India's Pivotal Role in UN Peacekeeping Efforts Highlighted

India's vital role in UN peacekeeping operations is underscored by its leadership in advocating for accountability regarding crimes against peacekeepers. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, highlighted India's efforts during a recent conference, emphasizing the need for more women in peacekeeping and leadership roles. With a commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of peacekeeping missions, India continues to make strides in promoting gender equality within its ranks. This article delves into India's initiatives and the ongoing challenges faced in peacekeeping efforts.
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India's Pivotal Role in UN Peacekeeping Efforts Highlighted

India's Contribution to Global Peacekeeping


United Nations, May 30: India is recognized for its significant involvement in peacekeeping missions, particularly in advocating for accountability regarding crimes against peacekeepers, as stated by Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations.


Lacroix emphasized that India's leadership in ensuring accountability for crimes against peacekeepers is a vital aspect of peacekeeping efforts, extending beyond merely providing troops and police.


India heads the 39-member Group of Friends for Promoting Accountability for Crimes Against Peacekeepers, which it established in 2022. That same year, India successfully pushed for a Security Council resolution urging nations hosting peacekeeping missions to investigate and prosecute assaults on peacekeepers, offer support to combat impunity, and establish a UN database documenting such attacks.


This year alone, five peacekeepers have tragically lost their lives in various attacks.


During his visit to New Delhi for the inaugural Conference for Women Peacekeepers, Lacroix expressed the UN's desire to not only increase the number of female peacekeepers but also to elevate more women into leadership roles.


He stated, “We would like to see more senior female generals applying for positions of Force Commanders,” highlighting the importance of female representation in leadership.


Lacroix referred to this initiative as a work in progress, mentioning Major General Cheryl Ann Pearce, the military adviser for the Department of Peace Operations, who was present alongside him.


He reiterated that enhancing the presence of women in leadership positions ensures more effective peacekeeping by empowering women.


Among the 5,375 Indian peacekeepers deployed with the UN, 151 are women. India made history by contributing the first all-female Formed Police Unit (FPU) to a UN mission in Liberia in 2007. Additionally, Kiran Bedi became the first woman to serve as the UN’s civilian police adviser in 2003.


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