Inside Story

Are UN peacekeeping operations in trouble?

International defence ministers are meeting in the UK to discuss ways to improve UN peacekeeping missions.

The United Nations has more than 100,000 peacekeepers, serving in 16 missions on four continents.

Their goal is to protect civilians and maintain peace and security.

But their operations have caused controversy, including allegations of sexual abuse.

Demand for peacekeepers in conflict zones continues to rise and the UN is struggling to keep up.

Twelve months after world leaders pledged to strengthen and modernise peacekeeping operations, Britain is hosting a follow-up to see where things stand.

Defence ministers from more than 70 countries flew to London to discuss how to improve operations.

Presenter: Richelle Carey

Guests:

Rosa Freedman – Professor of Law & Global Development, University of Reading

Mehari Maru – International consultant on African Union affairs

Jack Christofides – Director of Policy, Evaluation & Training at the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations