Samenvatting

From 30 November 2000 until 18 June 2001 the Netherlands took part in the UN-mission for Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE). What made this mission special was that it was the first time that SHIRBRIG (Standby Forces High Readiness Brigade) was deployed operationally. Under the leadership of the UNMEE Force Commander, who was also the SHIRBRIG commander ,the Netherlands, together with other SHIRBRIG countries like Canada and Denmark gave the mission a flying start, in accordance with the SHIRBRIG deployment concept, and subsequently carried it out almost without any problems for six months. Through this way of operating a very useful footprint was left behind for a smooth take-over by subsequent relief units. On 11 June 2001 the Netherlands/Canada battalion (NECBAT) handed over its task to an Indian battalion. From the Dutch point of view the mission was very special and instructive because of the joint-combined composition of the battalion under Dutch command.This article will first present a brief description of the organisation and the mandate of NECBAT, after which a more general picture is given of the special entourage and civil-military situation in the central sector of the border area between Ethiopia and Eritrea, the AOR of NECBAT. Subsequently, there will be a more detailed discussion of three CIMIC aspects of the UNMEE mission;- Hearts and Minds projects;- Quick-impact projects;- Host Nation Support. Finally, a conclusion is presented.