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India Calls for Protection of UN Peacekeepers in Lebanon

India has voiced concern over the deteriorating security situation in the West Asia region following an incident
near the Lebanon-Israel border, where two UN peacekeepers were injured.

This escalation occurred after an Israeli tank shell struck a UN observation post. The incident is the most serious
since Israel requested the relocation of UN peacekeeping forces, specifically UNIFIL, from positions near
Hezbollah rocket sites in southern Lebanon—a request that the UN denied.

About UN Peacekeeping

Overview:
The United Nations (UN) Charter entrusts the Security Council with the responsibility of maintaining
international peace and security. One of the key tools at its disposal is the establishment of peacekeeping
missions to manage conflicts worldwide.

Mandates of Peace Operations:
Each peacekeeping mission operates under a mandate approved by the Security Council, tailored to the specific
conflict. Some of the key objectives of these operations include:

  • Preventing conflict outbreaks or containing the spread of violence across borders.
  • Stabilizing regions after ceasefires and supporting the enforcement of peace agreements.
  • Facilitating transitions to stable governance, including promoting democracy, good governance, and
    development.

Core Principles of Peacekeeping:

Consent of the Parties: Peacekeepers can only operate with the consent of the conflicting parties to avoid
becoming involved in the conflict.

Impartiality: Although peacekeepers remain impartial toward the warring factions, they are committed to
fulfilling their mandate.

Use of Force: Peacekeepers resort to force only for self-defense or to safeguard their mission’s objectives.

India’s Contribution to Peacekeeping

Current Role:
India is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping forces, with approximately 5,900 personnel deployed
across 12 missions.

Financial Support:
India contributes 0.16% of the overall peacekeeping budget.

Past Contributions:

  • Since 1950, India has supplied medical personnel and troops, starting with the Korean War.
  • Over 275,000 Indian troops have participated in UN missions, with 159 soldiers making the ultimate
    sacrifice.

Training and Joint Initiatives:

In 2016, India partnered with the U.S. to train peacekeepers from African nations.

India’s Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in New Delhi provides training to over 12,000
personnel annually.

Women in Peacekeeping:
India has deployed Female Engagement Teams in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Abyei, making it
one of the largest women’s contingents in UN operations. Additionally, Indian women military police and staff
officers serve in other missions.

Technology and Accountability:

In collaboration with the UN, India introduced the UNITE AWARE platform to enhance peacekeepers’
safety.

India also proposed a 10-point plan to hold those who harm peacekeepers accountable and suggested the
creation of a memorial wall to honor peacekeeping heroes.

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