New Zealand Calls For UN Peacekeeping Reform

New Zealand's Foreign Minister has called for reform of United Nations peacekeeping operations worldwide, saying they need clearer and more attainable mandates, increased efficiency and better ways to monitor progress.

Pointing to the “dramatic” expansion in UN peacekeeping since 1990, Murray McCully said “never before has this Organization deploy so many missions to such complex environments.”

Currently there are 15 UN peacekeeping missions in place on four continents, while 11 UN political missions are also involved in complex peacebuilding or conflict prevention efforts.

“This expansion has opened up the discussion of the way the UN conducts its peacekeeping operations,” said Mr McCully. “Clear and achievable mandates are needed, progress needs to be better monitored, and efficiency needs to be improved.”

The Foreign Minister said it was vital to strengthen peacebuilding in practice as well, particularly the need for the greater participation of women in peacebuilding efforts.

He said his own country was involved in peacekeeping or peacebuilding efforts in many countries, including Afghanistan and Timor-Leste.

“New Zealand is committed to supporting global security and UN peacekeeping,” he said.

(C) NewsRoom America 2010