United Nations Police: Restoring Civil Order Following Hostilities

TABLE OF CONTENTS FORMAT OF STUDY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . V METHOD OF STUDY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . VI

LESSON 1 – UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6

The United Nations Charter Structure of the United Nations Principles for Peacekeeping Operational and Tactical Considerations Composition of Peacekeeping Operations Management of Peacekeeping Operations

LESSON 2 – CIVILIAN POLICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 2.9 2.10

History of Civilian Police Operations Roles and Duties Privileges, Immunities, and Responsibilities General Requirements Specific Requirements Cultural and Social Relations Interaction with the Media Organisation and Staff Duties Interaction with Military Staff and NGOs Do’s and Don’ts

LESSON 3 – STAFF DUTIES AND REPORTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43

3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5

Written Communications Report Writing Style Guide Daily Situations Report Investigation and Charge Report Other Reports

LESSON 4 – LIAISON, NEGOTIATION AND MEDIATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4

Liaison Negotiation Mediation The Use of Interpreters iii

LESSON 5 – ADMINISTRATIVE AND LOGISTICS MATTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

5.1 5.2

Notes for the Guidance of UNCIVPOL on Assignment Logistics Support

LESSON 6 – SECURITY AND SAFETY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6

General Security Measures Hijacking Detainment Mines Sniper Fire Lost Radio Contact

LESSON 7 – FIRST AID AND HEALTH PRECAUTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127

7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 7.5 7.6 7.7

Principles of First Aid Medical Situations Requiring First Aid Assistance CASEVAC/MEDEVAC Requests Notice of Casualty/Death (NOTICAS) Alcohol and Food HIV, Basic Vaccination Stress Management

LESSON 8 – INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147

8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4

Communications: The Pros and Cons of Various Devices Regulations Affecting UN Use of Communications Procedures for Radio Communication Postal Arrangements

LESSON 9 – DRIVING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .161

9.1 9.2 9.3

Permits and Responsibilities Winter Driving Desert Driving

APPENDIX A: ACRONYMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170 APPENDIX B: SAMPLE LETTERS AND FORM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175 END-OF-COURSE EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184

FORMAT OF STUDY This course is designed for independent study at a pace determined by the student.

Course format and materials permit: • MODULAR STUDY • EASE OF REVIEW • INCREMENTAL LEARNING

STUDENT’S RESPONSIBILITY The student is responsible for: • • •

Learning course material Completing the End-of-Course Examination Submitting the End-of-Course Examination

Please consult your enrolment confirmation email or the end of this course for examination submission instructions.

METHOD OF STUDY The following are suggestions for how to proceed with this course. Though the student may have alternate approaches that are effective, the following hints have worked for many. •

Before you begin actual studies, first browse through the overall course material. Notice the lesson outlines, which give you an idea of what will be involved as you proceed.

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The material should be logical and straightforward. Instead of memorizing individual details, strive to understand concepts and overall perspectives in regard to the United Nations system.

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Set up guidelines regarding how you want to schedule your time.

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Study the lesson content and the learning objectives. At the beginning of each lesson, orient yourself to the main points. If you are able to, read the material twice to ensure maximum understanding and retention, and let time elapse between readings.

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When you finish a lesson, take the End-of-Lesson Quiz. For any error, go back to the lesson section and re-read it. Before you go on, be aware of the discrepancy in your understanding that led to the error.

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After you complete all of the lessons, take time to review the main points of each lesson. Then, while the material is fresh in your mind, take the End-of-Course Examination in one sitting.

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Your exam will be scored, and if you achieve a passing grade of 75 percent or higher, you will be awarded a Certificate of Completion. If you score below 75 percent, you will be given one opportunity to take a second version of the End-ofCourse Examination.

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One note about spelling is in order. This course was written in English as it is used in the United Kingdom.

