Crimes against peacekeepers: UN Security Council backs steps to improve justice

The UN Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution to strengthen accountability for crimes against peacekeepers, where prosecution rates remain low. Sponsored by Pakistan and Denmark, it authorises Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to help collect facts after attacks and support investigations and prosecutions, reinforcing protection for personnel serving across multiple UN missions.

The UN Security Council unanimously passed a new resolution on Tuesday to improve justice for crimes against peacekeepers. UN figures said nearly 1,100 peacekeepers have died on duty since 1948. Thousands more have been injured. The resolution said prosecutions for killings and other attacks have stayed very low.

Pakistan and Denmark sponsored the text, with more than 150 countries as co-sponsors. It aimed to close gaps that weaken accountability after attacks. The measure authorised Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to ensure facts get collected after future incidents. It also backed support for investigations and prosecutions of all violent acts.

UN Security Council resolution on peacekeepers accountability

Denmark’s UN Ambassador Christina Lassen said the resolution signalled support for over 50,000 personnel in missions worldwide. Lassen cited deployments from Lebanon and Cyprus to South Sudan and Central African Republic. Lassen said, "Attacks against them will not be met with silence or impunity.\" Lassen added it warned offenders the world was watching.

Lassen said, \"To the perpetrators of any crimes, wherever and whoever they are, she said, 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.\" The statement linked the resolution to stronger follow-up after future attacks.

UN Security Council resolution and Pakistan Denmark sponsorship

Pakistan’s UN Ambassador Asim Ahmad said assaults on peacekeepers have risen in several countries. Ahmad said the attacks have become more complex, while accountability often stayed weak. Ahmad said, \"Condolences are necessary when peacekeepers are killed and injured, but whats needed is justice, he said.\" Ahmad also described the vote as a political signal.

Ahmad said, \"Most importantly, this resolution is a strong expression of the councils political will to stand by the peacekeepers.\" The resolution also asked the secretary-general for options within 120 days. Those options should focus on stronger accountability. Ahmad said the review would show what worked, and where gaps remained.

UN Security Council resolution builds on 2021 accountability steps

The Security Council had adopted a separate resolution in 2021 on accountability for crimes against peacekeepers. The UN peacekeeping department reported progress since then. It cited more national investigations and more suspects identified or detained. It also reported 103 convictions since 2020 for offences tied to 35 peacekeeper deaths.

The same UN update included two UN experts killed in cases across Central African Republic, Congo, Lebanon and Mali. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric welcomed Tuesday’s adoption and noted steps since 2020. Dujarric said, \"Much more needs to be done.\" The new resolution sought to support further investigations and prosecutions.

The resolution required the secretary-general to submit accountability proposals to the council within 120 days. Denmark’s Lassen said the council wanted to review the ideas and cooperate on next steps. Pakistan’s Ahmad said the process should help identify gaps and possible new action. The council’s aim remained stronger justice after attacks on peacekeepers.

With inputs from PTI