Indias Initiative On UN Peacekeepers Database For Accountability

India, in collaboration with the Group of Friends (GOF), has launched a database to document and monitor crimes against United Nations peacekeepers, aiming to ensure perpetrators are held accountable. The GOF, established by India in 2022 during its UN Security Council presidency, focuses on addressing attacks on peacekeepers. UN peacekeeping missions, authorized by the Security Council and funded by all UN member states, work to maintain or restore peace in conflict areas. Peacekeepers, recognized by their blue helmets, operate under principles of consent, impartiality, and non-use of force except in self-defense or mandate defense. India has a substantial history of contributing to UN peacekeeping, including deploying the first all-women unit to Liberia and being a major troop contributor. The Department of Peace Operations (DPO) provides direction for these missions.

India's Initiative on UN Peacekeepers: Database for Accountability

The launch of a new database by India, in its ongoing efforts to bolster the safety and accountability of United Nations peacekeepers, marks a significant step in the evolution of international peacekeeping operations. This initiative, undertaken through the Group of Friends (GOF), a coalition spearheaded by India, directly addresses the critical need to protect the men and women who risk their lives serving under the UN flag in some of the world's most volatile regions. The creation of this database is not merely a technological advancement; it is a concrete measure designed to deter attacks on peacekeepers, ensure justice for victims, and reinforce the principles of international law.

Historical Context: A Legacy of Peacekeeping

India's commitment to UN peacekeeping is deeply rooted in its history and its foreign policy objectives. Since its independence in 1947, India has consistently championed multilateralism and has actively participated in international efforts to promote peace and security. This commitment is reflected in India's long and distinguished record of contributing troops, police, and civilian personnel to UN peacekeeping missions around the globe.

India’s involvement in UN peacekeeping dates back to the early years of the organization. Indian soldiers, police officers, and civilian personnel have served in numerous peacekeeping operations, from the Korean War in the 1950s to more recent missions in Africa, the Middle East, and elsewhere. This consistent engagement underscores India’s belief in the importance of collective security and its willingness to contribute to global stability. The Indian Army’s initial deployment was in 1950 to Korea as part of the UN force. This was followed by deployments to the Congo, Cyprus, and Somalia, among others. Over the years, India has been one of the largest contributors of troops to UN peacekeeping missions, demonstrating its dedication to the cause of international peace and security.

The motivation behind India's steadfast support for peacekeeping is multifaceted. Firstly, it aligns with India’s broader foreign policy goals of promoting a rules-based international order. By participating in peacekeeping operations, India demonstrates its commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. Secondly, peacekeeping provides a platform for India to enhance its international standing and influence. By contributing to global peace efforts, India gains credibility and respect within the international community. Thirdly, peacekeeping operations provide valuable experience and training for Indian military and police personnel, enhancing their capabilities and readiness for future deployments. The deployment of the first all-women unit to Liberia is a testament to India’s commitment to gender equality and its proactive approach to peacekeeping. The success of this unit and the positive impact it had on the local population highlight India’s sensitivity to the needs of the communities it serves.

The Mandate and Principles of UN Peacekeeping

UN peacekeeping operations are authorized by the UN Security Council and are governed by a set of principles designed to ensure their effectiveness and legitimacy. These principles include:

• Consent of the Parties: Peacekeeping operations are deployed with the consent of the main parties to the conflict. This principle is crucial for ensuring that peacekeepers are accepted and can operate effectively in the field.
• Impartiality: Peacekeepers must remain impartial in their dealings with the parties to the conflict. They cannot take sides or favor any particular group.
• Non-Use of Force, Except in Self-Defense and Defense of the Mandate: Peacekeepers are generally not authorized to use force except in self-defense or to defend their mandate. This principle distinguishes peacekeeping from peace enforcement, which involves the use of military force to impose peace.

The mandates of peacekeeping operations vary depending on the specific context of the conflict. They can include monitoring ceasefires, disarming combatants, protecting civilians, supporting elections, and promoting the rule of law. The success of a peacekeeping operation depends on the clarity of its mandate, the availability of resources, and the cooperation of the parties to the conflict.

