Recently, the UN Peacekeeping missions are again back in news due to the ongoing West Asian Crisis. The UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), released a statement accusing the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) of intentionally destroying an observation tower and the perimeter fence of a UN post in Marwahin.
In this article we will look at the history of UN Peacekeeping forces, their successes and failures. We will also look the challenges faced by peacekeeping forces. We will also look at the way forward for the same.
What is UN peacekeeping mission? Where are these forces currently deployed?
UN peacekeeping mission provides security, political and peacebuilding support to help war-torn countries make the difficult transition from conflict to peace. It involves the deployment of military, police, and civilian personnel to regions affected by conflicts or political instability.
Basis of UN Peacekeeping- The UN Charter has assigned the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. The UNSC can establish a UN peace operation to fulfill its responsibility.
Basic Principles of Peacekeeping Operations
Capstone Doctrine covers the basic principles and key concepts related to UN peacekeeping.
a. Consent of the parties
b. Impartiality
c. Non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate.
Functions and Mandate of UN Peacekeeping Forces
| Monitoring Peace Processes | Peacekeepers supervise the implementation of peace agreements and assist ex-combatants in their reintegration into society. |
| Confidence-Building Measures | UN Peacekeeping forces facilitate trust-building measures between conflicting parties through power-sharing arrangements and electoral support. |
| Rule of Law and Human Rights | Peacekeepers help strengthen legal frameworks and promote human rights within the host countries. |
| Support for Democratic Processes | Peacekeeping forces assist in organizing free and fair elections. Thus they help in upholding the democratic process. |
| Protecting Civilians | Peacekeeping forces provide security to vulnerable populations and preventing violence against them. |
Deployment of Peacekeeping forces
First Mission- The first UN peacekeeping mission was established in May 1948. United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) was sent by the UNSC to monitor the Armistice Agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbours.
Current Deployment- There are currently 11 UN peacekeeping operations deployed on three continents.
What have been the successes and failures of UN peacekeeping forces?
Successes
1. Successful Resolution of conflicts- Since 1948, UN Peacekeeping forces has helped end conflicts and foster reconciliation by conducting successful peacekeeping operations in dozens of countries. These countries include Cambodia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mozambique, Namibia and Tajikistan.
2. Positive impact of the peacekeeping missions- UN Peacekeeping operations have made a positive impact on restoring stability, enabling the transition to democratic governance, and fostering economic development.
3. Noble Prize- UN Peacekeeping Forces was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988 for their continuous striving towards peace and stability.
Failures
1. Failure in Rwanda and Bosnia- In 1994 and 1995, the UN failed to protect civilians, leading to mass casualties, such as the Rwanda genocide, where nearly 1 million Tutsis were killed.
2. Failure in prevention of escalation of current conflicts- The UN peacekeeping mission has been criticized for inaction in Ukraine and Gaza. The 100,000 peacekeepers could have been redeployed to prevent massive civilian casualties.
What are the Challenges with UN Peacekeeping Missions?
1. Lack of Clear Mandates and Objectives- Peacekeeping missions are often launched without clear, achievable mandates. For ex- The UN mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo has struggled with an unclear mandate, shifting from monitoring peace agreements to directly engaging in combat with rebel groups.
2. Inadequate Funding and Resources- The UN mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has faced challenges protecting civilians due to lack of adequate funding and resources.
3. Hostility from Local Populations and Governments- Peacekeeping forces are often viewed with suspicion and hostility from local populations and governments. In Haiti, the UN Stabilization Mission (MINUSTAH) faced significant local opposition due to its linkage with cholera outbreak.
4. Security Risks and Attacks on Peacekeepers- The UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSMA) in Mali has become one of the deadliest peacekeeping missions, with frequent attacks by Islamist militants.
5. Misconduct by Peacekeepers- The Central African Republic mission (MINUSCA) has been marred by numerous allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse by peacekeepers. This has undermined the mission’s legitimacy and has damaged the reputation of UN peacekeeping.
6. Huge dependence on Member State Contributions- The UN mission in Darfur (UNAMID) has been hindered by delays in troop deployment due to member states’ hesitations and lack of commitment.
What is India’s contribution to UN Peacekeeping Mission?
1. Historical Contribution- India has been actively participating in peacekeeping right from 1950 when it supplied medical personnel and troops to the UN Repatriation Commission in Korea.
2. Current Contribution-
a. India is Fifth largest troop contributor with 5,424 personnel across 9 missions. India’s contribution to the peacekeeping budget stands at 0.16%.
b. Nearly 80% of the Indian peacekeepers are deployed in hostile regions such as Central African Republic and South Sudan.
c. India has deployed a platoon of women peacekeepers in Abyei as part of the Indian Battalion in the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).
3. Achievements-
a. A total of 150 Indian peacekeepers serving with the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) have received medals of honour for their dedicated service and sacrifice.
b. Major Radhika Sen has been awarded ‘Military Gender Advocate of the Year 2023‘ by the UN Headquarters.
What Should be the Way Forward?
1. Clear and achievable Mandates- Mandates should focus on realistic, achievable goals that align with available resources and ground realities. For ex- Protecting civilians in clearly demarcated zones.
2. Improved Funding and Resource Allocation- Member states should consider establishing more predictable, and sustainable funding mechanisms for peacekeeping missions. For ex- For missions like MINUSMA in Mali, access to better surveillance technology and transportation could improve peacekeepers’ mobility and safety in high-risk areas.
3. Strengthening Relationships with Local Communities- Building trust within communities through programs focused on local needs like healthcare, education can help establish peacekeepers as allies rather than foreign entities.
4. Improving Data Collection and Technological Capabilities- Employing data analytics, artificial intelligence, and surveillance tools could help peacekeepers anticipate risks, identify conflict hotspots, and better protect themselves and civilians.
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