UN Peacekeepers say :

Cannot protect all

UN: UN peacekeepers are too stretched to protect all civilians in conflicts, but they have changed tactics since the rape of hundreds of women in Democratic Republic of Congo, the head of the UN peacekeeping said Monday.

"Peacekeeping operations cannot protect all civilians at all times, especially when they are deployed in very vast areas amidst ongoing conflict," Alain Le Roy told a special UN Security Council debate.

Le Roy, who is in charge of more than 15 UN military missions around the world, said governments must take more responsibility.

"The international community and those whom we endeavour to protect must realize that peacekeeping operations cannot be regarded as a substitute for state authority."

But Le Roy said the UN peacekeeping department has changed its planning and training, particularly since the mass rapes in eastern DR Congo in July and August.

Peacekeepers in DR Congo were criticised for not reacting earlier to reports of assaults. UN chiefs admitted mistakes were made but the troops' leaders said they were too few in a huge zone to be in every village.

Humanitarian groups say the changes have not gone far enough.

A report by the Oxfam group, "Engaging with Communities: The Next Challenges for Peacekeepers," said the degree of action taken to defend communities varies from one mission to the next.

The report blames a lack of clear guidelines and poor training.

"Still in 2010, after years of experience from Kosovo to Congo, the way the international community responds to the major trouble-spots is still inadequate.

Tuesday, AFP