The UN (peace keeper) is an activity which aims to create the conditions for lasting peace. It is distinguished from both peace building and peacemaking. Which means that the UN peace keeping forces carry weapons but the are not allowed to use them or engage in battle.

UN peace keepers send there troops to a nation where there is war, after that nation has entered in agreement with the UN.

In every place where there is a conflict (war) among people, there is also riches, wealth and a discovery of natural resources which some times becomes the cause of the conflict.

The UN (peace keepers) come not the make peace, but rather to find out how they can exploit the situation.
In the agreement that every nation signs or makes with the UN (peace keepers) includes confidence building, strengthening the rule of law, power sharing arrangements involving themselves in the economical affairs and social structure of the nations where their troops are sent.

The first peacekeeping mission was launched in 1948. This mission, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), was sent to the newly created State of Israel, where a conflict between the Israelis and the Arab states over the creation of Israel had just reached a ceasefire.

About 4.5% of the troops and civilian police deployed in UN peacekeeping missions come from the European Union and less than one percent from the United States (USA).

The UN peace keepers always comes into the picture in situations where cease fire agreement has been reached between the two rival parties. Read the continuation of the article on the next page to find out more..

By: Apostle A Ngabo