You can say that conflict and war engulf the world. However, with the efforts of the United Nations Peacekeepers, they were able to protect the people, who are vulnerable and help countries to find a way towards peace. Let us continue to read to find out more.
The Peacekeepers
U.N. Peacekeepers come from all walks of life, with diverse cultural backgrounds. When they serve under the United Nations, they are unified by a commitment to maintain or restore world peace and security. UN Peacekeepers are civilians, military, and police personnel who are all working together. The roles of peacekeepers are evolving as the mandates become complex and multidimensional.
Here are some of the functions of a United Nations Peacekeepers:
- Monitoring ceasefires to make sure that everyone is following the agreement.
- Protecting Civilians, and lessen the casualties as much as possible.
- Disarming ex-combatants
- Protecting Human Rights
- Promoting the rule of law
- Supporting free and fair elections
- Minimizing the risks of landmines
The UN Peacekeepers or what they are known for as the Blue Helmets helps in promulgating the said functions. Though it is a bit tough to implement all of the stated responsibilities, they are still trying their best to make sure that they will be able to do it to ensure the safety of the people and the country.
United Nations and Congo
United Nations Peacekeeping in Congo was established in July 1960. The mission was launched to help restore the stability to Congo after it fell into conflict and issue. Until now, the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) extended their stay for a year.
Their utmost priority is for the operation to protect civilians and support for implementation on holding their elections. The implementation also reiterated its appeal to all Congolese to work for the preservation of still fragile gains in the path of peace and stability.
Under the Blue Helmet: A VR Film
With the peacekeepers putting their lives at stake, it is not just enough to say how dangerous it is for them. Marking the 70th Year Anniversary, they partnered with Time.com to host a virtual reality film, Under the Blue Helmet. They are doing this to raise awareness and show the world the reality of what was happening.
Using the latest VR technology, the film offers a first-hand look at the work and daily lives of the uniformed and civilian peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Here are some of the highlights of the film:
- You will get to see the peacekeepers as they go on patrol
- Reintegrate former fighters into society and help them in coping
- How they protect the local population and help them with their immersions
- The film will show you how the peacekeepers from all over the world are making a vital difference in in the lives of the Congolese.
VR is making a very vivid tale of what the UN Peacekeepers are going through in Congo. It is very “walking simulator” like, the reality is very different. This is an opportunity for the viewers to be able to see the essential tasks of the peacekeepers that will most likely we will not see in any mainstream headlines.
VR is making a whole lot of difference to the film for it will make you see a 360-degree view of the harsh realities of the country. You will also “feel” what the peacekeepers are going through seeing the state of the people and the place. This is also a good avenue in raising awareness to the world to be able to share the situation and experience.
UN and the Use of VR
VR is what we can say an empathy generator. VR can transport you to a world where it is inaccessible, is what the tool UN needs right now. UN is now looking to convert compassion into action. How can they do this? With the help of VR of course, to be able to raise awareness.
Come to think of it; this will benefit many people, not only those who are affected but to those who will be able to help. UN is doing its best to be able to raise awareness and to make sure that they reach their goal and that is to be able to let the world know the situation is how we can help.
To be able to let the rest of the world see what is happening, it will be a more powerful tool befitting of the year that we are in now. It can invoke a strong emotional response that may be converted into a powerful reaction. Why? If the people were able to see the truth and the hardships, they would feel this desire to help and be a part of something that has a cause.
How can VR help UN with their advocacy and cause for a better place? Here are some of the reasons why it is a good decision for UN to use virtual reality:
- A powerful tool to relay the message.
- You can see the reality of the situation without relying on what the news is offering.
- You can actually experience and not just seeing it with your own eyes.
Imagine, being a peacekeeper for a short period, walking along the streets of Congo, seeing the situation is enough for you to understand what the message that UN is trying to convey.
It is good to see that UN pay close attention to these new technologies. There are many stories that they need to be told and VR is a very much good medium to relay these stories. It will be more accessible to many people. In this way, UN will be able to reach out to more without the usual boring talks.
Conclusion
Sometimes, it is hard to relay or convey the message to just one person, what more to the world. UN is doing a good job of using VR technology for us to be able to hear them and understand entirely how their peacekeepers are doing their jobs. Let us remember the fallen people who once wore the blue helmets and support those who are still risking their lives for the sake of peace and unity. Let us use technology for a better cause.
REFERENCES
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_Operation_in_the_Congo
https://www.engadget.com/2016/09/30/united-nations-vr-social-change/
https://news.un.org/en/story/2018/03/1006121
http://time.com/5293203/blue-helmets-un-peacekeepers-congo-vr/