UN PEACE KEEPING MISSION
1. Context
Two BSF personnel who were part of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), was among five people killed during a protest in an eastern town near the border with Uganda. A total of 175 Indian peacekeepers have so far died while serving with the United Nations. India has lost more peacekeepers than any other UN Member State.
2. United Nations Peacekeeping
- 71 Field Missions conducted by UN Peacekeepers since 1948.
- Currently, 13 peace operations are led by UNDPO with approximately 81,820 personnel.
- Nine-fold increase in personnel since 1999.
- 119 countries have contributed military and police personnel to UN peacekeeping.
3. India's Contribution to UN Peacekeeping
- India has the highest contribution to UN Peacekeeping.
- Over 2,53,000 Indians have served in 49 missions since 1948.
- Currently, around 5,500 Indian troops and police are deployed, ranking fifth in troop-contributing countries.
- India provides eminent Force Commanders for UN Missions.
4. India's Role and Achievements
- India's peacekeeping history began in the 1950s with participation in the UN operation in Korea.
- India mediated in resolving the Korean War's prisoners-of-war stalemate.
- India chaired the Neutral Nations Repatriation Commission and supervised the repatriation process.
- Indian armed forces entrusted with subsequent peace missions in the Middle East, Cyprus, and the Congo.
- India served as Chair of international commissions for supervision and control in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.
5. India's Contribution to Women in UN Peacekeeping
- India deployed the first all-women contingent to a UN Peacekeeping Mission in 2007.
- The Formed Police Unit in Liberia conducted guard duty and night patrols in Monrovia.
- Women officers contributed to restoring security in Liberia and increasing women's representation.
- Their presence helped build the capacity of the Liberian police force.
- India's initiative showcased the importance of women's participation in peacekeeping efforts.
6. Indian Peacekeepers: Providing Medical Support and Services
- Indian Formed Police Unit in Liberia and organized medical camps for communities with limited access to healthcare.
- Indian Peacekeepers offer medical care and specialized services in their missions.
- Indian veterinarians in South Sudan provided support to cattle herders, addressing malnutrition and disease.
- The Indian contingent in South Sudan also offered vocational training, medical assistance, and road repair work.
- In response to an urgent request, India deployed medical teams to Goma (DRC) and Juba (South Sudan) in 2020.
- The Indian Hospital in Goma, Operational since 2005, has a staff of 90, including 18 specialists.
7. Indian Peacekeepers: Recognitions and Contributions
- UN Medals of Honour awarded to the Indian contingent in the Upper Nile Region, including the Indian Battalion, Horizontal Mechanical Engineering Company, Level II hospital, Petroleum Platoon, and Force Signal Unit.
- India has provided 17 Force Commanders, two Military Advisers, One Female Police Adviser, and one Deputy Military Adviser to the Secretary General of the UN.
- India was the first country to contribute to the Trust Fund on sexual exploitation and abuse established in 2016.
8. India's Perspective on Contemporary Peacekeeping
- India emphasizes the need for the international community to understand the rapid changes in the nature and role of peacekeeping operations.
- Security Council mandates for UN Peacekeeping should align with ground realities and be supported by adequate resources.
- Troop and police-contributing countries should have active involvement in all stages of mission planning.
- There should be increased financial and human resources dedicated to peace-building in post-conflict societies where UN Peacekeeping operations are deployed.
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For Prelims: UN Peacekeepers, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), UNDPO, Middle East, Cyprus, Upper Nile Region.
For Mains:1. Discuss India's contribution to promoting women's participation in UN Peacekeeping, including the deployment of the first all-women contingent. (250 words)
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Source: The Indian Express
