Perception of the host community to peacekeeping missions : case study UNIFIL

Abstract

Studying and analyzing local perceptions of peacekeeping missions have recently headed the forefront of United Nations peacekeeping objectives. UNIFIL which has been present for more than 35 years in Southern Lebanon has long sought to interact with the local population within an environment that is politically and economically challenging. This paper aimed at studying the perception of the local population towards UNIFIL. By reviewing the long years of interaction since the mission’s inception in 1978, UNIFILs’ humanitarian services and projects created a climate of positive interaction within a community that has long suffered from continuous instability and the consequences of war. This positive climate is hindered with UNIFIL’s inability to impede successive Israeli invasions and infringements of Lebanese territory. One could argue that UNIFIL’s development of humanitarian services and expansion of its service delivery along the years served as a legitimation of its presence amongst the host community. To have a clear view of the host community perception, a public opinion survey was conducted. The survey sets out religious affiliation as the most discriminatory factor amongst the local population. Shias diverted in their response compared to others which affected the whole response rate. It was revealed that they are dissatisfied with UNIFIL’s security provision and implementation of its mandate. This fact can be highly related to the Shias’ political affiliation, whereby Hezbollah is the most influential. In regards to Hezbollah, UNIFIL is seen favorably as long as it contributes in withholding Israel from undertaking any military action on the Lebanese territory. But its military actions against the Israeli enemy, is done regardless of UNIFILs’ presence and mandate implementation.