UNITE Aware Platform | 19 Aug 2021

Why in News

India, in collaboration with the United Nations (UN), has launched a technology platform to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers who are operating across the world.

• The launch of the UNITE AWARE platform came as India assumed the Presidency of the 15-nation UN Security Council for the month of August.

Key Points

• About the UNITE Aware:
  
  • Aim: This project aims to demonstrate the impact of modern surveillance technology on the detection of asymmetric threats.
  • Situational Awareness Software Programme: It utilises modern surveillance technology for real time threat assessments to peacekeepers in maintaining security.
    
    • This will access live video and satellite imagery, and in very volatile circumstances can also deliver early warnings to peacekeepers.
    • It can also record data on critical incidents and events and follow daily operational activities.
    • Using the platform, the entire peacekeeping operation can be visualised, coordinated, and monitored on a real time basis.
  • Partnership: India has developed the technology platform in partnership with the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Department of Operational Support.
  • Deployment: The platform will be deployed initially in four UN Peacekeeping Missions: MINUSMA (Mali), UNMISS (South Sudan), UNFICYP (Cyprus) and AMISOM (Somalia).
  • India's Contribution: India has contributed USD 1.64 million for this project.
• UN Peacekeeping:
  
  • Joint Effort: It is a joint effort between the Department of Peace Operations and the Department of Operational Support.
    
    • It deploys troops and police from around the world, integrating them with civilian peacekeepers to address a range of mandates set by the UN Security Council (UNSC) and the General Assembly.
    • It helps countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace.
  • Financial Contribution: The financial resources of UN Peacekeeping operations are the collective responsibility of UN Member States.
  • Legal Obligation: According to the UN Charter, every Member State is legally obligated to pay their respective share for peacekeeping.
  • India's Contribution:
    
    • India is a major contributing nation to UN peacekeeping activities.
      
      • Currently, there are 5506 troops and police from India who have been deployed to nine different UN peacekeeping missions, the second highest amongst troop-contributing countries.
    • More than 200,000 Indians have served in 49 of the 71 UN peacekeeping missions established around the world since 1948.
    • India has a long tradition of sending women on UN peacekeeping missions.
      
      • In 2007, India became the first country to deploy an all-women contingent to a UN peacekeeping mission.

Source: TH