Legal Affairs

International peace operations operate in a complex environment of missing, contradicting or overlapping national and international law. The observation and examination of the legal aspects of the mission, as well as support of and advice to the mission management on all legal aspects are therefore of great importance.

Legal advisers analyse the legal implications of the mission’s activities, develop internal guidelines and policies, suggest adaptations of strategies, and support the mission management in the accurate interpretation of the mandate. They furthermore - depending on the mandate – review compatibility of local laws and jurisdiction with regulations in ceasefire and peace agreements and advise actors of the local justice system.

If a mandate is provided with executive authorities, the legal advisers are also responsible for reviewing draft legislation. Finally, they must examine and approve all contracts concluded by the mission.

Tasks and Functions

• Providing legal advice to the mission leadership
• Reviewing planned measures with regard to their legal implications
• Developing internal guidelines and policies
• Monitoring the local legal system
• Examining compatibility of local law with truce and peace agreements
• Advising and supporting actors within the local legal system
• Examining of contracts concluded by the mission

updated September 2009