The UK remains a steadfast supporter of UN peacekeeping and of the unique contribution it makes to international peace and security.
Mr President, implementing and monitoring ceasefires has been a key function of UN peacekeeping from its very beginning and UN peacekeeping operations continue to effectively support ceasefire agreements around the world.
The UN will not always be the right body for this, but in many cases it is, with a unique status and legitimacy for monitoring ceasefires effectively.
This has historically been an important part of UN mandates across the world, for example in Cyprus or the Golan Heights.
We must consider each mandate on a case-by-case basis.
Today, we would like in particular to address the situations in Lebanon and the DRC given the briefings we’ve had.
In Lebanon, the UK has welcomed the US’ announcement of talks to resolve key issues between Lebanon and Israel.
This is a big step forward.
We urge all parties to use the talks as a pathway towards securing lasting peace and security for the citizens of Israel and Lebanon, rather than returning to conflict.
UNIFIL is playing a key role in deescalating tension and monitoring the cessation of hostilities across the Blue Line.
The UK welcomes UNIFIL’s role in supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces deployment to southern Lebanon, consistent with the November ceasefire agreement and with resolution 1701.
We welcome UNIFIL’s adaptation plan and urge it to be ambitious in implementing it.
The UK encourages consideration by this Council on conditions under which MONUSCO should be tasked to monitor a ceasefire.
The UK encourages an immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue via the EAC-SADC process, in line with resolution 2773.
Once agreed, we believe that MONUSCO would be well-placed to provide ceasefire monitoring as part of its mandate.
However, this also requires restoration of MONUSCO’s freedom of movement.
The UK condemns continued restrictions on MONUSCO which have constrained the mission’s ability to deliver key tasks mandated by this Council, including on the protection of civilians and the facilitation of aid.
Mr President, let me finish with two more general comments.
First, the safety and security of peacekeepers is essential to the successful monitoring of any ceasefire agreement.
The UK strongly condemns all attacks on UN peacekeepers, who must never be targeted.
Second, enhanced technology such as early warning systems and improved surveillance can help mitigate threats, including those arising from misinformation and disinformation, while allowing peacekeepers to carry out their mandates safely.
And technology must be harnessed to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of ceasefire monitoring capabilities.
So as we look ahead to the Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin next month, and building on the Pact of the Future, the UK reaffirms our commitment to strengthening peacekeeping operations, so that they remain capable of addressing the challenges they face in a changing world.
