India has called for urgent action to hold perpetrators accountable for crimes against UN peacekeepers, warning that impunity fuels further attacks and jeopardizes global peace efforts. Speaking at a high-level meeting of the Group of Friends (GoF) to Promote Accountability for Crimes Against Peacekeepers, India’s Permanent Representative, Ambassador P Harish, emphasized that unpunished crimes embolden assailants, threatening the integrity of international peacekeeping.

“Peacekeepers face immense dangers in volatile regions, yet most crimes against them go unpunished,” Harish said on Tuesday, stressing that accountability is a “strategic necessity” to ensure the safety and efficacy of UN missions. The GoF, co-chaired by India and other nations, reaffirmed its commitment to justice for those serving under the UN flag.

The meeting, attended by representatives from 40 member states, UN officials, and field mission experts, focused on strengthening legal frameworks, investigations, and international cooperation to combat impunity. Discussions highlighted the rising threats to peacekeepers and the need for both punitive and preventive measures backed by strong political will.

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Launched in December 2022 during India’s UN Security Council Presidency, the GoF builds on Resolution 2589 (2021), which demands accountability for crimes against peacekeepers. The group aims to deter attacks and deliver justice to peacekeepers and their families through robust legal and operational strategies.

India, the largest cumulative contributor of UN peacekeepers with over 300,000 troops deployed historically, has lost 182 peacekeepers in the line of duty. As a GoF co-chair, India continues to lead efforts to protect these frontline protectors and uphold the credibility of UN peace operations worldwide.

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