Ceasefires

With the aim of enhancing mediation knowledge and expertise, MSU has developed projects focusing on specific issues that arise in the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts. Current projects include addressing conflict related sexual violence, designing ceasefires and mediation around natural resources.

United Nations Ceasefire Mediation Course

The Mediation Support Unit, in the Policy and Mediation Division of the Department for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA), together with the Norwegian Defence International Centre (NODEFIC) and the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, jointly organises the annual Ceasefire Mediation Course. In 2019, this course will be held for the 8th time. The courses are the culmination of a two-year research project on the protection of civilians from a mediation perspective, supported by funding from Canada. The inaugural training focused on a multi-faceted approach to ceasefire mediation by providing a deeper understanding of the political, military, humanitarian, gender as well as socio-economic dimensions of ceasefires.

High-level Trainers and Speakers

The course benefits greatly from trainers with extensive experience in the different dimensions of ceasefire mediation, including ceasefire/mediation experts such as Dr. Julian Hottinger, Brigadier-General (Ret) Jan-Erik Wilhelmsen and Mr. Jeffrey Mapendere, former Security Arrangements Expert on the United Nations Standby Team of Senior Mediation Advisers.

The expertise of resource persons, including representatives from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) as well as DPPA enrich the training.

Participants

The participants are made up of representatives from different parts of the UN system, Member States, and partner NGOs . The varied background of the participants – political, military, police, academic, media and legal affairs – contribute to the success of the training.

Next Course

The next course will take place in Oslo, 1-7 April 2019.

Documents

June, 2020, Author: United Nations (Mediation Support Unit, Policy & Mediation Division)

Policy Note on the United Nations Secretary-General's Call for a Global Ceasefire: Challenges and Opportunities

On 23 March 2020, Secretary-General António Guterres issued an appeal for an immediate global ceasefire to help create conditions for the delivery of lifesaving aid, reinforce diplomatic action and bring hope to places that are among the most vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of 23 June 2020, the Secretary-General's call had received support from 179 Member States and one non-member observer State, as well as a range of regional organizations and international and local civil society actors. Some of these 179 Member States supported the call only in specific conflcit contexts or while stressing the right to continue with counter-terrorism operations. Meanwhile, a number of conflict parties responsed to the call by announcing unilateral ceasefires. This note analyses the response and discusses the opportunities and challenges presented by the Secretary-General's appeal.

English