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

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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 this 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.