Accountability For Safety UN peacekeepers

Why in News?

In a recent high-level meeting of the Group of Friends (GoF) at the UN Headquarters, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, underscored the significant challenges that UN peacekeepers encounter in their work.

• Established in - Officially established in December 2022 during India's presidency of the UN Security Council, building on the historic Security Council Resolution 2589 (2021).
• Co-chaired by - India along with other key nations.
• Dedicated to - The group's mission is focused on advancing legal frameworks, promoting investigations, and supporting initiatives to ensure accountability for crimes committed against UN peacekeepers.
• Primary goal – To deter future assaults and secure justice for peacekeepers and their families.

• India's expression - India has reiterated its strong dedication to ensuring accountability for crimes against United Nations peacekeepers, describing this as a "strategic necessity" essential for global peacekeeping missions.
• Need - UN peacekeepers operate in increasingly perilous environments and face significant challenges, with many crimes remaining unpunished.
• This absence of accountability greatly undermines international peace initiatives by instilling greater confidence in perpetrators.
• Critical imperative - The emphasis is that accountability is more than just a matter of justice for individuals.
• It is fundamental for the effectiveness, credibility, and future of UN Peace Operations around the world.
• In a strong display of global unity, aim to discuss better strategies, operational frameworks, and increased international cooperation to ensure safety of peace keepers.
• Emphasis - Peacekeepers are facing rising threats in highly unstable conflict areas, with hostile attacks and fatalities increasing.
• Indian contributions - India stands as the largest troop-contributing country to the United Nations, having deployed over 300,000 peacekeepers throughout its history.
• The Permanent Mission of India to the UN – It has noted that "Indian peacekeepers have served with valor and honor in nearly every major UN mission, making significant sacrifices, with 182 Indian peacekeepers having given their lives in service.
• Significance - Understanding these complex relationships is vital, necessitating a comprehensive approach along with a steadfast political commitment from all involved parties.

Reference

The Hindu| Accountability For Safety UN peacekeepers