Protection of Civilians

The protection of civilians is one of the most important and demanding responsibilities in contemporary UN peacekeeping. In many mission settings, civilians face severe threats including killing, torture, forced displacement, sexual violence, arbitrary detention, abduction and forced recruitment. Protecting civilians therefore requires more than military presence alone. It depends on integrated action across all mission components, cooperation with partners, and a proactive understanding of threats, vulnerabilities and community needs.

This session introduces participants to the UN peacekeeping mandate on the protection of civilians, including its meaning, legal basis and practical application in mission settings. The course examines who is considered a civilian, the kinds of threats civilians face in armed conflict, the vulnerability factors that increase protection risks, and the legal and policy frameworks that guide mission responses. It also explores the guiding principles of civilian protection, the importance of mission-wide protection planning, and the specific roles played by military, police and civilian components, as well as external protection partners.

The course also addresses the special protection needs of children in situations of armed conflict. Participants will examine the concept of child protection, the six grave violations committed against children in conflict settings, the international legal framework for child protection, and the role of UN peacekeeping missions in monitoring, reporting, advocacy and prevention. The session highlights that child protection is a shared responsibility across mission components, while also recognising the specialist role of child protection personnel.

By the end of the session, participants will have a clearer understanding of how UN peacekeeping missions work to protect civilians and children in conflict settings, and why this work is central to the credibility, legitimacy and effectiveness of modern peace operations.