The United Nations Security Council voted unanimously Tuesday to adopt a new resolution designed to ensure those who attack UN peacekeepers face justice, as concerns mount over escalating violence and the failure to prosecute offenders.
The action comes in the wake of a string of deadly attacks on UN personnel, including an incident in early March when seven peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon were killed following renewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.
Denmark and Pakistan drafted the resolution, which received co-sponsorship from 152 countries before passing without a single dissenting vote.
The resolution calls on nations that host UN peacekeeping forces to take “all necessary measures” to investigate and bring charges against anyone responsible for targeting UN personnel.
The document acknowledges that prosecution rates have remained consistently low and stresses that holding perpetrators accountable is critical to deterring future attacks.
While the resolution reaffirms that host nations carry the primary responsibility for protecting UN personnel within their borders, it also urges all parties involved to cooperate fully with any investigations that take place.
The resolution requests that the UN secretary-general appoint “a senior focal point” within the organization to oversee and coordinate efforts aimed at improving accountability for crimes committed against peacekeepers.
Additionally, the resolution encourages countries that contribute troops and police to UN missions to send investigators — when requested by host nations — to help with inquiries. It also calls for an annual report from the UN detailing progress on investigations and prosecutions.
The Security Council noted that attacks on UN peacekeepers may rise to the level of war crimes and signaled its intention to explore further measures to strengthen accountability going forward.
