Introduction
India has been one of the most significant contributors to the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations, playing a crucial role in maintaining global peace and security. UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix has reaffirmed India’s cornerstone status in UN peacekeeping, emphasizing the indispensable role of Indian women peacekeepers in global missions.
Lacroix is set to visit New Delhi this week to attend a key international conference, ‘Enhancing the Role of Women in Peacekeeping: A Global South Experience,’ organized by India on February 24-25. The conference will highlight India’s leadership in promoting gender-inclusive peacekeeping and its broader contributions to UN missions worldwide.
India’s Historic Contribution to UN Peacekeeping
India has a long and distinguished history of contributing to UN peacekeeping efforts since 1950. Over the decades, it has:
- Provided over 275,000 troops to 49 UN missions globally.
- Played a major role in post-conflict stabilization efforts across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
- Offered medical and logistical support in some of the world’s most challenging conflict zones.
- Sent women peacekeeping contingents, leading to greater representation of women in international security operations.
India remains among the top troop-contributing nations (TCCs) to UN peacekeeping missions, with thousands of its personnel deployed across multiple operations.
Role of Indian Women in Peacekeeping
India has been at the forefront of empowering women in peacekeeping missions, setting an example for other nations. Some of the key contributions include:
1. India’s Female Peacekeeping Contingents
In 2007, India became the first country to deploy an all-female Formed Police Unit (FPU) to Liberia, under the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). The unit played a pivotal role in maintaining law and order, protecting civilians, and inspiring local women to join law enforcement.
2. Increasing Female Participation
India has consistently worked towards increasing female representation in peacekeeping missions, aligning with the UN’s target of having 15% women in military contingents and 20% in police units.
3. Leadership in Training Women Peacekeepers
India has led various training programs for women peacekeepers, equipping them with the necessary skills to handle crisis situations, protect vulnerable populations, and support post-conflict recovery efforts.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix’s Visit to India
Jean-Pierre Lacroix’s visit to New Delhi comes at a crucial time when the UN is focusing on enhancing women’s roles in peacekeeping operations. The conference on February 24-25 will bring together global stakeholders to discuss the experiences of the Global South in advancing women’s participation in peacekeeping.
Lacroix has praised India’s contributions, stating:
“India has always been a cornerstone of UN peacekeeping operations, and its women peacekeepers are indispensable. Their courage, dedication, and leadership have been instrumental in promoting peace and stability worldwide.”
During his visit, he is expected to:
- Meet with Indian officials to discuss strengthening India-UN cooperation in peacekeeping.
- Acknowledge India’s role in advancing gender diversity in peace missions.
- Discuss new challenges facing peacekeeping operations in conflict zones.
Why Women’s Role in Peacekeeping Matters
The UN has recognized the vital role of women in peacekeeping, as they contribute to:
- Better community engagement – Women peacekeepers are more effective in interacting with women and children in conflict zones.
- Reducing violence and exploitation – Female officers help prevent sexual violence and exploitation in conflict-affected areas.
- Improving mission effectiveness – A gender-diverse force leads to more comprehensive peacekeeping strategies.
- Empowering local women – Women peacekeepers serve as role models, inspiring local women to take leadership roles in their communities.
India’s Future Commitments to UN Peacekeeping
India remains committed to expanding its role in UN peacekeeping, with a focus on:
- Deploying more women peacekeepers to meet the UN’s gender targets.
- Enhancing training programs for peacekeepers, particularly in conflict resolution and humanitarian aid.
- Providing advanced technology and logistical support to improve the efficiency of peacekeeping missions.
- Advocating for reforms in peacekeeping mandates to address modern security challenges.
Conclusion
India continues to be a pillar of global peacekeeping efforts, with its troops and women peacekeepers playing an indispensable role in maintaining international stability. The upcoming conference on women in peacekeeping will further reinforce India’s leadership in promoting gender-inclusive security operations.
As the UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix visits New Delhi, his remarks reflect global recognition of India’s contributions and the growing importance of women peacekeepers in creating a more peaceful and secure world.
