The United Nations Peacekeeping Forces (UNPKF) was established in 1948 after the approval from the UN Security Council to deploy military observers in the Middle East. Their primary role is to assist nations transcend from war-like situations to peaceful environments. The UNPKF is composed of soldiers, police, and civilian peacekeepers from across the globe to perform several duties approved by the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly. The International Day of UN Peacekeepers is commemorated annually on May 29th with the theme, “People. Peace. Progress. The Power of Partnerships” for the year 2022.
India’s Participation in UNPKF
Among the nations providing troops for the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces, India ranks prominently. For instance, it 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). Since 1948, over 2,60,000 Indians have served in 49 U.N. Peacekeeping missions. In 2007, India set a remarkable precedent by deploying an all-female contingent to a UN Peacekeeping mission.
However, this participation comes with significant cost. Over the last six decades, as many as 179 Indian soldiers have lost their lives in UN Peacekeeping operations. This establishes India as the nation with the highest death toll among ‘blue helmets’. Blue Helmets, also known as UN military personnel, work in collaboration with the UN Police and civilians to foster stability, security, and peace processes.
The Rising Fatality Count: Causes and Concerns
The mounting number of fatalities among UNPKF due to direct attacks has become an area of concern. The deteriorating political and security landscape in areas of peacekeeping operations is a primary reason behind this. Often, forces are pitted against criminal or terrorist organizations who create chaos rather than peace and stability, especially evident in expansive operations such as those in Africa.
Strategies to Curb Fatalities in Peacekeeping Operations
The reduction of these fatalities necessitates various strategies and efforts. One of them includes maintaining geographical equilibrium and diversity in peacekeeping operations. To address security and operational challenges, India has proposed a 10-point formula applicable to UN peacekeeping missions worldwide.
Building confidence and ensuring effective cooperation with the host state is crucial for any peacekeeping force leadership to achieve its operation objectives. It’s also important for countries participating in peacekeeping missions to have a say in decision-making and not just the Security Council.
Deploying peacekeeping missions based on a solid understanding of their limitations is crucial. Any mission should have clearly defined objectives, backed by adequate resources. A robust attempt should be made to bring to justice those responsible for atrocities against peacekeepers – vital for ending violent conflicts and building global security against external threats.
Incorporating advanced technology in peacekeeping operations can help to manage security issues. Evaluations of missions should consider all participants, including military, civilians, and mission leadership. From inception, peacekeeping deployments must have an ‘exit strategy’ in place.
Lastly, the primary responsibility to protect citizens from non-state groups operating within their territories should be borne by the host government.
