On a case-by - case basis, the Security Council responds to emergencies around

the world and it has a number of solutions at its disposal. It takes into account several

different factors when considering the development of new peace operations, including:

 If a ceasefire is in effect and whether the parties are committed to a peace

process aimed at achieving a political settlement;

 Whether a specific political aim exists and whether the mandate will represent it;

 Whether it is possible to formulate a precise mandate for a UN operation;

 Whether the safety and security of UN personnel can be fairly assured, including,

in particular, whether fair assurances of the safety and security of UN personnel

can be obtained from the major parties or factions.

By adopting a Security Council resolution, the Security Council is setting up a peace

operation. The resolution sets out the mandate and scale of that mission. On an

ongoing basis, the Security Council tracks the work of UN peace operations, including

by periodic reports by the Secretary-General and by holding dedicated sessions of the

Security Council to discuss the work of particular operations. The Security Council can

vote, as it deems necessary, to extend, modify or terminate mission mandates.