LESSON 1 UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPING 1.1

The United Nations Charter

1.2

Structure of the United Nations

1.3

Principles for Peacekeeping

1.4

Operational and Tactical Considerations

1.5

Composition of Peacekeeping Operations

1.6

Management of Peacekeeping Operations

Lesson 1 / United Nations Peacekeeping

LESSON OBJECTIVES By the end of Lesson 1, the student should be able to meet the following objectives: •

Understand the background to the creation of the UN;

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Appreciate the high ideals and aspirations articulated in the preamble to the Charter of the United Nations and the means of achieving those aspirations as outlined in the Chapters of the Charter;

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Understand the workings of the General Assembly and the Security Council;

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Be familiar with some of the departments, offices, and programmes of the UN;

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List and explain the principles for peacekeeping;

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Understand the operational and tactical considerations of peacekeeping;

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Be familiar with the composition of peacekeeping operations;

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Understand the organisation of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and its role in managing peacekeeping operations; and

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Be familiar with the different levels of operational command and control of UN Peacekeeping Operations.

Lesson 1 / United Nations Peacekeeping

1.1

The United Nations Charter

UN History in Brief The Charter of the United Nations was signed on 26 June 1945 at the conclusion of the United Nations Conference on International Organisation in San Francisco, California, and came into force on 24 October 1945. The Statute of the International Court of Justice is an integral part of the Charter. The name “United Nations,” coined by United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt, was first used during the Second World War in the “Declaration of United Nations” on 1 January 1942, when representatives of 26 nations pledged their governments to continue fighting together against the Axis Powers. Prior to the establishment of the United Nations, states first established international UN Headquarters in New York, New York. (Photo by Harvey J. Langholtz) organisations in order to cooperate on specific initiatives. For example, the International Telecommunication Union was founded in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union, and the Universal Postal Union was established in 1874. Both are now United Nations specialized agencies. In 1899, the International Peace Conference was held in The Hague with the goal of elaborating instruments for settling crises peacefully, preventing wars, and codifying rules of warfare. It adopted the Convention for the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes and established the Permanent Court of Arbitration, which began work in 1902. The predecessor of the United Nations was the League of Nations, an organisation conceived in similar circumstances during the First World War and established in 1919 by the Treaty of Versailles “to promote international cooperation and to achieve peace and security.” The International Labour Organisation was also created by the Treaty of Versailles as an affiliated agency of the League. The League of Nations ceased its activities after failing to prevent the Second World War. In 1945, representatives of 50 countries met in San Francisco at the United Nations Conference on International Organisation to draw up the United Nations Charter. Those delegates deliberated on the basis of proposals worked out by the representatives of China, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and the United States at a mansion known as Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, D.C., in September and October of 1944. The Charter was signed on 26 June 1945 by the representatives of the 50 countries. Poland, which was not represented at the Conference, signed it later and became one of the original 51 Member States.

Lesson 1 / United Nations Peacekeeping

The United Nations officially came into existence on 24 October 1945, when the Charter was ratified by China, France, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, and by a majority of other signatories. Therefore, United Nations Day is celebrated on 24 October each year.1 In the past, this day was used for UN relations with the public. For example, on 24 October 1947, “United Nations Day” was officially designated by the General Assembly, and on 24 October 1949, the cornerstone for the present UN Headquarters in New York City was laid. By the end of 2004, the UN had increased to 191 Member States. The most recent to join are Switzerland and Timor-Leste in 2002. The Charter of the UN The Charter is the constituting instrument of the United Nations, setting out the rights and obligations of Member States and establishing the Organisation’s organs and procedures. The purposes of the United Nations, as set forth in the Charter, are to maintain international peace and security; to develop friendly relations among nations; to cooperate in solving international economic, environmental, social, cultural and humanitarian problems and in promoting respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms; and to be a centre for harmonizing the nations’ actions in attaining these ends. The Charter is composed of a preamble, 19 chapters, and 111 articles. The prefixed Introductory Note contains the signature dates of the original version and of all amendments. The spirit of the Preamble is conveyed in the introductory paragraphs of the UN Charter: WE THE PEOPLES OF THE UNITED NATIONS DETERMINED • to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, which twice in our lifetime has brought untold sorrow to mankind, and • to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small, and • to establish conditions under which justice and respect for the obligations arising from treaties and other sources of international law can be maintained, and • to promote social progress and better standards of life in larger freedom, AND FOR THESE ENDS • to practice tolerance and live together in peace with one another as good neighbours, and • to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security2, and • to ensure, by the acceptance of principles and the institution of methods, that armed force shall not be used, save in the common interest, and • to employ international machinery for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples,

1 2

Extract from the fully historical background in “Basic Facts about the United Nations,” 2000. Bold type by the authors.

