UNITED NATIONS: India has strongly emphasized the urgent need for accountability in crimes committed against UN peacekeepers, warning that impunity only emboldens perpetrators and undermines international peace efforts.
“UN peacekeepers face immense challenges in increasingly dangerous environments, yet most crimes against them go unpunished,” said India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador P. Harish, on Tuesday.
Speaking at a high-level meeting of the Group of Friends to Promote Accountability for Crimes Against Peacekeepers, co-chaired by India, Harish said that ensuring justice is vital to the effectiveness and credibility of UN peacekeeping missions.
“Accountability is not just a moral obligation—it is a strategic necessity,” he noted. “Justice directly enhances the safety of peacekeepers and enables them to fulfil their crucial missions. We have a shared responsibility to ensure this.”
The meeting reaffirmed the Group’s commitment to ending impunity for attacks on peacekeepers, stressing that accountability goes beyond individual justice and is essential for the future success of UN Peace Operations.
According to a press release by the Indian Mission, the meeting brought together senior representatives from about 40 UN member states, officials, field experts, and peacekeeping personnel to discuss strategies for stronger international cooperation and legal mechanisms to prosecute such crimes.
Participants also highlighted the growing threats faced by peacekeepers and the clear connection between lack of accountability and repeated targeting of UN personnel.
The deliberations called for a comprehensive approach, combining justice mechanisms, preventive strategies, and firm political will from all stakeholders.
The Group of Friends was established in December 2022 during India’s presidency of the UN Security Council. It builds upon Security Council Resolution 2589 (2021), which urged member states to ensure accountability for crimes against peacekeepers and called for regular progress updates from the Secretary-General.
The Group is committed to supporting legal reforms, advancing investigations, and ensuring justice for peacekeepers and their families.
India, as the largest cumulative troop-contributing country to UN peacekeeping, has deployed over 300,000 personnel. Tragically, 182 Indian peacekeepers have lost their lives in service. As co-chair of the Group, India continues to lead efforts to uphold justice and protect those who serve under the UN flag.
