If there is a serious conflict between two countries, these countries can turn to the United Nations for help. The UN Security Council then decides whether to send soldiers to the crisis region on a UN mandate to maintain security and peace. The UN peacekeeping force consists not only of soldiers made available for UN missions by UN member nations, but also of military and civilian observers. At the present time, there are soldiers involved in UN missions in many parts of the world, for example in the Balkans and the Middle East. They wear blue helmets, which make them stand out from other soldiers.

The UN peacekeeping force in Haiti. It is helping police to restore peace in the country.