UN Peacekeeping Forces Fatalities

• 11 Oct 2022

For Prelims: UN Peacekeeping Forces, UN Security Council, Blue helmets.

For Mains: UN Peacekeeping forces and related issues like rise in the number of fatalities of soldiers in UN Peacekeeping Forces.

Why in News?

According to the United Nations Undersecretary General, the number of fatalities among United Nations Peacekeeping Forces (UNPKF) in direct attacks is growing.

• Strong requirements for better training, technology, and equipment were highlighted.

What are UN Peacekeeping Forces?

• About:
  • When the UN Security Council approved the deployment of UN military observers to the Middle East in 1948, the UN Peacekeeping Forces were established.
  • UN peacekeeping forces aid nations in negotiating the perilous transition from war to peace.
  • To carry out several missions approved by the UN Security Council (UNSC) and the UN General Assembly, it deploys soldiers and police from all over the world and combines them with civilian peacekeepers.
  • International Day of UN Peacekeepers is celebrated on date 29^th May every year.
    • 2022 Theme: People. Peace. Progress. The Power of Partnerships.
• India and UNPKF:
  • India is among the nations that send the most troops to the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces.
    • Example: India is the second-highest military and fifth-highest police contributing country to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
  • Over 2,60,000 Indians have served in 49 U.N. Peacekeeping missions since 1948.
  • In 2007, India became the first country to deploy an all-women contingent to a UN Peacekeeping mission.
  • In the last six decades, 179 Indian soldiers have died in UN Peacekeeping operations.
  • Among "blue helmets" it has the greatest death toll of any nation.
    • Blue Helmets are the military personnel of the UN that work alongside the UN Police and civilian colleagues to promote “stability, security, and peace processes”.

What are the most probable reasons for Fatalities?

• The atmosphere in which peacekeeping operations are taking place is getting worse from both a political and a security point of view.
• Many operations, especially large operations like those in Africa, engage soldiers against criminal or terrorist organization who prefer turmoil over peace and stability.

How can these fatalities be controlled?

• Geographical equilibrium and evenness must be maintained in peacekeeping operations.
• It will necessitate a great deal of effort to increase the geographical diversification of the nations providing police and peacekeeping forces.
• India has presented a 10-point formula to address security and operational challenges faced by United Nations peacekeeping missions around the world.
  • To accomplish the objectives of operations, the leadership of a peacekeeping force must build confidence and ensure efficient cooperation with the host state.
  • Countries participating in peacekeeping missions must determine the agenda, not the Security Council.
  • With a thorough understanding of their limits, peacekeeping missions should be deployed sensibly.
  • Clearly defined objectives that are supported by adequate resources.
  • "All-out efforts" should be made to prosecute those responsible for atrocities against peacekeepers.
  • It is essential for ending violent conflicts and constructing global security against external threats.
  • Using cutting-edge technology in peacekeeping operations can help overcome security issues.
  • The military, civilians, and mission leadership should all be considered while evaluating a mission.
  • An "exit strategy" should be considered for peacekeeping deployments from the beginning.
  • The primary duty to safeguard people against non-state groups operating on their soil shall rest with the host government.

Source: TH