UN Peacekeepers
Kartavya Desk Staff
Source: NH
Subject: International Organisation
Context: The UN Security Council has strongly condemned drone attacks on UN peacekeepers in Sudan’s South Kordofan, which killed six Bangladeshi personnel serving with UN Interim Security Force for Abyei.
About UN Peacekeepers:
What it is?
• UN Peacekeeping is a mechanism deployed by the United Nations to help countries transition from conflict to peace by stabilising volatile situations and supporting political processes.
Evolution of UN Peacekeeping:
• 1948: Observer missions UN peacekeeping began with unarmed observer missions like UNTSO, focused on monitoring ceasefires and reporting violations without enforcement powers.
• Cold War era: Geopolitical rivalry between major powers restricted mandates, limiting peacekeeping largely to monitoring roles and consent-based deployments.
• Post-1990s expansion: After civil wars increased, missions became multidimensional, combining military presence with political mediation and humanitarian support.
• Reforms (Brahimi Report, 2000): The report called for clearer mandates, adequate resources, rapid deployment, and prioritising civilian protection.
Functions of UN Peacekeepers:
• Ceasefire monitoring: Peacekeepers observe buffer zones and report violations to prevent renewed hostilities.
• Protection of civilians: They are authorised to use force when necessary to protect civilians facing imminent threats.
• Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR): They assist ex-combatants in laying down arms and reintegrating into civilian life.
• Support to elections and governance: Peacekeepers help organise elections and strengthen local administrative institutions.
• Human rights and rule of law: They monitor abuses, support judicial reforms, and promote accountability.
• Humanitarian assistance: They facilitate relief delivery and support early recovery in post-conflict areas.
India and UN Peacekeeping:
• Major troop contributor: India remains one of the largest contributors of uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping operations.
• Scale of participation: Over 2,90,000 Indian peacekeepers have served in more than 50 missions worldwide.
• Current deployments: Around 5,000 Indian personnel are deployed across nine active UN missions.
• Sacrifice and commitment: Nearly 180 Indian peacekeepers have sacrificed their lives in service of global peace.