Publication

This study examines why some peacekeeping missions are better able to protect civilians than others. It identifies the underlying conditions that must be satisfied in order for a peacekeeping operation to fulfill its mandate and prevent violence against internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees. While the size of a force and the expanse of area inevitably plays a role in mitigating violence, the research identifies four other factors: the timing of the introduction of a UN peacekeeping mission; its composition; its ability to effectively patrol volatile borders, as well as its ability to initiate and implement disarmament, demobilization and rehabilitation (DDR) programs.