Malaysian policeman goes on a UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan

The writer (front, middle) with fellow UNPOL colleagues from Sierra Leone and Czech Republic, and young South Sudanese children during the capacity building and development exercises in Juba, South Sudan. Photo: Supt Dr Sivabalan Suppiah

UN peacekeepers play a critical role in fulfilling the UN peace operations to maintain international peace and security.

Peacekeepers’ tasks vary according to mandates from the UN Security Council. Each mandate is different according to the nature of conflicts and threats to peace. Some of the common responsibilities involve preventing outbreaks of conflict, stabilising conflict situations, assisting with the implementation of peace agreements, and assisting states to transition to stable governments through democratic principles.