‘Single UN flag’ proposed timelines

under a single UN flag”.’
l 2000: The Brahimi Report on UN Peace Operations proposes that Integrated Mission Task Forces should become the standard for planning and supporting UN missions.
l 2000: Secretary-General issues a guidance note on relations between the key leaders in integrated missions – the Special Representative (SRSG), and the Humanitarian and Resident Co-ordinators.
It puts the SRSG in charge, but stipulates that the RC/HC should “where feasible” also serve as Deputy SRSG (DSRSG). Each retains their own reporting line to HQ, while copying all substantive communication to each other.
l 2001: The “triple-hatted” position of DSRSG/HC/RC is established in Sierra Leone. Other similar appointments follow.
l 2006: A further guidance note establishes that the DSRSG reports primarily to the SRSG and through him or her to the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, although with a secondary reporting line to the UN Development Project.
But it also says the SRSG will uphold humanitarian principles and support the creation of an effective operating environment.
Three models for integrated missions “Strategic Integration” – working together towards shared goals – does not always have to entail “Structural Integration” – actual changes in the organisational structure of the mission, where a single UN official will wear three hats: as the UN’s highest-ranking humanitarian representative (Humanitarian Co-ordinator), chief development official (Resident Co-ordinator) and deputy head of the peacekeeping or political mission (Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General).
Having ruled that “form follows function”, the UN has developed three main models for integrated missions: “Both Feet In”: The Humanitarian/Resident Coordinator (HC/RC) serves as DSRSG and OCHA is located inside the integrated mission.
This model is recommended for stable post-conflict settings where the presence of the UN’s political/military mission is well accepted. This was used in East Timor. “One Foot In, One Foot Out”: The HC/RC serves as DSRSG, but OCHA retains an independent presence, outside the main mission. Recommended for situations where the political/military mission is more controversial. The model used in DRC and Afghanistan. “Both Feet Out”: The Humanitarian Co-ordinator and the OCHA office are not integrated with the political or military aspects of the mission.
Recommended for what OCHA calls “situations of persistent widespread conflict or lacking a credible peace process”. Adopted in Somalia. – Irin.