After the peacekeepers leave: International Day of UN Peacekeepers 10th Annual Conference

This annual conference, jointly organised by the United Nations Association Westminster Branch and RUSI, has established itself as one of the UK's most authoritative reviews of UN peacekeeping activities.

The programme will comprise a morning session followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.

All UN missions are expensive, the military element most of all so, and are scrutinised constantly to ensure progress is being made towards fulfilling mandates set out by the Security Council. When the military withdraw, the security of the civilian population will rest with international police units, trained to deal with civilians and joined by experts from other countries skilled in rebuilding a functioning modern state. This conference will review the UN's increasing deployment of police, especially by women officers. It will report on the work of the UK Stabilisation Unit, the Government's centre of expertise and best practice, set up to respond to the complex challenges of fragile and conflict-afflicted states.

Featured speakers and topics include:

10th Folke Bernadotte Lecture
The Case for More Women Police Officers in UN Peacekeeping Operations 
Chairman: To be confirmed
Lecture by: Ann-Marie Orler, former Police Adviser, UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations

Helping States Chart their own Return to Stability
Chairman: The Rt Hon the Lord Falconer of Thoroton QC, former Secretary of State for Constitutional Affairs and Lord Chancellor
Speakers: Freddie Carver, Team Leader, Security and Justice Team, UK Stabilisation Unit
Douglas Brand OBE, Chief Police Advisor to the Ministry of the Interior, Iraq

The conference fee of £15, with a special rate of £6 for students, includes related documents and morning refreshments.

Wreath-Laying Ceremony

Members of the diplomatic community and other organisations will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at 1300 on Whitehall in remembrance of those from the 120 participating nations who have been killed whilst serving as UN peacekeepers. The ceremony is free and is open to all.

Contact point for this event

Full Name Sophie Cordes

E-mail sophiec@rusi.org

Telephone number 020 7747 4971

Web address for conference bookings  www.rusi.org (go to events)

Web address for UNA Westminster www.unawestminster.org.uk