Lesson 1 / United Nations Peacekeeping

HAVE RESOLVED TO COMBINE OUR EFFORTS TO ACCOMPLISH THESE AIMS. Accordingly, our respective Governments, through representatives assembled in the city of San Francisco, who have exhibited their full powers found to be in good and due form, have agreed to the present Charter of the United Nations and do hereby establish an international organisation to be known as the United Nations. This final purpose is a worthy goal, but the conditions in the world fall short of this ideal. However, peacekeepers can contribute to reaching this ideal. The structure of the Charter is clear, and the subtitles of the Chapters help to understand the composition, for example, “Chapter I – Purposes and Principles.” Most important for the Civilian Police, as well as for other peacekeeping components, are Chapters V – VII (Security Council; Pacific Settlement of Disputes; Action with Respect to Threats to the Peace, Breaches of the Peace, and Acts of Aggression). The essential decisions of the Security Council and the physical elements of the Offence for starting a Peace Operation on behalf of the United Nations are clearly defined in these Chapters. Outline of the UN Charter Chapter I Chapter II Chapter III Chapter IV Chapter V Chapter VI Chapter VII Chapter VIII Chapter IX Chapter X Chapter XI Chapter XII Chapter XIII Chapter XIV Chapter XV Chapter XVI Chapter XVII Chapter XVIII Chapter XIX

Purposes and Principles Membership Organs The General Assembly The Security Council Pacific Settlement of Disputes Action with Respect to Threats to the Peace, Breaches of the Peace, and Acts of Aggression Regional Arrangements International Economic and Social Cooperation The Economic and Social Council Declaration regarding Non-Self-Governing Territories International Trusteeship System The Trusteeship Council The International Court of Justice The Secretariat Miscellaneous Provisions Transitional Security Arrangements Amendments Ratification and Signature

The full UN Charter is available on the web at: http://www.un.org/aboutun/charter/index.html.

Lesson 1 / United Nations Peacekeeping

1.2

Structure of the United Nations

Established in the Charter, the essential structure of the UN accords to the main purposes of the UN. The six principal organs (Chapter III, Article 7, No. 1) of the United Nations are: • • • • • •

The General Assembly The Security Council The Economic and Social Council The Trusteeship Council The International Court of Justice The Secretariat

Chapter IV Chapter V Chapter X Chapter XII Chapter XIV Chapter XV

Five of these main organs are based at UN Headquarters in New York. The sixth, the International Court of Justice, is located at The Hague in the Netherlands. The United Nations family, however, is much larger, encompassing subsidiary organs, 15 agencies and several programs and bodies (Chapter III, Article 7, No. 2). The UN General Assembly On 10 January 1946, the First General Assembly, with the original 51 Member States represented, opened in Central Hall, Westminster, London, and adopted its first resolution on 24 January 1946. Its main focus was the peaceful use of atomic energy and the elimination of atomic and other weapons of mass destruction.

The General Assembly preparing for a regular session of its Member States.

The United Nations General Assembly holds a special place in international relations and the current world order because all UN Member States are represented in it. The Assembly meets in regular annual sessions and in special sessions as occasion may require. This regular session is held from September to December. When necessary, it may resume its session, or hold a special or emergency session on subjects of particular concern. When the Assembly is not meeting, its work is carried out by its six main committees, other subsidiary bodies, and the UN Secretariat. The main task of this meeting is to consider the world’s most pressing problems within the scope of the UN Charter. A two-thirds majority makes decisions on “important matters,” such as international peace and security, the admission of new members, the election of the Members of the UN organs, the UN budget, and other budgetary questions. Other matters are decided by a simple majority. In recent years, a special effort has been made to reach decisions through consensus, rather than by taking a formal vote. Each Member State has one vote irrespective of the number of inhabitants, its economic power, or its political or military power. This right to vote in the General Assembly is only restricted by the UN Charter in specific situations, for example, if the Member State has not paid its membership fees (according to Chapter IV, Article 19).

