United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research

"The threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) is a serious global problem. IEDs impact security, safety, stability, humanitarian and peace operations, and sustainable development in communities around the world. Addressing IEDs is a multifaceted challenge--with both security and humanitarian dimensions--and one which States and the UN have a common interest to seek effective responses. An international response to IEDs requires the attention and commitment of a variety of stakeholders--from governments and militaries, to humanitarian, operational and other specialized agencies, to industry and to research organizations and advocacy groups. Addressing IEDs requires not only a diverse community of practitioners, but also a variety of different processes and approaches. The question is how to get the most out of these processes, build upon them, strengthen them and address gaps. While recognizing the primary role of States in addressing the threat of IEDs, this paper explores how the UN system as a whole can more effectively contribute. The paper addresses the following questions: How can UN processes and actors play a stronger or more active role in addressing IEDs? Is greater coordination within the UN necessary to achieve this? How could the UN better support national, regional and international efforts to address IEDs, and where could the UN show greater leadership as a globally representative institution? Initial surveying of the IED issue within the UN framework suggests three main potential areas where the UN system's processes and actors could play a more active role to address the threat of IEDs and reduce their impact: Sharing and consolidating knowledge, raising awareness and stigmatizing IED use against civilians; Supporting the strengthening of national efforts to reduce the IED threat; and Empowering and better utilizing the UN framework for a more coherent approach to addressing IEDs. The UN has an important role to play in addressing both the security and humanitarian impacts of IEDs. Its unique position as a global institution cannot be overemphasized. A coordination framework or mechanism within the UN system would bring together the relevant processes and actors==including in peacekeeping, counter-terrorism, humanitarian relief, IHL, human rights, disarmament, research and others--in order to strengthen knowledge of and linkages between these entities and their IED-related activities. Such a mechanism would be essential to the development of a more coherent UN strategy. Through utilizing existing avenues and exploring new approaches, greater cooperation among all relevant stakeholders could result in multiplier effects, pooling of resources, enlargement of participation, and enhanced effectiveness. Thus active UN support for and participation in addressing IEDs should be encouraged."--Page 3.

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