India's Commitment to UN Peacekeeping

For Prelims: UN peacekeeping mission, India-ASEAN Initiative for women in UNPK operations,
International Day of UN Peacekeepers

For Mains: Role of UN Peacekeeping in resolving conflicts and promoting peace, India's
contributions, India-ASEAN Initiative for women in UNPK operations

Why in News?

Recently, the Indian Army commemorated the 75th International Day of United Nations (UN)
Peacekeepers on 29th May (which was designated by the UN General Assembly) at the National
War Memorial in New Delhi.

Theme 2023: 'Peace begins with me'.

This day holds significance as it marks the anniversary of the first UN peacekeeping (UNPK)
mission in 1948.
Additionally, India unveiled plans to conduct two initiatives later in 2023, specifically designed to
train women personnel from South East Asia, as part of their collaboration with ASEAN in
the defence sector.

What is India-ASEAN Initiative for Women in UNPK operations?

The 'India-ASEAN Initiative for women in UNPK operations' refers to a collaborative effort
between India and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to promote
the participation of women in UNPK operations.
This initiative focuses on providing training and support to women personnel from ASEAN
member-states who are interested in serving as peacekeepers.
Under this initiative, India has announced two specific initiatives:
Specialized courses at the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in
New Delhi. These courses will offer targeted training in peacekeeping operations to women
peacekeepers from ASEAN countries.
The aim is to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to
effectively contribute to UNPK missions.
Table Top Exercise for women officers from ASEAN. This exercise will simulate
various scenarios and challenges faced by UN peacekeepers, allowing participants
to enhance their understanding and preparedness for UNPK operations.

What is UN Peacekeeping?

About:
UN Peacekeeping is a vital tool employed by the United Nations to help countries
navigate the path from conflict to peace.
It involves the deployment of military, police, and civilian personnel to regions
affected by conflicts or political instability.
 The primary objective of UN Peacekeeping is to facilitate peace and security, protect
civilians, and support the restoration of stable governance structures.
It brings together the UN General Assembly, the UN Security Council, the
Secretariat, troop and police contributors and the host governments in a combined
effort to maintain international peace and security.
First Mission:
The first UN peacekeeping mission was established in May 1948, when the UN Security
Council authorized the deployment of UN military observers to the Middle East to form
the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) to monitor the Armistice
Agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbours.
Mandates:
The mandates vary from operation to operation, but they generally include some or all
of the following elements:
Monitoring ceasefires, peace agreements, and security arrangements.
Protecting civilians, especially those at risk of physical harm.
Facilitating political dialogue, reconciliation, and supporting elections.
Building rule of law, security institutions, and promoting human rights.
Delivering humanitarian aid, supporting refugee reintegration, and promoting
environmental sustainability.
Principles:
Consent of the Parties:
Peacekeeping operations require the consent of the main parties involved in
the conflict.
Without consent, a peacekeeping operation risks becoming a party to the
conflict and deviating from its peacekeeping role.
Impartiality:
Peacekeepers should maintain impartiality in their dealings with the parties to
the conflict.
Impartiality does not mean neutrality; peacekeepers should actively execute
their mandate and uphold international norms.
Non-use of Force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate:
Peacekeeping operations should refrain from using force, except when necessary
for self-defence and protection of their mandate.
"Robust" peacekeeping allows the use of force with Security Council authorization
and consent from the host nation and parties involved.
Achievements:
Since its inception in 1948, UN Peacekeeping has played a crucial role in ending conflicts
and promoting reconciliation in numerous countries.
Successful peacekeeping missions have been carried out in places like Cambodia,
El Salvador, Mozambique, and Namibia.
These operations have made a positive impact on restoring stability, enabling
the transition to democratic governance, and fostering economic development.

What are India's Contributions in UN Peacekeeping?

Troop Contribution:
India has a rich legacy of contributing to UN Peacekeeping operations. It is one of
the largest troop-contributing countries, with a history of deploying soldiers, medical
personnel, and engineers to various peacekeeping missions worldwide.
India has contributed approximately 2,75,000 troops to peacekeeping missions so
far.
Casualties:
Indian Army soldiers have made significant sacrifices while serving in UN Peacekeeping
Missions, with 179 soldiers losing their lives in the line of duty.
Training and infrastructure:
The Indian Army has established the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping
(CUNPK) in New Delhi.
This center provides specialized training for more than 12,000 troops every year in
peacekeeping operations, hosting national and international courses for potential
 peacekeepers and trainers.
CUNPK plays a crucial role in sharing best practices and enhancing the capacity of
peacekeepers.
Women in Peacekeeping:
India has taken proactive measures to promote gender equality in peacekeeping
operations.
India has deployed Female Engagement Teams in United Nations
Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
and United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei, which is the second
largest women contingent after Liberia.
India has also deployed Women Military Police in United Nations
Disengagement Observer Force and women staff officers and military observers
in various missions.

Source: TH

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