UN Security Council adopts resolution to hold attackers of peacekeepers accountable

The United Nations Security Council has unanimously adopted Resolution 2823, a significant move aimed at ensuring accountability for crimes targeting UN peacekeepers. The resolution, co-sponsored by Denmark and Pakistan, underscores the growing concern over attacks against those serving in peacekeeping missions worldwide.

Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad of Pakistan highlighted that nearly 4,500 UN peacekeepers have been killed in the line of duty, with 183 from Pakistan alone. He noted that attacks on peacekeepers have become more frequent and sophisticated in some missions, often concluding without adequate accountability. "When UN peacekeepers are killed or injured as a result of attacks while performing a mandate authorized by this Council, the Council must remain seized of what happens next: whether the facts have been established, whether investigations are underway, whether the perpetrators have been identified, and whether justice is being served," Ahmad stated.

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When UN peacekeepers are killed or injured as a result of attacks while performing a mandate authorized by this Council, the Council must remain seized of what happens next: whether the facts have been established, whether investigations are underway, whether the perpetrators have been identified, and whether justice is being served.

Resolution 2823 explicitly requests the UN Secretary-General to ensure that, in the event of future attacks, peacekeeping operations promptly establish clear factual records of the incident. These records are to be made available for investigation by the host country. The resolution also calls for full cooperation from all states and relevant actors in these investigations, emphasizing that impunity for such crimes cannot be allowed to continue. The adoption of this resolution signals a stronger commitment from the international community to protect its peacekeepers and bring perpetrators of violence against them to justice.

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There must be accountability.