Lesson 1 / United Nations Peacekeeping

In order to effectively deal with the great number of questions and problems that are presented, the Assembly allocates most questions to its six Main Committees. The Committees that are important for peacekeeping include the First, the Fourth and the Fifth Committee. The six main committees3 include: • • • • • •

First Committee Second Committee Third Committee Fourth Committee Fifth Committee Sixth Committee

Disarmament and International Security Committee Economic and Financial Committee Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee Special Political and Decolonization Committee Administrative and Budgetary Committee Legal Committee

The UN Security Council On 17 January 1946, the Security Council met for the first time in London and adopted its rules of procedures. The fundamental goal of the Security Council is to ensure prompt and effective action by the United Nations. Therefore, its Members confer on the Security Council’s primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security and agree that in carrying out its duties under this responsibility, the Security Council acts on their behalf. The Security Council may convene at any time, day or night, whenever peace is threatened. Under the Charter, and mainly in accordance to Chapters V, VI and VII, all Member States are obligated to carry out the Council’s decisions. The Security Council consists of fifteen Council members. Five of these – China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States – are permanent members. The other ten – five Member States each year for two-year terms – are elected by the General Assembly. The Presidency of the Council rotates monthly in alphabetical order of its Member States. Decisions of the Council require nine affirmative votes. Except in votes on procedural questions, a decision cannot be taken if there is a “no” vote by a permanent member. In other words, the decisions have to include the concurring votes of the permanent members or the unanimity of the permanent members. This special right of the permanent members – to prevent decisions of the Security Council – is referred to as the “veto” power. When the Council considers a threat to international peace, it first explores ways to settle the dispute peacefully. It may suggest principles for a settlement or undertake mediation. In case of fighting, the Council tries to secure a cease-fire; it may send a peacekeeping mission to help the parties maintain the truce and to keep opposing forces apart. The Council can take measures to enforce its decisions. Also, it can impose economic sanctions or order an arms embargo. On rare occasions, the Council has authorized Member States to use “all necessary means,” including collective military action, to see that its decisions are put into action.4

3 4

For further information, see http://www.un.org/ga/57/index.html. For further information, see http://www.un.org/docs/sc.

Lesson 1 / United Nations Peacekeeping

The UN Secretariat The Secretariat carries out the substantive and administrative work of the United Nations as directed by the General Assembly, the Security Council and the other organs. The duties are as varied as the problems dealt with by the UN. At its head is the Secretary-General, who provides overall administrative guidance and acts as “chief administrative officer of the Organisation.” The Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly on the recommendation of the Security Council for a five-year term with possible reelection. Apart from other tasks, like annual reports to the General Assembly, the Secretary-General may bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security.5 The Secretariat consists of departments and offices with a total staff of about 8,900 drawn from some 170 countries. The UN and the Secretariat are headquartered in New York and maintain a significant presence in Addis Ababa, Bangkok, Beirut, Geneva, Nairobi, Santiago, Vienna, and in other offices all over the world. The departments and offices at UN Headquarters in New York include: • • • • • • • • • • •

Executive Office of the Secretary-General Office of Internal Oversight Services Office of Legal Affairs Department of Public Information Department of Peacekeeping Operations Department of Political Affairs Department of Humanitarian Affairs Department of Administration and Management Department for Policy Coordination and Sustainable Development Department for Economic and Social Information and Policy Analysis Department for Development Support and Management Services

EOSG OIOS OLA DPI DPKO DPA DHA DAM DPCSD DESIPA DDSMS

In addition to the list above, the United Nations maintain some other programmes and organs: • • • • • • •

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees United Nations Centre for Human Rights United Nations International Drug Control Programme United Nations Conference on Trade and Development United Nations Environment Programme United Nations Centre for Human Settlements United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East

Chapter XV, Article 99 of the UN Charter.

UNHCR UNCHR UNDCP UNCTAD UNEP UNCHS UNRWA

Lesson 1 / United Nations Peacekeeping

Several Regional Commissions are also maintained by the United Nations: • • • • •

Economic Commission for Africa Economic Commission for Europe Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia

ECA ECE ECLAC ESCAP ESCWA

The Civilian Police observer may come in contact with some of these programmes, agencies or commissions working in connection with or as a part of the peacekeeping operation. The more common include: •

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Geneva is voluntarily financed and works to extend international protection to more than eighteen million refugees, seeking to ensure that they receive asylum and favourable legal status in their asylum country.

•

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in New York is voluntarily financed and helps developing countries, at their request, to improve the quality of life of their children through low-cost community-based services in maternal and child health, nutrition, sanitation and education, as well as emergency relief.

•

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) in Geneva undertakes independent research on disarmament and related problems, particularly international security issues.

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The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNWRA) in Vienna is voluntarily financed (mainly from governments) and provides education, training, health and relief services to Arab refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, the Syrian Arab Republic and the occupied territories of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

•

The United Nations Volunteers (UNV) in Geneva includes qualified, experienced and motivated professionals from 120 countries sharing skills on volunteer terms.

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The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in New York is the world’s largest channel for multilateral technical and pre-investment assistance to developing countries, supporting more than 6,000 projects in some 150 countries.

The following organisational diagram outlines the overall structure of the United Nations system:

Lesson 1 / United Nations Peacekeeping

LESSON 1 END-OF-LESSON QUIZ 1.

When and where did the United Nations officially come into existence? A. In 1919 following Word War I at the Treaty of Versailles; B. In October of 1944 at Dumbarton Oaks in Washington, DC; C. On 24 October 1945 following ratification by a majority of the nations that had met in San Francisco in June of 1945; D. On 24 October 1949 with the laying of the cornerstone for UN Headquarters in New York.

What are the six principle organs of the United Nations? A. General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, Trusteeship Council, International Court of Justice, Secretariat; B. General Assembly, Security Council, UNICEF, Trusteeship Council, International Court of Justice, Secretariat; C. General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, Trusteeship Council, International Criminal Court, Secretariat; D. General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, Trusteeship Council, International Atomic Energy Administration, Secretariat.

How many votes does each nation have in the General Assembly? A. Votes in the GA are calculated based on GNP; B. Each nation has one vote; C. Only the permanent members may vote; D. Votes are calculated based on population.

Which principal organ carries out the substantive and administrative work of the UN? A. The Secretariat; B. DPKO; C. The Secretary-General; D. The diplomatic missions in New York.

What is DPKO? A. Department of Peacekeeping Organisation; B. Department of Peace Organisations; C. Division of Peace Operations; D. Department of Peacekeeping Operations.

Lesson 1 / United Nations Peacekeeping

Which chapter of the UN Charter addresses the Pacific Settlement of Disputes? A. Chapter V; B. Chapter VI; C. Chapter VII; D. Chapter VIII.

Which of the following is the best definition of UN Peacekeeping? A. The collective use of international military personnel to impose the will of the permanent members of the Security Council; B. The exercise of all aspects of diplomacy and military intervention to preserve and enforce peace; C. The deployment of a UN presence in the field with the consent of the parties concerned, normally involving UN military, police, and/or civilian personnel; D. A series of ad hoc missions, each designed to address the needs of a specific conflict.

According to the Brahimi report, the objectives of a mandate as articulated in a Security Council Resolution should be: A. Clear, credible, and efficient; B. Clear, credible, and achievable; C. Simple, credible, and achievable; D. Clear, legal, and achievable.

A peacekeeping mission is primarily a/n _______ operation. A. Political; B. Military; C. Civilian police; D. Observer.

10. Which UN office or department has the responsibility to plan, prepare, manage, and direct all UN peacekeeping operations? A. The Secretary-General; B. UNHCR; C. UNDP; D. DPKO.

ANSWER KEY 1C, 2A, 3B, 4A, 5D, 6B, 7C, 8B, 9A, 10D

United Nations Police: Restoring Civil Order Following Hostilities - Sample Pages