Blue Helmets: UN Peacekeepers

Context

• In a world increasingly fraught with conflict, the role of the United Nations (UN) peacekeepers, often referred to as ‘blue helmets’ has never been more critical. However, there is growing concern that these peacekeepers are not fulfilling their mandate effectively, often being reduced to mere bystanders in the face of escalating violence.

What are UN Peacekeeping Forces?

• About:
  • When the UN SECURITY COUNCIL  approved the deployment of UN military observers to the Middle East in 1948, the UN Peacekeeping Forces were established.
  • UN peacekeeping forces aid nations in negotiating the perilous transition from war to peace.
  • To carry out several missions approved by the UN Security Council (UNSC) and the UN General Assembly it deploys soldiers and police from all over the world and combines them with civilian peacekeepers.
  • International Day of UN Peacekeepers is celebrated on date 29^th May every year.

Blue Helmets (Peacekeepers)

• The United Nations (UN) Peacekeepers, commonly known as the ‘Blue Helmets’ are a symbol of hope and stability in conflict-ridden regions around the world.
• These peacekeepers, drawn from various national armies, police forces, and civilian experts, work under the UN mandate to maintain peace and security, protect civilians, and support the implementation of peace agreements.
• They are tasked with maintaining peace and security in conflict zones worldwide. They operate under the principles outlined in the UN Charter, which includes both the peaceful settlement of disputes (Chapter VI) and the use of armed force with Security Council authorisation in cases of aggression (Chapter VII). 
• Despite having over 100,000 peacekeepers deployed globally, the UN has faced criticism for its inability to act decisively in critical situations.
• Historical Success: Historically, the UN has had notable successes in peacekeeping missions in countries like Cambodia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Angola, Timor Leste, Liberia, and Kosovo.

India and UNPKF:

• India is among the nations that send the most troops to the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces.
  • Example: India is the second-highest military and fifth-highest police contributing country to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
• Over 2,60,000 Indians have served in 49 U.N. Peacekeeping missions since 1948.
• In 2007, India became the first country to deploy an all-women contingent to a UN Peacekeeping mission.
• In the last six decades, 179 Indian soldiers have died in UN Peacekeeping Operations .
• Among Blue Helmets  it has the greatest death toll of any nation.
  • Blue Helmets are the military personnel of the UN that work alongside the UN Police and civilian colleagues to promote “stability, security, and peace processes”.

Roles and Responsibilities

• UN peacekeepers operate under three core principles: consent of the parties, impartiality, and non-use of force except in self-defense and defense of the mandate. Their roles include:
  • Protecting Civilians: In many missions, the protection of civilians is paramount. Peacekeepers provide a secure environment, often in hostile and dangerous conditions.
  • Monitoring Peace Processes: They observe and report on ceasefires and peace agreements, ensuring that all parties adhere to their commitments.
  • Supporting Elections: Peacekeepers assist in organizing and monitoring elections to ensure they are free and fair.
  • Training and Support: They help train local security forces and support ex-combatants in reintegrating into society.

Current Conflicts

• Today, the UN finds itself in a similar predicament with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. 
• The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the conflict between Israel and Gaza have highlighted the UN’s passive role, failing to protect civilian lives effectively.
• Despite having access to substantial military and police forces, the UN has not deployed them effectively to contain the violence in these regions.

Challenges and Evolution

• The nature of peacekeeping has evolved significantly over the decades. Modern peacekeeping missions are multi-dimensional, involving not just military personnel but also police, legal advisors, and humanitarian experts.
• Peacekeepers often face asymmetric threats, requiring them to adapt to new forms of conflict and instability.
• Despite their efforts, peacekeepers have sometimes been criticized for being ineffective or passive in the face of atrocities, as seen in Rwanda (1994) and Bosnia (1995). 
• However, the UN has continuously worked to improve its operations, focusing on the protection of civilians and enhancing the capabilities of its peacekeepers.

Need for Reform

• To address these challenges, there is a pressing need for reform within the UN, particularly in the Security Council. 
• The veto power held by permanent members often hinders decisive action. Expanding the Security Council to include countries like India and South Africa and limiting the impact of individual vetoes could enhance the UN’s ability to act swiftly in conflict zones.

Conclusion

• The future of UN peacekeeping depends on its ability to enforce peace effectively. Without significant reforms and a commitment to decisive action, the UN risks becoming irrelevant in the face of growing global conflicts. 
• The world needs blue helmets who act as blue helmets, embodying their mandate to protect and maintain peace with impartiality and determination.

CBL Practice Questions for Prelims

The Blue Helmet symbol is associated with which organization?

a) NATO
b) European Union
c) United Nations
d) African Union

Answer: c) United Nations

CBL Mains Practice Question

What lessons can be learned from past UN peacekeeping missions that have faced challenges? Provide examples of successful and unsuccessful missions.

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