U.N. Security Council Unanimously Adopts Declaration to Strengthen UN Peacekeeping In the Wake of New of the Murder of 3 UN Workers in Western Timor

On September 7, 2000, the Security Council, after an extended debate in which 9 presidents, 5 prime ministers and 1 foreign minister participated, unanimously adopted a Declaration to ensure an effective role of the Security Council in maintaining international peace, especially in Africa. The Declaration pledges to strengthen the effectiveness of the UN in preventing conflict at every stage – from prevention to settlement to post-conflict peace-building. The deliberations and vote came in the wake of news of the brutal murder of 3 U.N. peacekeepers on a mission in Western Timor. 1. The Declaration The Declaration pledges to strengthen UN peacekeeping operations by adopting clearly defined, credible and achievable mandates and by including in those mandates measures to ensure the safety of UN personnel and, where possible, civilians. The Declaration underscores the need to help the UN obtain trained and properly equipped personnel and to strengthen consultations with countries contributing troops...[more]