What does "protection through presence" refer to in PoC?

"Protection through presence" refers to the concept that the mere presence of peacekeepers or military forces in a given area can act as a deterrent to violence against civilians. This idea is grounded in the belief that the visibility and awareness of international forces can contribute to a physical and psychological buffer for vulnerable populations, thereby reducing the likelihood of attacks or mistreatment.

When peacekeepers are deployed, they are often seen as a stabilizing force, which can dissuade potential aggressors from committing acts of violence or aggression against civilians. The understanding is that perpetrators will be less inclined to engage in harmful activities when they know that international forces are present, monitoring the situation, and prepared to intervene if necessary.

The other options do not fully capture the essence of "protection through presence." While the presence of military forces that can forcibly remove aggressors may be relevant, it emphasizes a more aggressive response rather than deterrence through visibility. The deployment of peacekeepers in neutral territories speaks to their geographical position but doesn’t emphasize their role in prevention. Lastly, establishing no-fly zones relates to preventing aerial attacks specifically, rather than addressing the broader concept of deterring violence through the mere presence of peacekeepers.