The Group of Friends (GOF): A Collaborative Approach

The Group of Friends (GOF) is a coalition of countries initiated by India with the specific objective of promoting accountability for crimes against peacekeepers. The formation of the GOF reflects India’s recognition of the growing threats faced by peacekeepers and the need for a concerted international response.

The GOF provides a platform for member states to share information, coordinate efforts, and advocate for the protection of peacekeepers. It also serves as a forum for discussing best practices and developing strategies to prevent attacks on peacekeepers and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. The GOF's activities are designed to complement the existing efforts of the UN and other international organizations. The coalition's work encompasses several key areas, including:

• Information Sharing: The GOF facilitates the exchange of information on attacks against peacekeepers, including details of the incidents, the perpetrators involved, and the investigations undertaken.
• Advocacy: The GOF advocates for the protection of peacekeepers and the prosecution of those who attack them. It raises awareness of the issue and encourages member states to take action.
• Capacity Building: The GOF supports capacity-building initiatives to enhance the ability of member states to protect peacekeepers and investigate attacks.
• Policy Development: The GOF contributes to the development of international norms and standards for the protection of peacekeepers.

The GOF's work is guided by the principles of cooperation, transparency, and inclusivity. It seeks to involve all relevant stakeholders, including the UN, member states, and civil society organizations. The database initiative is a direct product of the GOF's commitment to practical action.

The Database: A Tool for Accountability

The launch of the database represents a crucial step in strengthening the protection of peacekeepers and promoting accountability for crimes against them. The database serves as a centralized repository of information on attacks against peacekeepers. It is designed to collect and analyze data on incidents of violence, identify patterns and trends, and track the progress of investigations and prosecutions.

The primary functions of the database include:

• Recording Incidents: The database will record all reported incidents of violence against peacekeepers, including details of the attacks, the victims, and the perpetrators.
• Tracking Investigations: The database will track the progress of investigations into attacks against peacekeepers, including the status of the investigations, the charges filed, and the outcomes of the cases.
• Identifying Patterns: The database will analyze the data collected to identify patterns and trends in attacks against peacekeepers, such as the types of attacks, the locations where they occur, and the perpetrators involved.
• Facilitating Information Sharing: The database will facilitate the sharing of information among member states, the UN, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Promoting Accountability: The database will help to ensure that perpetrators of attacks against peacekeepers are held accountable for their actions.

The database is expected to have a significant impact on the protection of peacekeepers and the promotion of accountability. By providing a centralized repository of information, the database will make it easier to identify patterns of violence, track investigations, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice. The database will also serve as a deterrent to attacks on peacekeepers, as it will increase the likelihood that perpetrators will be held accountable for their actions.

Key Actors and Organizations Involved

Several key actors and organizations are involved in the protection of peacekeepers and the promotion of accountability.

• India: As the initiator of the GOF and the driving force behind the database initiative, India plays a leading role in these efforts. India's commitment to peacekeeping, its diplomatic influence, and its ability to mobilize support from other member states are crucial to the success of the initiative.
• The United Nations: The UN is the primary organization responsible for peacekeeping operations. The UN Department of Peace Operations (DPO) provides political and executive direction to peacekeeping missions. The UN also has a responsibility to protect its personnel and ensure that those who attack them are held accountable.
• Member States: Member states play a crucial role in supporting peacekeeping operations and protecting peacekeepers. They contribute troops, police, and civilian personnel to peacekeeping missions, provide funding, and cooperate with the UN in investigating attacks.
• The Group of Friends (GOF): The GOF provides a platform for member states to coordinate their efforts to protect peacekeepers and promote accountability. The GOF's activities, including the launch of the database, are essential to the success of the initiative.

Legal and Frameworks

The protection of peacekeepers is governed by a range of legal and policy frameworks.

