Implementing the ‘Kigali Principles’ for Peacekeeping

Communities expect U.N. peacekeepers to protect them. Currently, 97 percent of uniformed personnel in U.N. peacekeeping operations serve under mandates to protect civilians. The “Kigali Principles on the Protection of Civilians” are a non-binding set of pledges to implement certain best practices in peacekeeping. They were issued at the conclusion of the High-Level International Conference on the Protection of Civilians held in Rwanda on May 28 and 29, 2015. Since then, the Kigali Principles have been referred to and discussed in several meetings including the Leaders’ Summit on Peacekeeping which was convened by President Obama and other world leaders during the 70th United Nations General Assembly.

The Principles address the most relevant aspects of peacekeeping, including assessment and planning, force generation, training and equipping personnel, performance and accountability. While they are framed around the protection of civilians, the responsible implementation of the Principles would address much broader challenges that undermine the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations conducted in volatile situations.

As signatories of the Kigali Principles, Rwanda, Uruguay, the Netherlands and the United States, in collaboration with the United States Institute of Peace are organizing an event on the Kigali Principles as best practice guidelines for the effective implementation of the POC mandates in U.N. peacekeeping operations. This event aims to familiarize the Washington, D.C. community with the Kigali Principles, and highlight how they might be used to improve the implementation of protection of civilians’ mandates in U.N. peacekeeping operations. Join the conversation on Twitter with #KigaliPrinciples.

Learn more about this event

Ambassador Mathilde Mukantabana

Republic of Rwanda

Ambassador Elbio Rosselli

Uruguayan Permanent Representative to the United Nations

Deputy Assistant Secretary Tori Holt

U.S. Department of State

President Nancy Lindborg

United States Institute of Peace.

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The United States Institute of Peace works to prevent, mitigate, and resolve violent conflict around the world. USIP does this by engaging directly in conflict zones and by providing analysis, education, and resources to those working for peace. Created by Congress in 1984 as an independent, nonpartisan, federally funded organization, USIP’s more than 300 staff work at the Institute’s D.C. headquarters, and on the ground in the world’s most dangerous regions.