2023 UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Preparatory Meeting on “Safety and Security of Peacekeepers”
Under-Secretary-General Atul Khare,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am truly honoured and delighted to welcome you here in Islamabad, as we gather for Day Two of the third UN peacekeeping preparatory meeting in the run up to the December Ministerial Conference. My sincere gratitude goes to our co-host, Japan, for their invaluable contributions and inputs. I also wish to express my deep appreciation to the United Nations Secretariat, especially the Department of Peace Operations (DPO), the Department of Operational Support (DOS), the Office of the UN Police Advisor, as well as all the delegates from the Member States present here today. Your active engagement and crucial insights have been instrumental in adding substance to this preparatory meeting.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Pakistan has a longstanding commitment to UN peacekeeping. As a leading troop contributor, we have a significant stake in its success. Our participation in UN peacekeeping, spanning over six decades, is a tangible manifestation of our contribution to the maintenance of international peace and security, in line with the UN Charter.
In a world grappling with persistent conflicts and complex challenges, the role of UN peacekeeping remains indispensable. With active presence in conflict zones, UN peacekeepers serve as a practical demonstration of the international community’s commitment to preserving lives and fostering lasting peace. As UN Secretary-General António Guterres aptly stated in his speech at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly, “UN peacekeepers exemplify the best of humanity – their bravery, commitment, and sacrifices are an inspiration to us all.”
Distinguished delegates,
The Action for Peacekeeping, A4P Declaration unites us in the common endeavour to enhance peacekeepers’ safety. Through A4P, Member States have committed to proactive measures to address the rise in peacekeeper fatalities and ensure their wellbeing. In this regard, it is crucial that capacity-building takes centre stage, in order to guarantee that peacekeepers are prepared for the complex challenges confronting them.
Legal frameworks and adequate accountability mechanisms are paramount for peacekeeper safety. We must stand firm in holding accountable the perpetrators – individuals and groups that harm or threaten UN peacekeepers.
Medical care for peacekeepers is also essential. Our peacekeepers deserve the best care including mental health support. Standardized training, first aid provisions, and enhanced medical facilities are crucial for that. Addressing challenges, including language barriers and administrative obstacles, should be one of our top priorities.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The spectre of threat posed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to peacekeepers’ security needs a commensurate response. We must intensify pre-deployment training; equip our peacekeepers with cutting-edge technology; and augment their capabilities for countering the IED threat.
Leveraging technology is vital to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers. The Strategy for the Digital Transformation of UN Peacekeeping underscores the need to enhance situational awareness, counter disinformation, and optimise the use of technology. By doing so, we empower our peacekeepers to make informed decisions and fulfil their mandates more effectively.
Distinguished delegates,
Amid the evolving landscape of UN peacekeeping, we stand at a critical juncture where new trends and shifts are reshaping our approach. While the core principles of UN peacekeeping remain the same, we are witnessing a transition from traditional peacekeeping towards a more holistic peacebuilding approach. We have already witnessed this transition in several peacekeeping missions, where peacekeepers not only work to prevent conflict and protect civilians, but also engage in capacity-building, institution-strengthening, and supporting political processes to lay the foundations for lasting peace.
In our commitment to UN peacekeeping, it is imperative that we recognize the need for adaptability and diversification. While Pakistan is proudly contributing over 4,000 troops to various ongoing UN peacekeeping missions, we must also turn our attention to the realm of peacebuilding.
Just as we have established a state-of-the-art facility for the training of peacekeepers – the Centre of International Peace and Stability (CIPS), where we are gathered for this meeting – we also hope to collaborate with the UN Secretariat and our international partners to create an Institute for Peacebuilding. It could also serve as a centre of excellence for providing specialized training, research, and expertise in the complex field of peacebuilding.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The success of peacekeeping is interlinked with the success of multilateralism. In our pursuit of effective peacekeeping, we recognize that no nation can go it alone. The collaborative spirit exemplified by initiatives such as the Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) Declaration focuses on enhancing safety and security of UN peacekeepers, improving their operational effectiveness, and safeguarding their well-being. The Action for Peacekeeping Plus (A4P+) framework, builds upon these commitments by addressing challenges related to mental health, gender responsiveness, and the efficient use of technology. These declarations underscore a collective commitment to strengthening and adapting peacekeeping operations to meet contemporary challenges.
The UN Secretariat’s role in ensuring the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations remains pivotal. There is need to facilitate collaborative decision-making processes, where TCCs are consulted on strategic matters, in order to foster a greater sense of ownership. Moreover, technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening national institutions for peacekeeping engagement should be prioritized for more sustained contributions from TCCs.
I also take the opportunity to urge our finance contributing partners to embrace a more equitable distribution of the burdens associated with peacekeeping missions. The challenges faced by peacekeepers are universal in their impact, and it is imperative that the financial responsibilities reflect this shared endeavour for global peace and security. Open and constructive dialogue between TCCs and FCCs is essential to harmonize our efforts, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and fairly. Transparency in financial commitments and decision-making processes is key to building trust and enhancing mission efficacy.
Distinguished delegates,
As we convene to address the vital issue of peacekeepers’ safety and security, it is apt to contemplate the significance of the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP), a pioneering peacekeeping mission established in 1949. It holds a distinctive place in peacekeeping history as one of the earliest initiatives to monitor and investigate ceasefire violations in the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir. UNMOGIP personnel encounter unprecedented adversities due to the non-cooperation of one party. We must proactively address the safety and security gaps, as identified in the recent report on UNMOGIP by the UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We must also acknowledge the indispensable and rightful role of women peacekeepers. Pakistan is constantly endeavouring to further enhance the presence of female peacekeepers in its contingents. Women bring unique perspectives and skills that are instrumental in fostering trust and building relationships with local communities. Their presence not only promotes gender equality but also strengthens our peacekeeping efforts. We must create an environment that empowers women peacekeepers and ensures their safety and security.
Let us never forget the profound sacrifices made by our dedicated peacekeepers in the line of duty. These brave men and women leave behind the comfort of their homes, risking their lives to bring stability to war-torn regions. I take the opportunity to commend the United Nations for its initiative to establish a Commemorative Wall, paying tribute to the lives lost in the noble cause of peacekeeping, including 172 Pakistanis.
Distinguished delegates,
In closing, I would like to re-emphasize that our goal should be clear: to ensure a safe and secure environment for UN peacekeepers who tirelessly safeguard peace around the globe. We look forward to meaningful outcomes from this meeting that will feed into the deliberations of the forthcoming Ministerial meeting in Accra, Ghana, in December 2023.
I thank you
Editor: Raja Kamran