Security Council leaders resolve to strengthen UN peacekeeping

Meeting at the level of heads of State and Government for only the second time in its history, the Security Council on Thursday resolved to strengthen the central role of the United Nations in peacekeeping, particularly in Africa, and pledged to take concrete steps to achieve that goal. After holding an extended debate in which nine presidents, five prime ministers and one foreign minister took part, the Council voted unanimously to adopt a Declaration on ensuring an effective role for the Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security. The Council reaffirmed its determination to give special attention to the “specific characteristics of African conflicts.” It also emphasised the importance of continued cooperation between the UN and the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) and African sub-regional organisations in addressing conflict in Africa. The Council said it was determined to strengthen UN peacekeeping operations by adopting clearly defined, credible and achievable mandates and by including in those mandates measures to ensure the safety of UN personnel and, where feasible, civilians. The Council agreed to support the upgrading of UN capacity for “planning, establishing, deploying and conducting peacekeeping operations.” It also agreed to the “provision of a more up-to-date and sounder foundation for financing those operations.” Secretary-General Kofi Annan told the summit meeting that the UN was facing a “crisis of credibility” in discharging its responsibility for maintaining global peace and security and called on world leaders to give the world body the tools it needs to act effectively. “Too many vulnerable communities in too many regions of the world now hesitate to look to the United Nations to assist them in their hour of need,” Annan said. “No amount of resolutions or statements can change this reality. Only action can: prompt, united and effective action, pursued with skill and discipline to halt conflict and restore the peace. Only such determined action can restore the reputation of the United Nations as a credible force for peace and justice. Nowhere is your commitment more urgently needed than in the continent of Africa, where millions are suffering daily from the ravages of war,” Annan added.