United Nation peace operations continue to struggle with a system that is in need of reform, said John Kelley, U.S. Acting Representative to the UN.
That’s why the United States continues to advocate for the UN to return to its foundational purpose of maintaining international peace and security. UN peacekeeping in particular must be more accountable, adaptable, and transparent, stressed Mr. Kelley.
“First, to improve accountability, excellence in performance must be better rewarded and incentivized. At the same time, expedient and consistently applied consequences must also be imposed, including for performance failures, conduct and discipline issues, resource mismanagement, inaction in the face of impediments to missions’ mandates, and non-intervention when imminent threat of physical violence against civilians arise.”
Reform should ensure the UN has clear and consistent performance standards for both uniformed and civilian personnel and transparent accountability mechanisms that are used to address underperformance in the execution of mandates. All perpetrators must be held to account for instances of sexual exploitation and abuse.
In order to increase transparency, UN headquarters, in cooperation with peace operations at the mission level, must engage in integrated planning, said Mr. Kelley.
“These efforts will ensure UN peace operations have actionable end states and timelines, clear and demonstrable metrics to achieve these end states, and a streamlined support structure that both fosters innovation and responsibly allocates shared resources. Missions must be able to showcase their progress and actively – collectively – work themselves out of a job.”
“Reforms are also needed to ensure the [Security] Council is provided with regular, frank assessments and realistic recommendations – not just what it wants to hear,” said Mr. Kelley.
To empower adaptability, peace operations need to reflect the political and operational realities of the moment, said Mr. Kelley.
“Targeted and achievable mandates – rather than burdensome mandates – will also help address the growing trust deficit facing peace operations today.”
The United States remains concerned about the UN’s bureaucratic inefficiencies, politicized initiatives, and burdensome mandates that inhibit clear prioritization and strain resources.
“President [Donald] Trump is steadfast in his goal of restoring peace across the world,” said Mr. Kelley. “And President Trump also has made clear the UN needs to focus on its core mandate to better position it for success.”
That is why the U.S. continues to advocate for significant reforms to the UN. “Progress in responding to this pivotal time in the transformation of the UN will require broad political backing, operational wherewithal, and visionary leadership,” said Mr. Kelley. “We must be ready to meet the moment.”
