Protection of civilians in United Nations peace operations and effects of disinformation

This project explores how the full spectrum of United Nations (UN) peace operations can better protect civilians. Also it seeks to understand how mis and disinformation affect UN peace operations' ability to protect civilians in 5 UN peace operations contexts. These contexts include Colombia the Democratic Republic of Congo Lebanon South Sudan and Sudan. Project activities include: (1) researching the full spectrum of UN peace operations and the impacts of disinformation on the protection of civilians; (2) developing issue briefs; (3) organizing round tables to share research findings; and (4) holding a dialogue series to encourage discussion.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) improved understanding among member states UN officials regional organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) of the role and potential of peace operations to protect civilians in future conflict settings. This also relates to gender-based challenges and risks; (2) increased knowledge among member states UN officials and NGOs about the threat of misinformation and disinformation in contexts where UN peacekeeping missions operate. This also includes the mechanisms and approaches to strengthen efforts to protect civilians in these settings; and (3) enhanced awareness among member states UN officials regional organizations and NGOs about the comparative advantages and limitations of diverse peace operations models of peace as part of efforts to protect civilians.