Context:
Manama Declaration, adopted by the Arab League, calls for UN Peacekeepers (UNPK) in occupied Palestinian territory
UN Peacekeeping:
- Began in – 1948 when the UN deployed military observers to West Asia to observe the Armistice Agreement.
- Aim – Helps countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace.
- Guiding Principles – Consent of the parties, Impartiality, Non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate.
- Deployment – Security Council determines UNPK deployment by adopting a resolution.
- Budget – Subject to General Assembly approval.
- Every Member State of UN is legally obligated to pay their respective share towards peacekeeping.
- Received Nobel Peace Prize (1988).
- International Day of UN Peacekeepers – 29th May
India and UNPKF:
- India is among the nations that send the most troops to the UNPKF
- In 2007, India became the 1st country to deploy an all-women contingent to a UN Peacekeeping mission (Liberia)
- In the last six decades, 179 Indian soldiers have died in UN Peacekeeping operations.
- Among “blue helmets“, India has the greatest death toll of any nation.
- Blue Helmets – Military personnel of the UN that work alongside the UN Police and civilian colleagues
Source: New York Times
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)
