This publication contains the main facts of 41 United Nations peace-keeping operations from 1948 through early 1996. Wearing their familiar blue helmets or blue berets, military personnel serving as United Nations peace-keepers are increasingly being joined by civilian colleagues. Together, they have been given ever more challenging mandates. United Nations peace-keeping operations have supervised cease-fires & the separation of forces; they have helped promote national reconciliation & respect for human rights; & they have organized & monitored elections. Humanitarian tasks have also been brought within the purview of peace-keeping.