UN Peacekeeping Forces

Why in news?

• The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution, introduced by India, to establish a memorial wall in honour of fallen peacekeepers.

About UN Peacekeeping Forces:

• The UN Peacekeeping Forces were established when the UN Security Council approved the deployment of UN military observers to the Middle East in 1948 (this year is the 75th anniversary).
• UN peacekeeping forces assist nations in transitioning from war to peace, carrying out missions approved by the UN Security Council (UNSC) and the UN General Assembly.
• The United Nations Peacekeeping operations are policing and peace building actions carried out by the UN to bring order and stability in war-torn nations.
• The UN Peacekeepers are known as ‘Blue Helmets’ or ‘Blue Berets’.
• Its personnel consist of soldiers and military officers, police officers and civilian personnel from many countries.

Role of UN Peacekeepers:

• They ensure that peace agreements/accords are implemented in warzones. In addition, they give help through confidence-building measures, electoral support, improving law and order and bolstering social development that will bring positive economic changes.
• The United Nations Charter authorises the United Nations Security Council to take collective action to maintain international peace and security. Due to this, it falls on the UN Security Council to deploy peacekeepers in order to ensure stability and security in conflict regions.

Structure:

• The UN Peacekeeping force is supplemented by personnel from member nations.
• They are added to the force on a volunteer basis. As of late about, 100,000 personnel serve in the UN Peacekeeping forces.
• Among the largest individual contributors, India, Pakistan and Bangladesh top the list with 8000 units each.

More about UN Peacekeeping:

• There are currently 12 UN peacekeeping operations.
• In 1988, UN peacekeepers were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
• India in collaboration with the UN launched UNITE Aware Platform (a software programme for real-time threat assessments to peacekeepers)

India's Contributions in UN Peacekeeping:

• India has contributed approximately 2,75,000 troops to peacekeeping missions so far, with around 5,900 troops currently deployed in 12 UN Missions.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Which of the following statements regarding UN Peacekeeping is incorrect?

(a) It helps countries torn by conflict create conditions for lasting peace.

(b) It requires the consent of the contracting parties.

(c) It consists of military, police and also civilian peacekeepers.

(d) It does not use force under any circumstances or situations.

Answer