United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)

31 Oct United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)”. This topic has relevance in the “International Relations” section of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

What is United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)?

What is UN Peacekeeping Force? 

For Mains:

GS2:  International Relations

Why in the news?

According to recent news reports, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that one of its personnel was injured following shelling near the border between Israel and Lebanon.

United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)

• UNIFIL is a Peacekeeping Force established in March 1978 by the United Nations Security Council to serve as a buffer between Lebanon and Israel along the Blue Line.
• Its primary objectives were to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, restore international peace and security, and assist the Lebanese government in regaining control of the area.
• UNIFIL’s mandate has evolved in response to changing circumstances, with adjustments in 1982 and 2000 and further enhancements following the 2006 Israel–Hezbollah War.
• UNIFIL is funded through a separate account approved annually by the United Nations General Assembly. 

Current Mandate: 

• Monitoring the cessation of hostilities.
• Supporting the deployment of the Lebanese armed forces in southern Lebanon.
• Helping ensure humanitarian access to civilian populations.
• Facilitating the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons.

Role and Impact

• Promoting Stability: The mission is crucial in promoting stability and security in Lebanon.
• Monitoring Efforts: Through its monitoring efforts, the organisation helps maintain the cessation of hostilities and prevent conflicts.
• Support for Lebanese Armed Forces: UNIFIL supports the deployment and capacity-building of the Lebanese armed forces in southern Lebanon, enhancing the country’s security.
• Humanitarian Access: By ensuring humanitarian access to civilian populations, the organisation helps address the needs of vulnerable communities in the region.
• Displaced Persons: UNIFIL’s role in facilitating the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons contributes to restoring normalcy and stability in the area.

United Nations Peacekeeping Operations

• UN peacekeeping missions play a critical role in providing security and offering political and peacebuilding support to assist nations in navigating the challenging transition from conflict to peace. Currently, there are 12 UN peacekeeping operations active worldwide. 
• These operations operate based on fundamental principles:
  • Consent of the Parties: UN Peacekeeping operations require the consent of all involved parties to operate effectively.
  • Impartiality: Peacekeepers are committed to maintaining impartiality in their activities and interactions.
  • Non-Use of Force: UN Peacekeeping forces utilise force solely in self-defence or to uphold their designated mandates.
• UN peacekeeping operations are typically authorised by the UN Security Council, which sets out the mission’s mandate and provides the necessary resources. 
• Recognising its contributions to global peace and security, UN Peacekeeping has been honoured with the Nobel Peace Prize.

India’s contribution to UN peacekeeping  and UNIFIL:

• India contributes the second highest troops to the UNIFIL. It is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping, with around 5,900 Indian troops deployed in 12 missions.
• India has established a centre for UN Peacekeeping in New Delhi and provides training to more than 12,000 troops every year.
• India contributes troops, police personnel, staff officers, and experts to all 12 active UN peacekeeping missions.
• India has the highest contribution of troops in regions including the Central African Republic, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Lebanon, Abyei, and Cyprus, among others.

Sources: Amid Israel-Hezbollah clashes, a look at UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon & India’s contribution (theprint.in)

Download plutus ias current affairs eng med 31st Oct 2023

Q1. With reference to United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), consider the following statements: 

1. The UNIFIL has been serving as a buffer between Lebanon and Syria along the Blue Line.
2. The Blue Line is also a demarcation line between Lebanon and the Golan Heights. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2 

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Check Answer

Q2. Consider the following:

1. UN peacekeeping missions provide security, political support, and peacebuilding assistance during the transition from conflict to peace in nations.
2. UN Peacekeeping operations do not require the consent of all involved parties to operate.
3. The UN Security Council typically authorises UN peacekeeping operations.

How many of the abovementioned statements are correct ?

(a) Only one 

(b) Only two 

(c) All three 

(d) None

Check Answer

Q3. Discuss the role and significance of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and India’s substantial contribution to UN peacekeeping efforts.

Gaurav N