Context:
Border Security Force (BSF) contingent comprising 25 women personnel deployed with the UN peacekeeping mission in Congo
UN Peacekeeping Missions:
- UN Peacekeeping Missions are deployed to help countries transition from conflict to peace.
- They involve military, police, and civilian personnel working under UN mandates.
- Missions are authorized by the UN Security Council under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
- The Department of Peace Operations (DPO) oversees their implementation.
- Types of Missions –
- Traditional Peacekeeping: Monitoring ceasefires and peace agreements.
- Multidimensional Missions: Supporting governance, human rights, and institution-building.
- Political Missions: Assisting in diplomatic negotiations and conflict resolution.
- Current UN Peacekeeping Missions –
- MINURSO (Western Sahara) – Since 1991
- MONUSCO (Democratic Republic of Congo) – Since 2010
- UNISFA (Abyei, Sudan) – Since 2011
- UNMISS (South Sudan) – Since 2011
- MINUSCA (Central African Republic) – Since 2014
- MSS (Haiti) – Since 2024
- Challenges & Criticism –
- Funding Issues: Costs shared by UN member states, often leading to budget constraints.
- Operational Risks: Peacekeepers face hostile environments and security threats.
- Political Complexities: Geopolitical interests sometimes hinder mission effectiveness.
- Achievements & Recognition – UN Peacekeeping has received the Nobel Peace Prize for its contributions.
India’s Contribution:
- India is among the largest troop contributors to UN missions.
- Indian peacekeepers have served in Congo, Sudan, Lebanon, and Haiti.
- India actively supports training and capacity-building for peacekeeping forces.
Source: PTI
Previous Year Question
With reference to the United Nations General Assembly, consider the following statements:
1. The UN General Assembly can grant observer status to the non-member States.
2. Inter-governmental organisations can seek observer status in the UN General Assembly.
3. Permanent Observers in the UN General Assembly can maintain missions at the UN headquarters.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
[UPSC Civil Service Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d)