peacekeeping Force (UN PKF) and UNIFIL

About UN PKF

• It is a global partnership that helps countries transition from conflict to lasting peace.
• The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) plays a major role in deployment of peacekeeping forces.
• Purpose: The UN peacekeeping force helps countries prevent disputes from escalating into war, restore peace after armed conflict, and promote lasting peace.
• Personnel: The force includes civilian, police, and military personnel from over 120 countries. They are often called “Blue Berets” or “Blue Helmets” because of their light blue berets or helmets.
• History: The first UN peacekeeping mission was established in May 1948 to monitor the Armistice Agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbours.
• The UN PKF is guided by three principles:
  • Consent of the parties
  • Impartiality
  • Non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate.

About United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)

• It was established in 1978 by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) through Resolution 425. (HQ: Naqoura, southern Lebanon)
• It comprises of more than 10,000 peacekeepers from 50 nations.
• Purpose: It was created in response to the conflict between Israel and Lebanon, primarily to confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and restore peace and security.
• Mandate:
  • Restoring peace and security
  • Supporting the Lebanese government to regain authority in the area.
  • Monitoring hostilities.
• Area of Operation: Southern Lebanon, near the border with Israel (Blue Line)
  • Blue Line is a 120km (75-mile) “border” drawn up by the UN between Lebanon and Israel. It was established in 2000.

Sharing is caring!