United Nations Infantry Battalion Manual - the United Nations

3.6 : Rules of Engagement.
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United Nations Infantry Battalion Manual
Rules of Engagement (ROE) are issued by the USG/DPKO for each particular
peacekeeping operation and provide the authority for the use of force
and explain the legal framework, policies, principles, responsibilities and
definitions of the ROE. ROEs must always be compliant with human rights
and international humanita ri an law, which are superior sources. ROE are
directions to operational commanders, which delineate the parameters
within which force may be used by the military component of the peacekeeping
operation while executing its mandated tasks. They are founded
on the relevant Security Council resolution(s).
Where issued as prohibitions; they are orders not to take specific actions.
Where issued as permissions, they are the authority for commanders to
take certain specific actions if they are judged necessary to achieve the
aim of the peacekeeping operation. While remaining predominantly
defensive in nature, the ROE allow for offensive action, if necessary, in
order to ensure the implementation of the tasks mandated by the Security
Council. The ROE also provide definitions of the circumstances in which
the use of force, including deadly force, may be justified.
The ROE are governed by the purposes of the Charter of the United Nations
and relevant principles of international law, including the Law of Armed
Conflict. Military personnel are required to comply with International Law,
including the Law of Armed Conflict, and to apply the ROE in accordance
with those laws. ROE are addressed to the Force Commander, who is then
responsible for issuing them to all subordinate commanders. While ensuring
understanding, application and compliance with the ROE is the responsibility
of commanders at all levels. The Force Commander is ultimately responsible
for the enforcement of the ROE. A model ROE for the military component
for peacekeeping misssions is given at Annex C (Vol. II, p. 251 of the UNIBAM).
3.7 : Directive for the Head of the Military Component.
The directive for the Head of the Military Component (HoMC) is issued by
the UN Headquarters and provides guidance and direction on the organizational
and administrative responsibilities that a HoMC is required to exercise
in the performance of his/her duties. Operational guidance and direction
with respect to the employment of the military component is provided in
the mission-specific CONOPS.