Overview

• On July 16 at UN Headquarters, India co-chaired a high-level meeting of the Group of Friends on Accountability of Crimes Against Peacekeepers with about 40 member states and field experts
• Members pledged to expand international cooperation, reinforce legal mechanisms and implement preventive measures to deter attacks and ensure justice for peacekeepers
• Ambassador P. Harish argued that prosecuting perpetrators is critical to the integrity and effectiveness of UN peace operations and to restoring morale among personnel
• Launched in December 2022 under UNSC Resolution 2589 and co-chaired by India, the Group of Friends drives regular reporting and accountability initiatives under international law
• With more than 1,000 peacekeepers killed in hostile acts since 1948 and India’s contribution of over 300,000 troops and 182 fatalities, the call for stronger protections underscores the human stakes