Once the need for emergency assistance has subsided and early recovery is in progress, the focus should be on a smooth transition to longer-term development activities. This will entail gradual handover of responsibilities to national authorities. The transition from peacekeeping to subsequent phases of UN engagement should be factored in from the outset of the mission planning process, in order to clearly delineate the roles and responsibilities of the various UN actors on the ground. Ideally, planning for the transition from emergency and early recovery to long-term rehabilitation and development should begin early in the peacekeeping and peacebuilding phase. It is important at the outset to help national authorities implement a holistic approach that brings together all the relevant branches of government. Only national actors are in a position to meet their country’s needs and objectives in a sustainable manner.

Clearly identified benchmarks will make it easier to plan the exit strategy of the peace operation. In other words, the successful transition from recovery to development and the ability of national and other institutions to take responsibility in a number of areas will be defining factors in the drawdown of a mission. Key elements of transition, such as socio-economic recovery, are rarely among the mandated tasks of a peacekeeping mission. This makes a holistic and integrated UN approach essential. Peace operations must also support a number of essential activities that contribute to the consolidation of peace, such as the restoration of basic services and the revitalization of the economy.

6.6.1 Operational activities

The key operational activities by the mission to support this output include:

• Completing the DDR process.
• Ensuring the ability of national armed forces, police and other law- enforcement agencies to provide security and maintain public order.
• Monitoring the restoration of state authority and the resumption of basic services.
• Overseeing the consolidation of legitimate political institutions and democratic processes.
• Benchmarking and achieving consensus on the criteria for successful transition in coordination with the UNCT.
• Developing transition plans in all relevant areas in coordination with the UNCT.

6.6.3 Responsibilities and coordination

A host of UN and external partners play lead roles in emergency assistance, early recovery and development, but the interface and involvement of a peacekeeping mission in all these efforts require close coordination with all the relevant actors, from the initial planning stage to the final handover of responsibilities. While the entire MLT should be actively involved in this regard, the role of the DSRSG-RC/HC is particularly important. Benchmarks should be formulated in close coordination with the national authorities, donor governments, and local and international NGOs. These should be based on the development of local capabilities rather than progress with mandate implementation. Careful cooperation and coordination between the mission and UNHQ, including the PBSO, will be necessary in determining possible follow-on arrangements to the peacekeeping mission.

6.6.4 Resources

From a resource perspective, most recovery and development efforts are outside of the purview of the peacekeeping mission. However, the mission should have adequate civilian human resources throughout its deployment, including during the process of downsizing/liquidation, to be able to efficiently undertake all liaison and coordination activities with relevant partners. Since many recovery and development activities are funded from voluntary contributions, the MLT, especially the SRSG and the DSRSG-RC/HC, will play an important role in coordinating UN efforts, and mobilizing donor support and the engagement of key international players such as the World Bank, the IMF, the EU and regional financial institutions.