ARF seminar on UN peace-keeping from Apr 26

New Delhi, Apr 25: In the backdrop of increasing demand for UN peace-keeping in various strife-torn countries around the world, a three-day international seminar on UN peace-keeping will be held here from tomorrow to discuss the challenges before it in the 21st century.

All member states are expected to participate in the seminar which will also deliberate on peace-building and security sector reforms, humanitarian dimensions of peace-keeping, capacity building for UN peace-keeping and training for peace-keeping.

Representatives from the UNDP, UNHCR and the ICRC are also expected to participate, an External Affairs Ministry spokesman said.

The seminar, which is part of the confidence-building activities approved by the 13th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting held in Kuala Lumpur in July 2006, will be held at the Centre for UN peace-keeping, set up by the government with focus on UN peace-keeping activities.

The Centre also has facilities for training military professionals from both India and abroad engaged in UN peace-keeping.

India has been a member of the ARF since 1996. The objective of the ARF is to enhance cooperative security through confidence-building measures in Asia-Pacific region.

Peace-keeping is one of the important themes discussed in ARF meetings.

India had earlier organised he ARF seminar on 'UN Peace-keeping : Best Practices and Lessons Learnt' in March 2002 and has been participating in peace-keeping related workshops and seminars organised under the aegis of the ARF regularly.

Indian troops have taken part in some of the most difficult operations, and have suffered casualties in the service of the UN.

India has taken part in the UN peace-keeping operations in four continents. Its most significant contribution has been to peace and stability in Africa and Asia Presently, India is ranked as one of the largest troop contributors to the UN. India has also offered one brigade of troops to the UN Standby Arrangements.

Over 55,000 Indian Military and Police personnel have served under the UN flag in 35 UN peace-keeping operations in all the continents of the globe.

UNI