Point Calimere Wildlife sanctuary

About United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon

• Originally, UNIFIL was created by the Security Council in March 1978 after Israel's invasion of Lebanon.
• Mandate: According to Security Council resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978) of 19 March 1978, UNIFIL was established to: 
  • Confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.
  • Restore international peace and security.
  • Assist the Government of Lebanon in ensuring the return of its effective authority in the area.
• The mandate had to be adjusted twice, due to the developments in 1982 and 2000.
• It has around 10,500 peacekeepers coming from 48 troop contributing countries.
• The Mission maintains an intensive level of operational and other activities amounting to approximately 14,500 activities per month, day and night in the area of operations.
• Seventeen percent of activities are carried out jointly with the Lebanese Armed Forces. UNIFIL is complemented by a five-vessel Maritime Task Force.
• Funding: UNIFIL is funded through a separate account approved on an annual basis by the General Assembly. 
• It is a part of UN Peacekkeing force.

About UN Peacekeeping Force

• UN peacekeepers provide security and the political and peace building support to help countries make the difficult, early transition from conflict to peace.
• Principles: UN Peacekeeping is guided by three basic principles:
  • Consent of the parties;
  • Impartiality;
  • Non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate.
• The Security Council has a vital role in securing this commitment and cooperation, while providing missions with realistic and clear mandates.
• There are currently 12 UN peacekeeping operations deployed.
• For its services, UN Peacekeeping has also received the Nobel Peace Prize.

Q1) What is the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)?

The Security Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It has 15 Members, and each Member has one vote. Under the Charter of the United Nations, all Member States are obligated to comply with Council decisions. It calls upon the parties to a dispute to settle it by peaceful means and recommends methods of adjustment or terms of settlement. In some cases, the Security Council can resort to imposing sanctions or even authorize the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security.