In which scenarios can military and police forces engage in PoC activities?

Military and police forces can engage in Protection of Civilians (PoC) activities primarily when authorized by the UN Security Council and within the framework of international law. This authorization typically comes with a mandate that specifies the parameters and scope of the engagement. The requirement for such authorization ensures that actions taken by military and police forces are grounded in legal legitimacy and are aligned with established international standards and norms. It also helps to prevent arbitrary or unilateral actions that could exacerbate conflicts or lead to civilian casualties.

Involvement in PoC activities is generally not appropriate on a whim or based solely on the perception of risk to civilians, as that could lead to misuse of force or escalation of violence. Additionally, while national emergencies or peacekeeping missions may create contexts where PoC can be pursued, they do not alone justify engagement without proper authorization or adherence to international law. Thus, the most accurate scenario for engagement is the one that emphasizes legitimacy and compliance with international legal frameworks, which is aptly captured by the selected response.