Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
In his address to the General Assembly, Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that UN peace operations are essential tools for maintaining international peace and security, but must adapt to current global realities, including the highest number of conflicts since 1945 and rising war fatalities.
The Secretary-General's first-ever comprehensive review of all UN peace operations highlights their range, from small civilian special political missions to large peace enforcement operations authorized by the Security Council.
UN peacekeepers, known as "Blue Helmets" for their distinctive uniforms, have operated since 1948 under three principles: consent of conflict parties, impartiality, and restraint in the use of force, limited to self-defense or defense of their mandate. Their dangerous work has resulted in more than 4,500 deaths. The peacekeeping force was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988 for its contributions to conflict prevention and negotiation.
Special political missions involve civilian staff deployed to prevent conflicts, mediate peace talks, and support political transitions. These missions, rather than relying on armed forces, work closely with governments, conflict parties, regional organizations, and civil society actors. Since 1948, the UN has conducted 167 such missions, with about 40 currently ongoing.
The Secretary-General offered recommendations from this review for member states’ consideration to ensure that the UN’s peacekeeping toolbox remains effective amid evolving challenges.