Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface and acknowledgments
- Maps
- 1 Introduction
- 2 The political and diplomatic background to the establishment of peace support operations in Lebanon, Somalia and Kosovo
- 3 Legal framework of UN peacekeeping forces and issues of command and control
- 4 United Nations peacekeeping in Lebanon, Somalia and Kosovo, and the use of force
- 5 UN military operations and international humanitarian and human rights law
- 6 Conclusion
- Appendix 1 Resolutions of the Security Council: UNIFIL
- Appendix 2 Resolutions of the Security Council: Somalia
- Appendix 3 Resolutions of the Security Council: Kosovo
- Bibliography
- Index
6 - Conclusion
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 22 July 2009
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface and acknowledgments
- Maps
- 1 Introduction
- 2 The political and diplomatic background to the establishment of peace support operations in Lebanon, Somalia and Kosovo
- 3 Legal framework of UN peacekeeping forces and issues of command and control
- 4 United Nations peacekeeping in Lebanon, Somalia and Kosovo, and the use of force
- 5 UN military operations and international humanitarian and human rights law
- 6 Conclusion
- Appendix 1 Resolutions of the Security Council: UNIFIL
- Appendix 2 Resolutions of the Security Council: Somalia
- Appendix 3 Resolutions of the Security Council: Kosovo
- Bibliography
- Index
Summary
The need for UN reform
The problem is a lack of vision, the opportunity is to provide that vision – the challenge is to promote the view that can see pragmatic idealism prevail over rather stale realism … [which] is often a euphemism for a short-sightedness and policies lacking in the necessary courage and vision.
In recent years, the UN has faced a series of financial crises that have threatened its existence. The availability of troops from developed countries for peacekeeping in Africa and elsewhere remains a major problem, but a more serious threat is posed by the self-serving agenda pursued by the permanent members of the Security Council. It is they who are responsible for 85 per cent of global arms exports, while at the same time charged with primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. The victors of World War II have arrogated the crucial power within the Security Council, making full use of its inherently undemocratic structure and procedures. This ruling oligarchy represents one of the major obstacles to the proper functioning of the UN and is a major impediment to peace based on justice and universal suffrage. The legitimacy of the Security Council derives from the commitment of all member states to confer primary responsibility for international peace and security on a body of limited membership. There must be balanced and fair representation, reflective of the global membership of the UN and the realities of regional and global power.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- UN Peacekeeping in Lebanon, Somalia and KosovoOperational and Legal Issues in Practice, pp. 294 - 311Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2007