Denmark, Pakistan Seek UN Action Against Attacks on Peacekeepers
New York City- Denmark and Pakistan have proposed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for stronger action against those responsible for attacks on UN peacekeepers, warning that a lack of prosecutions has weakened the safety of international personnel in conflict zones.
The draft resolution, which could be put to a vote soon, says a culture of impunity has “undermined the safety and security” of UN personnel deployed in some of the world’s most dangerous areas.
The document notes that prosecutions for crimes against peacekeepers remain rare and calls on host countries to investigate and prosecute those responsible for attacks.
The initiative comes as seven peacekeepers serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon have been killed since the start of the latest conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in early March. Two Malaysian members of the force were also slightly injured after an airstrike near a UN position in Tibnin caused damage from broken glass.
Denmark and Pakistan, both elected members of the Security Council, have made peacekeeping a central focus of their two-year terms. They have worked with South Korea as part of a group promoting renewed attention to UN peacekeeping issues.
The proposed resolution calls on all relevant parties to cooperate with the United Nations in identifying, investigating and prosecuting those responsible for attacks against peacekeepers.
It also urges states to take necessary measures in line with international humanitarian law and human rights obligations to ensure accountability.
The draft addresses concerns from countries that contribute troops to UN missions by calling for the appointment of a senior UN focal point to coordinate responses and encouraging affected countries to deploy trained investigators to support local investigations.
The resolution highlights growing threats against peacekeepers, including attacks involving shelling, improvised explosive devices and unmanned aerial systems.
Since 2013, at least 251 peacekeepers have been killed in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mali through malicious acts, with few perpetrators brought to justice.
