In recent incidents of  global conflicts, the role of UN peacekeeping is very crucial. The ‘bystander’ should be brought centre-stage and held accountable alongside the perpetrator for crimes against humanity. 

About UN peacekeeping

UN Peacekeeping is a joint effort between the Department of Peace Operations and the Department of Operational Support. 

• It comprised civilian, police and military personnel.
• Purpose: Helps countries torn by conflict create conditions for lasting peace by providing security, political, and peacebuilding support.
• Strengths: Legitimacy, burden sharing, and ability to deploy troops globally; combines military, police, and civilian peacekeepers.
• Structure: Guided by the UN Security Council with mandates specific to conflict situations.

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• The first UN peacekeeping mission was established in May 1948.
  • The UN Security Council authorised the deployment of a small number of UN military observers to the Middle East to form the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO)
  • To monitor the Armistice Agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbours.

Principles of UN Peacekeeping

• UN Peacekeeping is guided by three basic principles:
  • Consent of the Parties: Operations require consent to avoid becoming a party to conflict.
  • Impartiality: Peacekeepers must remain unbiased while implementing mandates.
  • Non-Use of Force: Force is only used for self-defence or to protect the mandate. 

Mandates and Functions

• Conflict Prevention: Prevent outbreak or spill-over of conflicts.
• Ceasefire Stabilization: Deploy post-ceasefire to stabilise regions.
• Peace Agreement Implementation: Assist in implementing comprehensive agreements.
• Political Transition: Support democratic and stable governance transitions.
• Humanitarian aid: Delivering humanitarian aid, supporting refugee reintegration, and promoting environmental sustainability.

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Contributions to Conflict Resolution

• Conflict Prevention: Deploying peacekeepers in high-risk areas prevents conflicts from escalating (e.g., Cyprus and Lebanon).
• Ceasefire Monitoring: Peacekeepers help monitor and verify ceasefires, supporting peace agreements between conflicting parties.
• Humanitarian Support: Peacekeepers facilitate humanitarian aid by securing safe corridors and aiding relief organisations.
• Elections & Governance: Peacekeepers assist in the establishment of democratic institutions and organise elections (e.g., Timor Leste, Cambodia).
• Capacity Building: They support local authorities in post-conflict reconstruction and training local police forces for future stability.

Successes and Failures of UN Peacekeeping

• Achievements in Peacekeeping
  • Since 1948, it has helped end conflicts and foster reconciliation by conducting successful peacekeeping operations in dozens of countries, including Cambodia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mozambique, Namibia and Tajikistan.
  • Successful UN peacekeeping missions: Cambodia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Angola, Timor Leste, Liberia, Kosovo.
• Recognition: Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988.
• Failures: 
  • Rwanda (1994), Bosnia (1995) and Mali (2023): UN failed to protect civilians.
  • Recent Failures: UN’s inability to act decisively in Ukraine and Israel-Gaza conflicts.
  • Sexual abuse: Accused of sexual abuse and exploitation in many countries, including Haiti, Bosnia, Cambodia, East Timor, Iraq, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

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Challenges and Limitations of UN Peacekeeping

• Veto power: The increasing polarization of the P5 members has led to frequent use of veto power, which can prevent the timely deployment of peacekeepers. 
  • For example, in 2023, the US vetoed a resolution calling for humanitarian pauses in Gaza. 
• Resource Constraints: The need for adequately trained and well-equipped forces can limit effectiveness.
• Political Impediments: The Security Council’s veto power can hinder rapid intervention, as seen in the Rwanda genocide.
• Complex Mandates: Peacekeepers sometimes face mandates with unclear objectives, making it difficult to act decisively, e.g., in recent conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
• Changing Nature of Conflicts: Modern conflicts involve complex urban warfare, cyber elements, and non-state actors, which traditional peacekeeping isn’t equipped to handle.
• Accusations of Bias: UN forces sometimes face allegations of partiality, risking their credibility and mandate in the conflict zone.
• Credibility Crisis: Historical failures continue to haunt UN peacekeeping’s reputation.  
• Regional Alternatives: Regional organisations like African Union’s peace operations in Somalia (ATMIS) are increasingly taking lead roles in peacekeeping operations. 

India’s contribution in peacekeeping missions

• Troop contributions: India has contributed more troops than any other country, with over 253,000 personnel serving in 49 UN missions since 1948.
  • As of December 31, 2023, India has deployed 5,901 troops across 12 UN peacekeeping missions. 
• Women in Peacekeeping:  In 2007, India became the first country to deploy an all-women contingent to a UN peacekeeping mission. 
• • Recently, Major Radhika Sen, an Indian woman peacekeeper, who served with the UN mission in Congo, will be honoured with a prestigious military gender advocate award. 
• Leadership: India has provided and continues to provide force commanders for UN missions.
• Support: India has also provided logistic support, peacekeeper training, and capacity development for the UN, host nations, and partner nations. 
  • The Indian Army has established the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in New Delhi to impart training in peacekeeping operations.
    • Trains more than 12,000 troops every year.
• Trust Fund: India was the first country to contribute to the Trust Fund on sexual exploitation and abuse, which was set up in 2016. 
• Recognition: Indian peacekeepers have been praised for their efforts and high standards of performance. 
  • Over 175 Indian peacekeepers have died while serving in UN missions.
• Commitment: India’s commitment to UN peacekeeping is based on the ancient Indian principle of Vasudhavia Kutumbakam, which means “the whole world is my family”. 

Way Forward for Strengthening UN Peacekeeping

• Political Solutions and Conflict Resolution: Enhance diplomatic and political approaches to prevent, manage, and resolve conflicts. 
• Expansion of Security Council Membership: Proposed to include emerging powers like India and South Africa to enhance representation and decision-making balance.
• Limit Veto Power: Limiting or modifying veto use in humanitarian crises could enable faster deployment of peacekeeping forces.
• Strengthening Mandates: Empower peacekeeping forces with clearer mandates to protect civilians and use force when necessary to prevent large-scale atrocities.
• Women, Peace, and Security: Prioritize the integration of the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda by increasing the number of female peacekeepers and ensuring gender perspectives in all peacekeeping activities. 
• Protection of Civilians and Human Rights: Strengthen mechanisms to safeguard civilians, especially in volatile conflict zones, by improving operational responsiveness and strengthening partnerships with local communities to enhance trust and security.
• Safety and Security of Peacekeepers: Invest in advanced technology, including surveillance and early-warning systems, and improve training and resources to enhance peacekeepers’ safety in high-risk environments. 
• Performance and Accountability: Establish stringent performance and accountability frameworks to ensure that peacekeeping components meet high standards. 
  • Regular assessments and transparent reporting mechanisms should be applied to all peacekeeping missions.
• Effective Partnerships: Foster collaborative efforts with regional organisations, host governments, and other stakeholders. 
• Ethics and Conduct: Enforce strict codes of conduct to maintain the credibility and integrity of peacekeeping missions. 

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Conclusion

Despite limitations, UN peacekeeping remains a critical tool in preventing conflict escalation and supporting global peace. However, structural reforms and greater efficiency are needed to adapt to modern-day conflicts and enhance its role as a proactive, rather than reactive, peace enforcer.

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