India to gift 2 lakh vaccine doses to ‘UN peacekeeping forces’

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India has announced a gift of 2,00,000 doses of vaccine to the UN Peacekeeping Forces.

About United Nations Peacekeeping forces:

• It was created in 1948. They are often referred to as Blue Berets or Blue Helmets because of their light blue berets or helmets
• Purpose: It provides security, political, and peacebuilding support to countries under conflicts. It helps countries make the difficult, early transition from conflict to peace.
• Principles: They are guided by three basic principles:
  • Consent of the parties
  • Impartiality
  • Non-use of force except in self-defense and defense of the mandate.
• Authorised by: Every peacekeeping mission is authorized by the UN Security Council.
• Peacekeeping forces: Member states contribute their manpower for Peacekeeping forces on a voluntary basis.
• Funding: The financial resources of UN Peacekeeping operations are the collective responsibility of UN Member States. Every Member State is legally obligated to pay their respective share for peacekeeping.

India and the UN Peacekeeping forces:

• India is consistently among the top troop-contributing nations to the UN. At present, 5,424 personnel of India are serving in eight countries. It is currently the fifth-largest contribution.
• India’s contribution to the regular budget is 0.83% and 0.16% of the peacekeeping budget.

Other Countries Contributions:

• The US has never contributed ground troops. But it contributes 27% of the U.N. peacekeeping budget.
• China currently contributes over 2,500 troops in various UN missions. It provides for 12% of the UN’s regular general budget and 15% of the peacekeeping budget.

Source: The Hindu