UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is a peacekeeping force established by the United Nations Security Council in 1978 to help restore peace and security in southern Lebanon following the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1978. UNIFIL's mandate has been extended several times since then, most recently in August 2021.

The main objectives of UNIFIL are to:

Monitor the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon

Assist the Lebanese Armed Forces in maintaining security and stability in southern Lebanon

Ensure the humanitarian needs of the civilian population are met

Assist the Lebanese government in extending its authority over southern Lebanon

As of January 2022, UNIFIL has approximately 10,000 peacekeepers from 45 countries, including France, Italy, and Spain. UNIFIL is also supported by a civilian component of international and local staff.

UNIFIL's peacekeeping activities include patrols, observation posts, and checkpoints, as well as assisting with the disarmament of militias in southern Lebanon. The force also plays an important role in facilitating humanitarian assistance and helping to build local capacity for peace and security.

Despite UNIFIL's presence, tensions between Israel and Lebanon have remained high in recent years, with occasional outbreaks of violence along the border. The UN continues to support efforts to find a lasting political solution to the conflict. 

What are main responsibility of UNIFIL in Lebanon? 

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has several main responsibilities in Lebanon, including:

Monitoring the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon: UNIFIL monitors the situation along the "Blue Line," which is the border between Lebanon and Israel, to ensure that both sides adhere to the ceasefire agreement.

Assisting the Lebanese Armed Forces: UNIFIL supports the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in building their capacity to maintain security in southern Lebanon, and helps to train and equip them to carry out their responsibilities.

Creating a secure environment: UNIFIL works to create a secure environment in which the local population can go about their daily lives without fear of violence.

Providing humanitarian assistance: UNIFIL provides assistance to the local population in southern Lebanon, particularly in areas that have been affected by conflict.

Facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance: UNIFIL assists in the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the population in southern Lebanon, particularly in areas that are difficult to access.

Supporting the implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions: UNIFIL supports the implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions, particularly resolution 1701, which calls for a cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.

It's important to note that UNIFIL's mandate has evolved over time, and its current mandate may include additional responsibilities beyond those listed here.