UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE
UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS: STRENGTHENING UN PEACEKEEPING: REFLECTIONS FOR THE FUTURE
09 September 2024
STATEMENT BY H.E AMBASSADOR JAMES LARSEN, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF AUSTRALIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
Thank you Slovenia, for convening this important open debate.
For over 75 years, UN peace operations have made an indispensable contribution to peace.
But peacekeeping is not static.
Just as UN peacekeeping has evolved in the past, now is the time for us to adapt it for the future.
New threats, targeted attacks and current dynamics demand that we refine the international peace and security toolkit.
There is a clear need to consider new models, new capabilities, and new partnerships – at both the political and operational level.
In reflecting on the future of peacekeeping, we can – and must – draw lessons from the past.
Australia’s own experience underpins our strong support for regional approaches to peace and security.
We welcomed the landmark adoption of Resolution 2719 last December, as a step towards sustainable financing for African Union led peace support operations.
And we welcome the technical collaboration between the UN and the African Union to refine the framework needed for its successful implementation.
Regardless of the model, Protection of Civilians must remain a central objective of peace operations.
Today, over 95% of UN peacekeepers operate under a protection mandate.
Despite challenges, there is compelling evidence that UN peacekeeping operations are effective in reducing violence against civilians.
The legitimacy of peace operations today, and in the future, also relies on continued momentum towards gender parity and achieving the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Ensuring the full, equal and meaningful participation of women is essential.
Australia is focused on reducing barriers to women’s participation. We urge more partners to collaborate with the Elsie Initiative Fund to accelerate these efforts.
Australia also prioritises the integration of peacebuilding with peacekeeping.
Drawing from past experience, we must ensure forward looking transition strategies are considered at the outset of missions – not the end.
We encourage all member states to advocate for continued integration of peacebuilding and peacekeeping to address root causes of conflict and sustain peace.
The United Nations Peacebuilding Commission is well placed to support these efforts.
Australia will continue to be an active and trusted partner on UN peacekeeping as part of our commitment to global peace and stability.
Thank you, President.