What is the primary purpose of the Protection of Civilians (PoC) mandate in peace operations?

The primary purpose of the Protection of Civilians (PoC) mandate in peace operations is indeed to ensure the safety and security of civilians in conflict zones. This mandate arises from the recognition that during armed conflict, civilian populations are often the most vulnerable to violence, exploitation, and atrocities. Peace operations with a PoC mandate are designed to mitigate these risks and provide a protective presence that deters violence against civilians.

Additionally, the mandate encompasses various measures that aim to prevent harm to civilians, including the establishment of safe zones, the provision of humanitarian assistance, and engaging with both local communities and conflicting parties to enhance the security environment.

Other options, while important, do not align with the core mission of the PoC mandate. Economic development, political negotiations, and military training, although they could be aspects of broader peacebuilding efforts, do not specifically address the immediate need to protect civilians from the direct threats they face during conflicts. The focus of the PoC is explicitly on civilian safety, emphasizing that humanitarian concerns must be prioritized in any peacekeeping or peace enforcement context.