Peacekeeping missions
In 1947, Australians became among the first international peacekeepers. They deployed to the Netherlands East Indies (now Indonesia) as part of a United Nations (UN) operation. They acted as observers during a period of conflict. At the time, the local people were fighting for independence from Dutch colonialists.
During that first operation, the Australian military acknowledged that peacekeeping could be just as dangerous as combat. Since then, many Australians have experienced similarly challenging peace operations.
Civilian, government, military and police personnel often work together as peacekeepers to maintain or restore peace and security.
Australian peacekeepers have served around the globe:
- making possible the delivery of humanitarian aid
- clearing landmines and training others to clear landmines
- supporting and facilitating free and fair elections
- monitoring ceasefire agreements.
Peace operations are multinational. People from different countries work together, united in their mission of bringing peace and stability. Over 120 countries contribute to UN peacekeeping missions. The UN does not administer all peace operations. Some missions are led by individual countries or organisations.
Peacekeeping is challenging and complex. Peacekeepers must adapt to:
- language and cultural differences
- geographical and political influences
- unstable or hostile regions
- climate and terrain
- changing demands and roles.
At times, peacekeepers are required to stand between warring armies or factions. They are often in locations where shooting or shelling is occurring around them but not directly aimed at them. Sometimes, they have been fired at. Some Australian peacekeepers have lost their lives as a result of their service.
Medical support and humanitarian relief in Rwanda
Australian peacekeepers were deployed to Rwanda in the 1990s amid a civil conflict that led to genocide. In total, 612 Australians served in Operation Tamar as part of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda II (UNAMIR II). They provided medical support to UN personnel and the local civilian population.
Australia sent two Australian Defence Force contingents to Rwanda, each serving for six months. Both contingents were mainly medical teams with support troops and infantry to provide security.
The first contingent’s medical team consisted of 26 women. It included two specialist surgical teams and a dental team.
The second contingent consisted of engineers, armoured personnel carriers, surgeons and other medical specialists.
Cheryl Elston was part of the first contingent's advanced party. She arrived in Rwanda in late August 1994.
Watch the video:
Answer the questions:
- Australian peacekeepers are often in environments where hostile local forces are active. Cheryl and her colleagues adapted to the presence of the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPF). Their relationship with the RPF evolved during the operation. How can Australian peacekeepers build relationships with local armed forces during operations?
- What might be the consequences of poor relationships?
Discover more about Australian peacekeepers in Rwanda.
Peacekeeping in Somalia
From 1992 to 1994, close to 1,500 Australians served as peacekeepers in Somalia. Their role was to help end a long-running civil conflict and ensure the safe delivery of humanitarian supplies to people in need during a famine.
Mark Povey was a peacekeeper deployed in Somalia.
Watch the video:
Answer the questions:
- Mark said they were, ‘peacekeepers not peacemakers, and there's a difference between the two.’ What is the difference between a peacekeeper and a peacemaker?
- Why is the difference important?
- What other roles are there in peace operations?
Discover more about Australian peacekeepers in Somalia.
Protecting civilians in East Timor
Between 1999 and 2013, Australian peacekeepers participated in one regionally based, and several UN missions, to help East Timor (now Timor-Leste) achieve independence and democracy.
The people of East Timor voted for independence from Indonesia on 30 August 1999. After the vote, pro-Indonesian militia groups began attacking civilians. Australia led the International Force East Timor (INTERFET) in response to the increasing violence. Their mission was to restore law and order in East Timor. Peacekeepers also helped provide humanitarian assistance to the civilian population.
Stuart Smith was a peacekeeper in Lebanon as a young man. Years later, he was sent to East Timor as part of the United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET).
Watch the video - A monthly tactical coordination working groups (26.54 - 29.00):
Answer the questions:
- What were the intended outcomes of the monthly tactical meetings?
- Why were these outcomes important to the role of peacekeepers?
- How would the team know if the meetings were successful?
Discover more about Australian peacekeepers in East Timor.
Principles of United Nations peacekeeping
In the next video, Stuart talks about the principles of peacekeeping. The UN is guided by 3 principles to help countries create conditions for lasting peace:
- Consent of the parties
- Impartiality
- Non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate.
Watch the video - United Nations Impartiality (24.02 - 26.54):
Answer the question:
- How did Stuart Smith’s team uphold the principles of the United Nations?
- Why are these values critical?
Discover more about United Nations Peacekeeping.
Supporting democracy in Cambodia
After years of civil war, genocide, and occupation by neighbouring Vietnam, Cambodia held a general election in May 1993. It was the first election in Cambodia since the 1950s.
The UN supported Cambodia to hold free and fair elections. Australian peacekeepers were sent to support the UN mission. They faced opposition from the Khmer Rouge, a Cambodian guerrilla group that had enacted the genocide.
Danny Blomeley arrived in Cambodia just after the election. He was part of Australia's last contingent to the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC).
Watch the video:
Answer the questions:
- Danny had mixed feelings about his service in Cambodia. He reflected on the objectives of the UN and his role. What were the UN objectives in Cambodia?
- Were the objectives achieved?
- How would you have felt in Danny's situation?
Discover more about Australian peacekeepers in Cambodia.
Curriculum notes for teachers
These videos and activities align with the Year 10 Civics and Citizenship, v.9.0 Australian Curriculum.
Knowledge and understanding: Government and Democracy
- The Australian Government’s role and responsibilities at a regional and global level AC9HC10K02
Elaborations: explaining the ways Australia contributes to and participates in Asia-Pacific region, including membership of international organisations and participation in agreements with other nations (for example, exchange programs, peacekeeping, election monitoring, development aid, health programs, disaster management) and internationally including participation in the United Nations Security Council.
These videos and activities align with the Australian senior secondary curriculum for Modern History – Unit 4: The Modern World since 1945:
- The contribution of Australia as a peacekeeper since World War II, including the military, civilian police, mine-clearers, weapons inspectors and diplomats ACHMH226
