UN Security Council passes resolution on accountability for attacks on peacekeepers

The UN Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution designed to bolster accountability for attacks targeting UN peacekeepers. This action comes amid growing concerns over escalating violence against UN personnel and a persistent issue of low prosecution rates for perpetrators.

The resolution, co-drafted by Denmark and Pakistan and supported by 152 countries, specifically urges nations hosting UN peacekeepers to implement all necessary measures to investigate and prosecute individuals responsible for attacks on UN personnel. The council emphasized that accountability is crucial for preventing future incidents.

While acknowledging that host states hold the primary responsibility for the safety of UN personnel, the resolution also calls for cooperation from all parties in investigations. It further requests the UN secretary-general to appoint a senior focal point within the UN system to coordinate efforts aimed at improving accountability for crimes committed against peacekeepers.

Additionally, the resolution encourages countries that contribute troops and police to the UN peacekeeping missions to deploy investigators, upon the request of host states, to aid in inquiries. It also calls for an annual report from the UN detailing progress on investigations and prosecutions. The Security Council underscored that attacks against UN peacekeepers could be classified as war crimes and expressed its intent to explore further measures to strengthen accountability.