NEW YORK– India co-chaired a high-level meeting of the Group of Friends for Accountability for Crimes Against Peacekeepers at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, reaffirming its strong commitment to justice for UN personnel facing violence in conflict zones.
Partnering with other key member states, India emphasized the urgent need to strengthen protection measures for peacekeepers and ensure that those responsible for attacks are held accountable.
“Glad to be part of the Group of Friends for Accountability of Crimes against Peacekeepers that met today to take forward the landmark Security Council Resolution 2589 (2021) that was championed by India. We remain committed to the pursuit of justice for peacekeepers,” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Speaking at the meeting, Ambassador Harish highlighted India’s enduring commitment:
“UN peacekeepers face tremendous obstacles while working in increasingly dangerous areas. But for the most part, these crimes continue to go unpunished. This lack of accountability severely undermines international peace efforts by giving assailants more confidence.”
“Accountability is a strategic necessity,” he continued. “It is not just a legal obligation—justice for crimes against UN personnel directly strengthens the integrity and effectiveness of peacekeeping missions. Ensuring justice improves peacekeeper safety and supports their ability to fulfill their critical roles. It is our collective responsibility to uphold this duty.”
The Group of Friends was launched in December 2022 under India’s presidency of the UN Security Council, building on the foundation of Security Council Resolution 2589, which calls for concrete measures to hold accountable those who harm peacekeepers.
Since the inception of UN peacekeeping missions in 1948, over 1,000 UN personnel have been killed due to malicious acts, and hundreds more have been injured. The meeting underscored that accountability is not only about justice for individuals—it is vital for the credibility, effectiveness, and future of UN peace operations.
India, as Co-Chair of the group, continues to lead global efforts in advocating for justice in peacekeeping. With a legacy spanning more than seven decades, India holds the distinction of being the largest cumulative troop-contributing country to UN missions, having deployed over 300,000 peacekeepers to date.
Indian personnel have served with honor and bravery in nearly every major UN peacekeeping operation. To date, 182 Indian peacekeepers have laid down their lives in the line of duty—the highest number from any country. (Source: IANS)
