Peacekeeping Mission UNIFIL: “Blue Helmets” in the South of Lebanon

Abstract

The article focuses on the activities of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). The authors outline the conditions and prerequisites for the UN Security Council decision on deployment of a peacekeeping contingent in the south of Lebanon. They also consider the specifics of fulfilling the mission’s mandate and the tasks assigned to the peacekeepers. The authors come to the conclusion that the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon acts as a deterrent in the confrontation between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah, and it also undertakes mediation efforts in the negotiation process between Tel Aviv and Beirut. And although the results of the peacekeeping mission over the past almost four and a half decades cannot be called particularly effective, the absence of peacekeepers in the Southern Lebanon could increase the likelihood of a direct clash between the warring parties. The causes of the conflict have not yet been eliminated. Consequently, the UNIFIL mandate could be extended for years to come. The authors also pay attention to the humanitarian aspect of the peacekeeping mission, whose personnel have made significant efforts to help the local population and carried out the demining of the territory.