GS3 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
UN Peacekeeping Overview
- Established in 1948 to maintain or restore international peace.
- Operates on principles of consent, impartiality, and limited force for self-defense.
- Involves about 100,000 personnel from 125 countries in active missions today.
India’s Contributions
- Largest cumulative contributor, with over 253,000 troops deployed across 49 missions.
- Indian peacekeepers provide technical expertise, medical assistance, and logistical support.
- Specialized units like helicopters and engineering teams enhance mission capabilities.
- The Centre for UN Peacekeeping in New Delhi has trained over 67,000 personnel, focusing on areas like preventing sexual exploitation.
Key Challenges in Peacekeeping
- Power politics and resource constraints limit effectiveness.
- Evolving conflict dynamics complicate traditional strategies.
- Host state resistance, particularly in African nations, hampers operations.
Peacekeeping in Congo
- The UN mission MONUSCO has operated for over 20 years with 14,000 troops currently deployed.
- Recent clashes with M23 rebels in eastern DRC resulted in six peacekeeper deaths, including South African, Uruguayan, and Malawian personnel.
M23 Rebels and Regional Impact
- One of 100 armed groups in mineral-rich eastern Congo.
- Recently captured the strategic town of Sake, 27 km from Goma.
- Accused of exploiting geopolitical shifts for territorial gains.
Humanitarian Concerns
- The ongoing conflict has triggered one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.
- Threatens thousands of civilians, prompting international stabilization efforts.