Non-Aligned Movement has reiterated that peacekeeping is the flagship activity of the United Nations and represents a true symbol for the promotion of international peace and security. The Movement has noted the increasingly volatile context in which peacekeepers operate due to the emergence of new transnational challenges and threats. During the NAM Summit held at Baku, Azerbaijan in 2019, the Heads of States and Governments of NAM Member States highlighted the fact that the Non-Aligned countries currently provide more than 88% of peacekeeping personnel in the field.
Among NAM Member States, India is one of the most important contributors to the UN peacekeeping activities. India has been the largest troop contributor to the UN peacekeeping missions since the inception of such missions in the 1950s. India has contributed more than 2,53,000 troops, the largest number from any country, participated in more than 49 missions and 175 Indian peacekeepers have made the supreme sacrifice while serving in UN missions. India has also provided and continues to provide eminent Force commanders for UN Missions. India also holds the unfortunate record of having the highest fatalities due to malicious acts, during UN peacekeeping missions.
Recently, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a resolution piloted by India which calls for honouring fallen peacekeepers. Resolution A/RES/77/297 titled “Memorial Wall for fallen United Nations Peacekeepers” was adopted by the UNGA on 22 June 2023. The Resolution piloted by India received a record 190 co-sponsorships and was adopted without a vote.
Introducing the Resolution in the UNGA, the representative of India pointed out that more than 1 million men and women from 125 countries have served in 71 peacekeeping missions worldwide. Even today, over 80,000 peacekeepers serve in various conflict zones, enduring harsh conditions and risking their lives to keep the peace. However, this has not been without its cost — more than 4,200 peacekeepers have laid down their lives in the service of the blue flag, she said. These brave men and women — who came from different parts of the world, practice different faiths and follow different cultures — were united by the cause of peace, their spirit of selfless sacrifice, professionalism and resolve. “They made the supreme sacrifice in the pursuit of mandates that we as Member States requested them to carry out,” the Indian representative said, emphasizing that the memorial wall will be a constant reminder of the cost of Members’ decisions.
The Resolution recalled the observance of 29 May as the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. The Resolution welcomed the initiative of Member States to establish at a suitable and prominent place at United Nations Headquarters in New York a memorial wall to honour the memory of fallen peacekeepers, giving due consideration to the modalities involved, including the recording of the names of those who have made the supreme sacrifice. The Resolution also decided that the planning, construction, upkeep and maintenance of the memorial wall will be funded entirely from voluntary contributions and invited interested Member States to provide voluntary contributions for those purposes.
The Resolution has also requested the UN Secretary-General to assist with the details regarding the establishment of the memorial wall, including but not limited to the design and location of the wall, data to be included on the wall, criteria for inclusion on the wall and other such modalities.
The Resolution has also decided to give prominence to the memorial wall by including it in the solemn ceremonies conducted on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers and other United Nations peacekeeping-related events. Further, the Resolution has also decided to complete the establishment of the memorial wall three years from the date of adoption of the present resolution, and requested the Secretary General to consult with the Member States during the process of establishing the wall and to provide periodic briefings to the Special Committee on the progress thereof, until its completion.
The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed happiness over the adoption of the UNGA Resolution to establish a memorial wall for fallen peacekeepers. The Indian Prime Minister tweeted: “Delighted that the Resolution to establish a new Memorial Wall for fallen Peacekeepers, piloted by India, has been adopted in the UN General Assembly. The Resolution received a record 190 co-sponsorships. Grateful for everyone’s support.”
