UNHRC debates effectiveness of peacekeepers

In the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) Chamber, the air hummed with energy as representatives grouped together to address the ongoing refugee crisis in Myanmar.

Though meeting to discuss the repatriation of refugees who escaped the country, the delegations’ focuses largely shifted to refugees trapped within the country and peacekeepers.

Responses to the use of peacekeepers differed: some delegations spoke about how some peacekeepers trap refugees or commit crimes in opposition to their role.

The Ethiopian representative said one way to resolve the ethnic cleansing is to request UN Peacekeepers’ aid in transporting Muslims out of the country.

“The only issue would be preventing infectious disease in refugee camps and the protection of mental health and education,” the Ethiopian representative added.

Another group also included clauses about peacekeepers, but to maintain safe havens in Myanmar, according to a Slovakian representative.

That representative’s proposal, Triple R, or the Rohingya Reconciliation Resolution, mentioned plans for a “collective navy that would rescue refugees on boats,” an arms embargo to take the bite out of hostile groups, and a “call to the Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA), [an insurgent group in Myanmar], to end terror attacks and avoid upsetting the government further.”

In response to the above, representatives supporting “Light” said every other paper mentions peacekeepers without discussing the details.

They also mentioned how requiring background checks to ensure peacekeepers are there to create peace, not tension, and could prevent crimes like rape and torture.

Others argued the best solution is to leave out peacekeepers entirely. The Right Resolution is an acronym for five key points: Refugee Safety, Infrastructure, Grassroots, Healthcare, and Transregional Cooperation and supports that initiative.

While explaining, the Poland representative said the proposal would include “no military intervention, just healthcare for refugees.”

Though some called Right less effective for not incorporating a strong force of protection, others like the Moroccan representative applauded the exclusion.

“Peacekeepers do not always bring peace,” the Moroccan delegation said. “If all the council does is suggest something to another, what have you actually done?”

She added she hopes the UNHRC determines a course of action fully in their power to resolve these issues soon.