India organized first-ever Conference for Women Peacekeepers, themed “Women in Peacekeeping: A Global South Perspective”, in New Delhi. The event was held by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK).
Key Highlights of the Conference
Objective
- Strengthen the role of women in UN peacekeeping.
- Facilitate dialogue, experience-sharing, and collaboration among nations of the Global South.
Participation
- Women peacekeepers from 35 Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) of the Global South participated.
- The conference reaffirmed India’s leadership in gender inclusivity in peacekeeping.
Thematic Discussions
- Role of Women in Peacekeeping Missions: Enhancing women’s contributions in conflict zones.
- Integration of Technology in Peacekeeping Operations: Use of AI, surveillance, and situational awareness tools.
- Medical Advancements for Peacekeepers: Safety, mental health, and emergency medical support.
- Combating Sexual Exploitation & Abuse: Strengthening accountability measures and zero-tolerance policies.
- Leadership & Governance: Promoting a culture of transparency and ethical conduct in peacekeeping forces.
The event strengthened South-South cooperation, promoting a more inclusive and effective global peacekeeping framework.
India’s Contributions to UN Peacekeeping
India has been a leading contributor to UN peacekeeping missions for over seven decades.
Key Contributions
- Over 300,000 Indian troops have participated in 50+ peacekeeping missions since the 1950s.
- Currently, 5,000+ Indian troops are serving in 9 of the 11 active missions, many in high-risk zones.
- 180 Indian peacekeepers have lost their lives, the highest sacrifice among all TCCs.
India’s Key Initiatives in UN Peacekeeping
Safety & Security of Peacekeepers: India donated 200,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses for UN peacekeepers worldwide. Led the UNSC Resolution 2589 (2021) on “Protecting the Protectors”.
Technology in Peacekeeping: Developed UNITE AWARE, a situational awareness platform enhancing peacekeeper security.
Training & Capacity Building: Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK) trained 2,000+ officers from 96 countries.
Honoring Peacekeepers: India initiated the UN Peacekeepers’ Memorial Wall, supported by 190 nations.
India’s Leadership in Women Peacekeeping
India is a pioneer in deploying women peacekeepers, emphasizing gender inclusivity.
Notable Milestones
1960s: India began deploying women officers in peacekeeping.
2003-2005: Dr. Kiran Bedi became the first female UN Police Advisor.
2007: India was the first country to send an all-women Formed Police Unit (FPU) to Liberia, serving until 2016.
Current Deployments:
- 154 Indian women peacekeepers serve in UN missions.
- Three Female Engagement Teams (FETs) operate in Abyei, DR Congo, and South Sudan.
Recognized Achievements:
- Maj. Suman Gawani (2019) and Maj. Radhika Sen (2023) won the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.
Regional Training Initiatives:
- India trains women peacekeepers from ASEAN nations, reinforcing its leadership in gender-sensitive peacekeeping.
About the United Nations Peacekeeping Force
The UN Peacekeeping Force, established in 1945, helps conflict-ridden countries transition to peace.
- Peacekeepers, known as “Blue Helmets”, include soldiers, police officers, and civilian personnel.
- All UN member states contribute to the peacekeeping budget.
Top Financial Contributors (2020-2021)
- USA: $2 billion
- China: $1 billion
- Japan: $563 million
- Germany: $401 million
- UK: $381 million
Top Troop-Contributing Countries (As of July 2023)
- Bangladesh: ~7,300 personnel
- Nepal: ~6,300 personnel
- India: ~5,000 personnel
- India’s Overall Contribution: Participated in 49+ missions, deploying 200,000+ troops.