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Key Points

India’s UN envoy stresses that prosecuting attackers of peacekeepers is critical for mission success. Over 1,100 personnel have died in violent incidents, with five fatalities this year alone. A 2021 India-led resolution demands host nations investigate and punish such crimes. The push aims to strengthen global trust in UN peace operations.

Key Points: India Calls Justice for UN Peacekeeper Attacks Strategic Necessity

  • India co-chairs UN group pushing for justice against peacekeeper attackers
  • Over 1,135 peacekeepers killed in violent attacks since missions began
  • Harish warns impunity emboldens assailants and weakens UN credibility
  • 2021 India-backed resolution mandates prosecutions and a global attack database
2 min read

Ensuring attackers of UN peacekeepers are brought to justice is 'strategic necessity': India

India’s UN envoy P. Harish demands accountability for crimes against peacekeepers, citing 1,135 deaths and global security risks.

"Accountability is a strategic necessity – P. Harish, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN"

United Nations, July 15

Ensuring attackers of peacekeepers are brought to justice is a "strategic necessity" for UN operations, India's Permanent Representative P. Harish has said.

He articulated India's deep-seated commitment and stated, "United Nations peacekeepers face tremendous obstacles while working in increasingly dangerous areas. But for the most part, these crimes continue to go unpunished."

The lack of accountability for crimes against peacekeepers "severely undermines international peace efforts by giving assailants more confidence," he said on Tuesday.

"Therefore, accountability is a strategic necessity," he said.

"Peacekeepers' safety is directly improved by justice, allowing them to carry out their vital missions," he said. "It is our common duty to fulfil this obligation."

He was speaking at a meeting of the 'Group of Friends to Promote Accountability for Crimes Against Peacekeepers'.

India launched the group in December 2022 when it was the president of the Security Council and continues to be co-chair of the group.

Senior representatives from about 40 countries, UN officials, and experts participating in the group's meeting discussed improving strategies, operational frameworks, and increasing international cooperation to bring perpetrators of crimes against peacekeepers to justice.

The participants "underscored the critical imperative to combat impunity for attacks against peacekeepers, emphasising that accountability is not merely a matter of justice for individuals but a basis for the effectiveness, credibility, and future of UN Peace Operations worldwide," according to India's UN Mission.

So far, 1,135 peacekeepers have died from criminal actions against peacekeeping operations, five as of now this year.

The Friends Group builds on the resolution introduced by India with the backing of 83 countries, which was adopted unanimously by the Security Council in 2021.

It demands that countries where peacekeeping missions operate promote accountability for violence against peacekeepers by investigating the incidents, arresting and prosecuting the perpetrators.

The resolution also asked the Secretary-General to create an online database of attacks on peacekeeping personnel.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who has worked with UN missions, I can say this is long overdue. The lack of accountability emboldens attackers. India's leadership in forming this group is commendable.
P
Priya S
But will this actually lead to action? Many resolutions get passed but implementation is weak. Hope this isn't just another diplomatic exercise. Our jawans deserve real protection.
V
Vikram M
The online database is a smart move - transparency is key! India has lost too many brave soldiers in UN missions. This initiative will honor their sacrifice by ensuring justice.
R
Rohit P
Why only now? 1,135 deaths is 1,135 too many. The UN should have acted decades ago. Better late than never I suppose, but this shows how slow international systems work.
K
Kavya N
As an army daughter, this news makes me emotional. My father served in Congo and we worried daily. Strong accountability measures will give families some peace of mind. Jai Hind!
M
Michael C
Interesting how India is taking the lead here. The database idea is particularly good - data-driven approaches often work best. Hope other nations will cooperate fully.

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