United Nations Infantry Battalion Manual - the United Nations

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United Nations Infantry Battalion Manual
eration, water, etc.), lines of communication, communication centres, and
the like, which may have an impact in the peace process.
Danger or damage to such assets may have serious functional and political
implications for overall stability and security, as well as economic
functioning and therefore may need to be protected temporarily by the
UN forces until the host national security forces or agencies are capable
of taking on the responsibility. Such functions have high public visibility
and impact on the attitude of local people towards the UN and mission
entities. The battalion should therefore take utmost care to prevent any
untoward incident.
Note: Detailed task description of Critical Infrastructure and Assets Protection is at
Vol. II, p. 117 of the UNIBAM.
5.4.11 : Crowd Management.
A peacekeeping mission is deployed in the aftermath or against the backdrop
of a heightened conflict situation, reflecting possible lawlessness, dysfunctional
legal institutions and an ineffective police organization. Local
populations may undertake demonstrations in towns and villages to air their
concerns, project problems or protest issues that directly or indirectly affect
them. Such gatherings, though mostly political and peaceful in nature, may
turn violent, leading to disturbances/riots. The target of such demonstrations
may be the host government, socio-politico or ethnic groups, or the
peacekeeping mission itself.
In principle, the responsibility for restoration and maintenance of law and
order lies with the host state, with operational support or advice provided
by a UN Formed Police Unit or with the UN police, in accordance with the
mandate. UN police are usually in the lead for coordinating actions with local
UN HQ, civil and police authorities. In the exceptional case that civil authorities
are unable to cope, military assistance may be needed as long as the
mandate permits action and the ROE specify the use of crowd management
means by the military. It should be stressed that commanders are to request
the presence of police personnel through the quickest means possible if not
at the scene in an outbreak.
Crowd management is a sensitive operation requiring human rights compliance,
training, appropriate equipment and clear command and control
arrangements, to manage a calibrated and appropriate response to a volatile
situation. It is important to allow the legitimate expression of views by