What is the UN's position on the use of force in PoC?

The United Nations' position on the use of force in the context of the Protection of Civilians (PoC) emphasizes that military force is only permissible as a last resort when all other means of protecting civilians have been exhausted. This approach is rooted in international law and reflects the UN's commitment to prioritize non-military solutions to prevent and respond to violence against civilians.

The rationale behind allowing force as a last resort is to ensure that military actions are justified, proportionate, and aimed solely at protecting human lives rather than exacerbating conflict or harming civilians further. The UN encourages peacekeeping and protection efforts to primarily rely on diplomacy, negotiation, and other non-violent measures, only resorting to military intervention when there are no feasible alternatives left to prevent imminent harm to civilians.

This position aims to minimize the risks to civilian populations and maintain the integrity of peacekeeping missions, highlighting the importance of a careful and judicious approach to the use of force in protecting human rights and ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations.