‘Protection With Less Presence’: How the Peacekeeping Operation in the Democratic Republic of Congo is Attempting to Deliver Protection with Fewer Resources
This year, the United Nations Member States increased pressure on peacekeeping operations by enacting budget reductions and requesting peacekeeping operations to develop clear exit strategies. These objectives may seem innocuous to some and overdue to others. However, cuts to mission resources could have serious implications in countries that host peacekeeping operations, including negative consequences for civilians exposed to violence and violations in armed conflict. Reducing peacekeeping resources could be particularly detrimental if decisions on whether, when, and how to reduce budgets and personnel are not clearly linked to conditions on the ground and to assessments of how downsizing is likely to affect the safety and security of civilians.