The Role of UN Peace Operations in Security Sector Reform and the Relationship with the Protection of Civilians

Journal of International Peacekeeping (2022)

28 Pages Posted: 28 Mar 2022 Last revised: 5 Apr 2022

See all articles by Lenneke Sprik

Lenneke Sprik

NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences

Jennifer Giblin

Edge Hill University

Alexander Gilder

University of Reading - School of Law

Date Written: February 21, 2022

Abstract

Security sector reform and the protection of civilians are regular features within United Nations (UN) peace operations. However, the two areas are often distinct from one another in the mandates of missions. What then is the relationship between Security Sector Reform (SSR) and the Protection of Civilians (PoC) in contemporary missions and how does SSR impact PoC? This article aims to draw out the relationship by conducting a comparative case study analysis based on three missions that all combine a SSR and PoC mandate: the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). The case studies provide a variety of examples which demonstrate elements of both convergence and divergence in the implementation of SSR and PoC. With SSR often taking place in a context of armed conflict, the current focus on human rights training and accountability is insufficient as the missions fail to achieve long-term SSR goals and instead must prioritise PoC due to the actions of the host states.

Keywords: Peacekeeping, security sector reform, protection of civilians, MINUSMA, MINUSCA, MONUSCO

Suggested Citation

Sprik, Lenneke and Giblin, Jennifer and Gilder, Alexander, The Role of UN Peace Operations in Security Sector Reform and the Relationship with the Protection of Civilians (February 21, 2022). Journal of International Peacekeeping (2022), Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4039726

Lenneke Sprik

NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences ( email )

Rengerslaan 8-10
Leeuwarden, Friesland 8917 DD
Netherlands

Jennifer Giblin

Edge Hill University ( email )

St. Helens Road
Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
United Kingdom

Alexander Gilder (Contact Author)

University of Reading - School of Law ( email )

Reading, RG6 6AH
United Kingdom

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