By AFPMore by this AuthorUNITED NATIONSUN peacekeeping forces need to change the way they operate and not shy away from using force to reverse a worrying trend of escalating fatalities, according to a new report made public Monday. USE OF FORCE"The United Nations and troop- and police-contributing countries need to adapt to a new reality: the blue helmet and the United Nations flag no longer offer 'natural' protection," the report stated. To deter and repel attacks and to defeat attackers, the United Nations needs to be strong and not fear to use force when necessary," it recommended. LOSSESThe report recommended that the United Nations start replacing officials, contingents and units that lack capacity to carry out their mandate. The report also called for missions to be strengthened with sophisticated equipment such as mine-protected vehicles, special weapons and night-vision goggles.

Source: Daily Nation January 23, 2018 04:07 UTC