About UN Peacekeeping Forces:

• UN Peacekeeping Forces were created in 1945.
• They are often referred to as Blue Berets or Blue Helmets because of their light blue berets or helmets.
• Their purpose is to provide security, political, and peace-building support to countries under conflicts. The forces help countries make the difficult, early transition from conflict to peace.
• They are guided by three basic principles:
• Consent of the parties;
• Impartiality;
• Non-use of force except in self-defense and defense of the mandate.
• Every peacekeeping mission is authorized by the UN Security Council.
• Member states contribute their manpower for Peacekeeping forces on a voluntary basis. The US has never contributed ground troops but contributes >25% of the UN’s Peacekeeping budget.

Source: EPIC January 2022