• The UN Charter: The UN Charter provides the legal basis for UN peacekeeping operations. It outlines the roles and responsibilities of member states in maintaining international peace and security.
• The Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel (1994): This convention establishes legal obligations for states to protect UN personnel and prosecute those who attack them. It defines UN personnel and associated personnel, and it requires states to criminalize attacks against them. The Convention also provides for the prosecution of perpetrators by the state where the crime occurred or by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
• National Laws: Member states also have a responsibility to enact national laws to protect peacekeepers and prosecute those who attack them. These laws should be consistent with international law and the UN Charter.
• UN Policies and Guidelines: The UN has established various policies and guidelines to protect peacekeepers and promote accountability. These include guidelines on the use of force, the protection of civilians, and the investigation of attacks.

Historical Precedents and Challenges

The history of UN peacekeeping is marked by both successes and failures. While peacekeeping operations have played a crucial role in resolving conflicts and maintaining peace in many parts of the world, they have also faced significant challenges.

• Attacks on Peacekeepers: Peacekeepers often operate in dangerous environments and face the risk of attacks. The attacks can range from small-arms fire to ambushes, bombings, and other forms of violence.
• Lack of Accountability: One of the most significant challenges facing UN peacekeeping is the lack of accountability for crimes against peacekeepers. In many cases, perpetrators of attacks have not been brought to justice, leading to impunity and a lack of deterrence.
• Political Obstacles: Peacekeeping operations can also face political obstacles, such as the reluctance of parties to the conflict to cooperate with peacekeepers or the lack of political will among member states to support peacekeeping operations.
• Resource Constraints: Peacekeeping operations are often under-resourced, which can limit their effectiveness. The UN relies on voluntary contributions from member states to fund peacekeeping operations, and these contributions can be inconsistent and insufficient.

Stakeholder Positions and Perspectives

Different stakeholders have different positions and perspectives on the protection of peacekeepers and the promotion of accountability.

• India: India strongly supports the protection of peacekeepers and the promotion of accountability. It has been a consistent advocate for strengthening the legal and institutional frameworks for protecting peacekeepers. India views peacekeeping as an important tool for promoting international peace and security and is committed to contributing to these efforts.
• The United Nations: The UN is committed to protecting peacekeepers and ensuring accountability for crimes against them. The UN recognizes that attacks on peacekeepers undermine the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations and can have a devastating impact on the lives of peacekeepers and the communities they serve.
• Member States: Member states have varying perspectives on the protection of peacekeepers and the promotion of accountability. Some member states are strong supporters of peacekeeping and are committed to providing resources and personnel. Other member states may be less enthusiastic due to financial or political constraints.
• Civil Society Organizations: Civil society organizations play an important role in advocating for the protection of peacekeepers and promoting accountability. These organizations monitor attacks on peacekeepers, provide support to victims, and advocate for justice.

Broader Implications and Connections

The database initiative has broader implications for international peace and security, as well as for India's role in the world.

• Strengthening International Law: The database initiative could contribute to the development of international law regarding the protection of peacekeepers and the prosecution of those who attack them.
• Enhancing the Effectiveness of Peacekeeping: By increasing the safety and security of peacekeepers, the database initiative can enhance the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations.
• Promoting Multilateralism: The database initiative reflects India’s commitment to multilateralism and its belief in the importance of international cooperation.
• Strengthening India's International Standing: The database initiative can strengthen India's role as a responsible global actor and enhance its influence in international forums.
• Improving Relations with Other Member States: The database initiative can improve India's relations with other member states and strengthen its position within the UN.

Future Outlook and Sustainability

The success of the database initiative will depend on several factors, including:

• Cooperation of Member States: The cooperation of member states is essential for the success of the database initiative. Member states need to provide information on attacks against peacekeepers and cooperate with investigations.
• Effective Use of the Database: The UN and member states must use the database effectively to identify patterns of violence, track investigations, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
• Sustained Funding and Resources: The database initiative requires sustained funding and resources to operate effectively.
• Political Will: The political will of member states to protect peacekeepers and promote accountability is essential.

The database initiative has the potential to make a significant contribution to the protection of peacekeepers and the promotion of accountability. However, the success of the initiative will depend on the cooperation of member states, the effective use of the database, and sustained funding and resources. The initiative also highlights the importance of political will and the need for a collective effort to protect those who risk their lives serving under the UN flag.