India-Led ‘Group of Friends’ Initiative Enhances Accountability for Crimes Against UN Peacekeepers             

Introduction:

• India, along with 39 other member states, spearheads the ‘Group of Friends’ (GOF) initiative aimed at bolstering accountability for crimes targeting United Nations (UN) peacekeepers. In its recent second meeting, India unveiled a groundbreaking database to document such offenses.

Overview of the ‘Group of Friends’ Initiative:

• The GOF initiative, inaugurated in 2022, aims to foster accountability for acts of violence against UN peacekeepers and support capacity building for host state authorities. Co-chaired by India, Bangladesh, Egypt, France, Morocco, and Nepal, it functions as an informal platform for member states to exchange information, share best practices, and mobilize resources.

Objectives and Activities:

• Promoting Accountability: The GOF actively engages with the UN Secretary-General to aid member states in prosecuting perpetrators of crimes against peacekeepers.
• Information Sharing: It serves as a forum for exchanging insights and strategies, monitoring progress, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
• Event Organization: With biannual member meetings and annual events, the GOF ensures sustained momentum in advancing peacekeeper safety and security.

Context:

• The GOF initiative echoes the spirit of U.N. Security Council Resolution 2589, adopted during India’s Presidency of the Council in August 2021. This resolution underscores the imperative for member states hosting or having hosted UN peacekeeping operations to bring perpetrators of violence against UN personnel to justice.

India’s Role in UN Peacekeeping:

• India boasts the distinction of being the largest cumulative contributor of peacekeepers to the UN, deploying over 260,000 personnel in the past seventy years. Tragically, India has suffered the loss of 177 peacekeepers in the line of duty, highlighting its commitment to peacekeeping accountability.

Conclusion:

• Through the GOF initiative and its pioneering database, India and its fellow member states reaffirm their commitment to upholding accountability and safeguarding the brave men and women serving in UN peacekeeping missions. This concerted effort underscores the collective resolve to translate political will into tangible action, ensuring a safer environment for peacekeepers worldwide.