How effective is policing in protecting civilians in peace operations? Lessons from the UN Mission in South Sudan

This monograph assesses UN policing in peace operations and offers recommendations for future missions.

Policing, as a governance service, is part of a multidimensional peace operation deployed to respond to conflict and other crises. It helps prevent conflict relapses, build sustainable peace, ensure the rule of law and justice, protect and promote human rights, and protect civilians. In various reports and resolutions, the United Nations (UN) recognises the invaluable role of the police in international peace interventions. This monograph analyses the effectiveness of policing in protecting civilians in the case of the UN Mission in South Sudan. It sets out lessons and prospects for enhancing the effectiveness of policing in peace operations in protecting civilians.

About the authors

Meressa Kahsu Dessu is a Senior Researcher and Training Coordinator at the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) Addis Ababa office. His research focuses on conflict prevention, peace operations, peacebuilding, and conflict resolutions in Africa.

Dr Dawit Yohannes is a Project Manager and Senior Researcher at the Training for Peace project, ISS, Addis Ababa. His research focuses on the conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and peace support operations roles of the African Union and national dialogue and reconciliation processes in the Horn of Africa.

Professor Charles T Hunt is a Senior Research Associate at ISS, Addis Ababa; Professor of Global Security at RMIT University in Melbourne; and Senior Fellow at the United Nations University Centre for Policy Research in New York/Geneva. His research focuses on peacekeeping, peacebuilding and development in conflict-affected states, with particular interest in questions of everyday security and justice.