The United Nations Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution to strengthen accountability for crimes committed against UN peacekeepers. The resolution, sponsored by Pakistan and Denmark and cosponsored by over 150 countries, aims to ensure that perpetrators of attacks on peacekeepers face justice.
According to figures from the UN peacekeeping department, nearly 1,100 peacekeepers have died in the line of duty since 1948, with thousands more injured. The Security Council noted that the rate of prosecution for killings and other criminal acts against peacekeepers has remained very low.
The resolution authorizes Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to collect facts and support investigations and prosecutions following future attacks. Denmark’s UN Ambassador Christina Lassen stated that the resolution sends a clear message to the more than 50,000 personnel serving in missions globally, asserting that "attacks against them will not be met with silence or impunity."
"To the perpetrators of any crimes, wherever and whoever they are," Lassen added, "it sends a firm message that the international community is watching, that crimes will not go unpunished, that accountability and justice will be pursued and will be upheld."
Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Asim Ahmad highlighted the increasing number and sophistication of attacks against peacekeepers in several countries, often with little accountability. He emphasized the need for justice, not just condolences, for fallen and injured peacekeepers.
This action follows a similar resolution adopted in 2021 aimed at strengthening accountability. The UN peacekeeping department reported significant progress since then, including an increase in national investigations and the identification or detention of alleged perpetrators. Since 2020, 103 individuals have been convicted for offenses related to the killing of 35 peacekeepers and two UN experts in various countries including the Central African Republic, Congo, Lebanon, and Mali.
UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric welcomed the resolution but noted that "much more needs to be done." The adopted resolution requests the Secretary-General to present options to the council within 120 days on further measures to enhance accountability for crimes against peacekeepers. Both Pakistan and Denmark expressed anticipation for considering these proposals to achieve meaningful progress.