Local Perceptions of Robust Protection of Civilians in Peace Operations

Challenges Forum’s panel discussion at the Swedish Defence University explored new research on what kind of protection of civilians (PoC) provided by peacekeepers that enjoy more local support than others. With a field perspective from South Sudan, the panellists contributed to a very constructive discussion on how local perception feedback can lead to better and more proactive PoC.

Read the key takeaways from the discussion here.

Robust use of force in PoC has become a key feature of peace operations over the past decades. In their research brief, Linnéa Gelot, Senior Lecturer at the Swedish Defence University, and Prabin B. Khadka, Lecturer at the University of Essex, explore what forms of PoC provided by peacekeepers garners more local support than others, and recommend ways for a more proactive and people-centred approach when protecting civilians.

The panel discussion explored how to translate these recommendations on local perceptions into action. Representing different perspectives and organisations, the panellists shared valuable insights and experiences, on what’s needed to ensure more effective delivery on Protection of Civilians mandate in peace operations.

Speakers:

• Linnéa Gelot, Senior Lecturer in War Studies at the Swedish Defence University (SEDU)
• Lt Gen Mohan Subramanian, Force Commander, UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS)
• Regina Fitzpatrick, Protection of Civilian Team Leader, DPET, UN Department of Peace Operations (DPO)
• Leben Moro, Director, Scientific and Cultural External Relations, University of Juba
• Prabin B. Khadka, Lecturer at the University of Essex.

The panel discussion on 26 September can be watched again on the link below:

The conversation was initiated by Benoit Pylyser, Director Challenges Forum International Secretariat, and moderated by Susanna Ahlfors, the secretariat’s Event & Communications Officer.

Key takeaways from the discussion will soon be published on our website.