1. SGTM 8: Human Rights in Peacekeeping

2. Structure of Presentation
Human rights and conflict
Definition of human rights
Legal basis for human rights
Examples of human rights
International humanitarian law
Human rights violations
Applying human rights in peace operations
“Scenario on the Use of Force and Firearms”

3. Protect host country population Build confidence and defuse tensions
Protecting human rights and preventing violations is important to
Protect host country population
Build confidence and defuse tensions
Prevent future conflicts
Increase the effectiveness of peace operations

4. Are legal entitlements Protect both individuals and groups
Human rights
Are legal entitlements
Protect both individuals and groups
Uphold respect for human dignity
Are modern norms but an ancient principle

5. Internationally guaranteed Legally protected
Human rights are:
Universal
Internationally guaranteed
Legally protected
Protect individuals and groups
Cannot be taken away
Equal and indivisible
Oblige States and State actors

6. United Nations Charter (1945)
Promotion of and respect for human rights for all is a purpose of the Organization
Establishes legal obligations for Member States to take action to achieve respect for human rights

7. Treaties, conventions, covenants, declarations
Define human rights
Specify obligations of States
Create mechanisms to implement and monitor

8. International Bill of Human Rights
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

9. Civil and political rights (right to life, liberty, equality before the law, freedom of thought and religion)
Economic, social and cultural rights (right to food, housing, education)

10. Human rights treaties on
Elimination of racial discrimination
Elimination of discrimination against women
Prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
Rights of the child
Rights of migrant workers

11. Human rights and countries hosting peace operations
Are obligated to protect human rights
Often party to specific human rights treaties and have accepted obligations
Peace agreements usually incorporate human rights obligations for the Parties

12. Freedom of thought, conscience and religion
The human right to
Life
Freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment
Not be held in slavery
Freedom of thought, conscience and religion

13. Freedom from arbitrary arrest, detention
The human right to
Fair trial
Freedom from arbitrary arrest, detention
Freedom of movement
Privacy

14. Peaceful assembly, association
The human right to
Housing
Freedom of expression
Education
Peaceful assembly, association

15. Specified in human rights treaties Determined by law
Some rights may be limited, but only when
Specified in human rights treaties
Determined by law
Rights of others or the general public must be protected
Proportional to the objectives pursued

16. Derogations
Some rights may be derogated, temporarily suspended, under very strict and specific conditions, in situations of emergency

17. International humanitarian law
Regulates the conduct of hostilities
Protects civilian population, victims of conflicts and non-combatants

18. International humanitarian law
Applies in all situations of armed conflict
Safeguards principles of humanity in all situations
Respects and protects non- combatants, wounded, sick, shipwrecked, prisoners and civilians

19. International humanitarian law, key principles
Assist and care for all persons suffering from the effects of conflict without discrimination
Ensure their access at all times to a protecting Power or an impartial humanitarian organization

20. Prohibited in all circumstances are
Murder
Torture
Corporal punishment
Mutilation
Outrages on personal dignity
Hostage-taking
Collective punishment
Executions without regular trial
Cruel and degrading treatment

21. Prohibited in all circumstances are reprisals against
The wounded, sick and shipwrecked
Medical personnel and services
Prisoners of war
Civilians
Civilian and cultural objects
Natural environment

22. Human rights violations
Summary executions
Torture
Arbitrary arrest, detention
Discrimination
Violence against women
Genocide
War crimes

23. Crimes against humanity
Murder
Extermination
Enslavement
Torture
Deportation, forcible transfer
Rape, sexual slavery, enforced prostitution or sterilization, forced pregnancy
Imprisonment, other deprivation of physical liberty
Persecution of any group
Enforced disappearance
Apartheid

24. Groups requiring special attention
Women
Children
Old people
Refugees
IDPs
Persons with disabilities

25. Human rights as a common standard of conduct and achievement
Human rights in peacekeeping
Human rights as a common standard of conduct and achievement
Peace operations must be conducted with full respect for principles, norms, spirit of human rights conventions
United Nations personnel and host Government must respect human rights principles and norms

26. Human rights components:
Monitor and investigate human rights violations
Report on violations
Conduct advocacy and interventions
Human rights capacity-building
Engage with humanitarian and development partners
Support peace process and transitional justice
Conduct in-mission training and sensitization on human rights issues
Provide technical assistance and advice to other components

27. Human rights units/components Military peacekeepers UN police
Human rights roles in peace operations
Human rights units/components
Military peacekeepers
UN police
Other civilian components/units

28. Protection of civilian population
Human rights roles for military
Protection of civilian population
Wide operational presence, detailed knowledge of area, movements
Monitoring and reporting of violations
Deterrent effect through visible presence
Armed capacity to stop abuses
Positive example through their conduct

29. Monitoring and mentoring national police
United Nations police roles
Monitoring and mentoring national police
Training and advising new national police forces
Investigating and reporting
Law enforcement

30. Civil affairs Electoral assistance DDR Public information
Civilian components with human rights roles
Civil affairs
Electoral assistance
DDR
Public information

31. Take action in accordance with mandate, functions and situation
If human rights violations are observed
Note the facts
Take action in accordance with mandate, functions and situation
Immediately report the violations
Coordination with human rights components
Follow the situation

32. First try non-violent means
When using force
First try non-violent means
Use force only if necessary to pursue lawful objectives
Use only minimum force needed
Always apply force in proportion to objectives
Exercise restraint and minimize damage and injury
Provide medical aid to the injured

33. Be familiar with human rights concepts
In summary
Be familiar with human rights concepts
Understanding human rights is necessary to performing your functions effectively
Respect human rights at all times
Protecting and respecting human rights helps maintain credibility and legitimacy of United Nations

34. Peacekeeper’s Motto
“Be visibly present on the ground with the attitude and determination to deter abuses of human rights”