Key facts
- The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution to enhance accountability for attacks on peacekeepers.
- The resolution urges host countries to investigate and prosecute individuals responsible for attacks on UN personnel.
- It highlights the persistent issue of low prosecution rates for crimes against peacekeepers.
- The UN secretary-general is tasked with providing options within 120 days to strengthen accountability efforts.
- Attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes, the council affirmed.
The UN Security Council has unanimously adopted a resolution aimed at strengthening accountability for attacks against peacekeepers, addressing a persistent issue of low prosecution rates for perpetrators.
The resolution, co-sponsored by Pakistan and Denmark and supported by over 150 countries, urges host nations to investigate and prosecute individuals responsible for attacks on UN personnel, emphasizing that accountability is crucial for preventing future incidents.
Denmark’s U.N. Ambassador Christina Lassen stated that the resolution sends a clear message that attacks against peacekeepers will not be met with impunity. Pakistan’s U.N. Ambassador Asim Ahmad highlighted the increasing number and sophistication of attacks and the need for justice.
The UN peacekeeping department noted significant progress since 2020, with an increase in national investigations and convictions for offenses related to the killing of peacekeepers and experts in various mission areas. However, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric acknowledged that more needs to be done.
The resolution authorizes Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to ensure facts are collected after future attacks and to support investigations and prosecutions. He is also asked to provide options to the council within 120 days on ways to further strengthen accountability.