UN Peacekeepers

29 May UN Peacekeepers

UN Peacekeepers

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “UN Peacekeepers”. The topic “UN Peacekeepers” has relevance in the International Relations section for the UPSC CSE exam.

Relevance of the topic “UN Peacekeepers”

For Prelims:
What are UN Peacekeepers?

For Mains:
GS 2: International Relations
What is the significance of UN Peacekeepers?
What are the issues with UN Peacekeepers?

Why in the news?
The Indian Army celebrated the 75th  International Day of UN Peacekeepers.

What are UN Peacekeepers?

UN Peacekeepers are a dedicated group of international personnel deployed by the United Nations to maintain peace and security in areas affected by conflicts. Comprising military, police, and civilian individuals from diverse member countries, they play a vital role in promoting stability and resolving disputes.

What is the objective of UN peacekeepers?

The primary objective of UN Peacekeepers is to monitor ceasefires and peace agreements, ensuring that parties involved adhere to their commitments. By diligently observing and reporting on the situation, they help prevent the escalation of violence and contribute to the restoration of calm.

What is the significance of UN Peacekeepers?

1. Conflict resolution and prevention: UN Peacekeepers play a crucial role in resolving conflicts and preventing their escalation. By monitoring ceasefires, facilitating peace negotiations, and promoting dialogue, they help create an environment conducive to lasting peace.
2. Protection of civilians: Peacekeepers provide a sense of security to vulnerable populations affected by conflict.
3. Peacebuilding and post-conflict reconstruction: UN Peacekeepers actively engage in peacebuilding efforts and rebuild trust among communities and facilitate the transition from conflict to stability.
4. International cooperation and diplomacy: UN Peacekeepers provide a platform for countries to work together in pursuit of a common goal, fostering international unity and diplomacy.
5. Support for political processes: Peacekeepers often support electoral processes, ensuring free and fair elections.
6. Humanitarian assistance: In many conflict-affected areas, UN Peacekeepers coordinate and deliver humanitarian aid, including food, medical supplies, and shelter.

What are the issues with UN Peacekeepers?

1. Lack of resources: Peacekeeping operations often face resource constraints, including inadequate funding, shortages of personnel, and logistical challenges. 
2. Mandate complexity: Mandates may require peacekeepers to engage in a wide range of tasks, from protecting civilians to enforcing peace agreements. Ambiguous mandates can pose challenges in implementation and decision-making on the ground.
3. Safety and security risks: Peacekeepers often operate in volatile and high-risk environments, exposing them to security threats.

Source:
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1928025

https://peacekeeping.un.org/en

plutus ias current affairs eng med 29th May 2023

QUESTION FOR PRELIMS

Q.1. Consider the following statements about India’s contribution to UN peacekeeping:

1. India has contributed the most significant number of personnel to the UN peacekeeping missions. 
2. In 2007, India became the first country to deploy an all-women contingent to a UN Peacekeeping Mission. 
3. India’s contribution to UN Peacekeeping began with its participation in the UN operation in Korea in the 1950s.
4. Currently, there are over 1 lakh troops and police from India who have been deployed to UN Peacekeeping missions.

Which of the following statements is/are not correct?

1.  1 only
2.  4 only
3.  1, 2, and 3 only
4.  All of the above

ANSWER: (b)

2. The Indian Army has recently deployed the largest contingent of women peacekeepers in a UN mission in Abyei. Abyei is located in which of the following countries:

1. Tanzania
2. Kenya
3. Sudan
4. Democratic Republic of Congo

Which of the following statements is/are correct?

1.  1 only
2.  1 and 3 only
3.  3 only
4.  1, 2, and 3 only

ANSWER: (c)

QUESTION FOR MAINS EXAMINATION

1. India has the largest contribution to the UN peacekeeping operations. In light of this statement, discuss the need for UNSC reform to give India more say in the deployment of the forces. 

Mohit Pratap Singh