Is India Leading the Charge for Accountability in UN Peacekeeping?

New York, July 16 (NationPress) In a significant development, India, alongside other prominent member states, co-chaired a pivotal meeting of the Group of Friends for Accountability for Crimes Against Peacekeepers at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

The meeting reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to uphold justice and accountability for UN peacekeepers who encounter violence while on duty. As a major troop-contributing nation, India underscored the pressing need to enhance protection mechanisms and ensure that those responsible for such crimes face justice.

“We are pleased to be part of the Group of Friends for Accountability of Crimes against Peacekeepers that convened today to advance the landmark Security Council Resolution 2589 (2021) championed by India. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of justice for peacekeepers,” stated Parvathaneni Harish, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, in a post on X.

During the meeting, Ambassador P. Harish expressed India's profound commitment, stating, “United Nations peacekeepers face significant challenges while operating in increasingly perilous environments. Yet, these crimes often go unpunished. This absence of accountability severely undermines international peace efforts, emboldening assailants.”

“Thus, ensuring accountability is not just a legal obligation but a strategic necessity. It is vital for the integrity and effectiveness of international peacekeeping operations. Justice enhances the safety of peacekeepers, enabling them to perform their essential missions. It is our collective responsibility to uphold this commitment,” he added.

The Group was established in December 2022 during India’s Presidency of the Security Council, building on the significant UNSC Resolution 2589. Since 1948, over 1,000 UN personnel have lost their lives due to malicious acts while serving in peacekeeping missions, with hundreds more sustaining injuries.

The meeting reiterated the firm dedication of the GoF to ensuring justice for those who serve under the UN flag. It also highlighted the urgent need to combat impunity for attacks on peacekeepers, asserting that accountability is essential not only for individual justice but also for the effectiveness, credibility, and future of UN Peace Operations globally.

As a Co-Chair of the GoF, India continues to exhibit leadership and commitment to peacekeeping and accountability. With a history spanning over seven decades, India is the largest cumulative troop-contributing country to the United Nations, having deployed over 300,000 peacekeepers to date.

Indian peacekeepers have served with valor and dedication in nearly every major UN mission, making significant sacrifices, as evidenced by the 182 Indian peacekeepers who have paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.