Brazil and UN peacekeeping operations

Published in Dec 22, 2014 08:15 PM Updated in Dec 16, 2024 11:53 AM

For a founding member of the United Nations, historically committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes, participating in peacekeeping operations is a natural consequence of its international responsibilities. According to article 4 of the Federal Constitution, among the principles that govern Brazil's international relations are the defense of peace, the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the cooperation among peoples for the progress of humanity.

Brazil has participated in more than 50 peacekeeping operations and similar missions, having contributed over 55,000 military, police and civilians. The country prioritizes participation in operations in countries with which it maintains closer historical and cultural ties, as in the missions carried out in Angola, Mozambique and Timor-Leste, and, more recently, in Haiti and Lebanon.

Brazil currently participates with 258 blue helmets in nine United Nations missions (data from March 2020):

UNIFIL (Lebanon)
UNMISS (South Sudan)
MINURSO (Western Sahara)
MINUSCA (Central African Republic)
MONUSCO (Democratic Republic of Congo)
UNAMID (Darfur)
UNFICYP (Cyprus)
UNISFA (Abyei)
UNMHA (Yemen)

Brazil's participation in peacekeeping operations is subject to compliance with the principles that govern such missions: consent of the parties to the conflict, impartiality and non-use of force (except in self-defense or defense of the mandate).

The Brazilian government argues that the mandates of peacekeeping operations include the interdependence between security and development as an indispensable element for lasting peace, place particular emphasis on conflict prevention and the peaceful settlement of disputes and recognize the need to protect populations under threat of violence.

Brazil is proud of its historical and consistent participation in UN peace operations, always in consonance with the Federal Constitution, the principles of Brazilian foreign policy and international law, national and international principles and rules. Consistency and prudence have guided the definition of the missions in which Brazil is engaged. Combined with the exemplary performance of the Brazilian military, police and civilians, this orientation has allowed Brazil to contribute to an international system closer to the ideals of peace, justice and cooperation.