United Nations Interm Force in Lebanon
 
 
 

ABOUT UNIFIL

The UNITED NATIONS INTERIM FORCE IN LEBANON (UNIFIL) is one of the peace-keeping forces deployed by the United Nations. In March 1978, after Israeli forces invaded Southern Lebanon following a Palestinian commando raid in Israel, the Security Council called on Israel to cease its military action against Lebanon's territorial integrity and established the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
 

MANDATE

The mandate of UNIFIL is specified by resolution 425 and 426 taken in 1978 by the Security Council and covers:

To confirm withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon;
To restore international peace and security;
To assist the Government of Lebanon in re-establishing its authority in the
area.

OPERATIONS

Since 1978, UNIFIL operations can be divided into three distinct phases. During the first four years, UNIFIL had to concentrate its efforts on limiting the conflict between the PLO and Israel and their respective Lebanese allies. From
June 1982 until Israel's partial withdrawal in the spring of 1985, UNIFIL's main task was to extend protection and humanitarian assistance to the Lebanese people under Israeli occupation. Since June 1985, UNIFIL has been faced with
conflicts generated by the continuing Israeli presence on Lebanese territory. UNIFIL is thus concentrating on its operational efforts to prevent hostilities in the area.

Even though UNIFIL has not been able to completely fulfill its mandate, it is generally recognized that the Force has been instrumental in maintaining a measure of stability in Southern Lebanon. The Force has also shielded the long-suffering inhabitants of the area from the worst effects of persistent violence and turmoil. It has been able to adapt to drastic changes in the situation while maintaining the support of the Lebanese Government and people.

UNIFIL consists now of six infantry battalions- from Fiji, Finland, Ghana, Ireland, Nepal and Norway- which are the main operational units of the Force. Each has been assigned an area of responsibility in the area of operations. In addition, the Force has a multi-national mechanized unit, the Force Mobile Reserve. Logistic support is provided by the logistic element, comprising a Polish battalion, a Norwegian maintenance company, a Polish engineering company, and Italian helicopter wing, and a Polish medical company.

UNIFIL differs considerably from the textbook solutions on peace-keeping. It is a dynamic, extremely difficult but fascinating mission which is considered one of the most important United Nations peace-keeping operations. UNIFIL peace-keepers feel that they are really needed.
 

HUMANITARIAN POLICY AND ACTIVITIES

The Humanitarian policy of UNIFIL aims to support the restoration of social and economic life in the area of operations and to assure the security of all inhabitants in the area without discrimination. Humanitarian activity is restricted to the UNIFIL area of operations, but may be extended to the city of Tyr and the Tyr pocket.

The underlying principle behind UNIFIL's humanitarian efforts in that humanitarian assistance, in its own right, decreases tension in the area , restores normalcy in social and economic life of the population, strengthens the relations between contingents and the local population, and gives UNIFIL a visible role of source of benefits for the local population.

UNIFIL provides, on an equitable basis, through the different contingents some material resources including medical, engineering, mine clearing, transportation, provision of water, etc. Some troop contributing countries provide funds, medical supplies and other material assistance through their respective contingents.

A UNIFIL hospital maintained by the Polish medical company and the medical teams in the battalions dispense medical care. They have also assisted inimmunization campaigns. UNIFIL also assists the local authorities with community projects and with repair of public buildings such as schools. In some locations UNIFIL escorts farmers so that they can tend their fields without
interference.

When UNIFIL moved in after the Israeli invasion in 1978 there were few people south of the Litani river. It is assessed that the population in the UNIFIL area has increased from 20,000 in 1978 to an estimated 600,000 in 1995. In extending humanitarian assistance to the local population, UNIFIL cooperates with the Lebanese authorities as well as with UNICEF, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Lebanese Red Cross (LRC), and a variety of non-governmental organizations.