Protection of Civilians and Political Strategies

This issue brief reviews the complementarity and tension between protection of civilians and political strategies. It explores the important role of the Security Council in laying the strategic groundwork for the success of missions, and examines how missions, at their level, can implement protection of civilians mandates through a political strategy. Rather than providing concrete recommendations on a topic that touches upon the spectrum of peace and security challenges, this issue brief provides an overview of key questions and areas for further research. It highlights in particular the importance of clarifying strategic objectives for missions, UN headquarters, and the Security Council to minimize the risk that the protection of civilians mandate becomes military driven rather than politically driven. It also emphasizes the need to link local conflict resolution to national political strategies, engage with a wider range of actors, and strengthen field offices.