A new generation of peacekeeping mandates has emerged. Peacekeeping operation...

A new generation of peacekeeping mandates has emerged. Peacekeeping operations are increasingly given a robust mandate, and are being deployed to places with high levels of violence. Efforts to protect civilians and minimize civilian harm should begin at the very early planning stages of a mission. We therefore encourage the efforts to strengthen the effective implementation of the protection of civilian mandates in UN Peacekeeping Operations. Ensuring that Council mandated missions have a strong human rights monitoring mandate and adequate resources to implement the mandate should be part of these efforts. A starting point must be the mission specific conditions, recognizing the different needs of men, women, boys and girls. The Nordic countries support the Secretary General's Human Rights Due Diligence policy as an important tool to strengthen the implementation of human rights on the ground and to prevent atrocities.