A database is also being established to record all crimes against UN peacekeepers

India, under its current UN Security Council (UNSC) presidency, launched a "Group of Friends" on Thursday to encourage accountability for crimes against peacekeepers.

India, Bangladesh, Egypt, France, Morocco and Nepal are co-chairs of the ‘Group of Friends to Promote Accountability for Crimes Against Peacekeepers’.

In his keynote address, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, "UN peacekeeping today has become more challenging than ever before. Peace operations are also being conducted in an ambiguous and complex environment."

"Today’s peacekeeper is not mandated to keep the peace but to take on robust mandates in extremely hostile conflict zones. The involvement of armed groups, terrorists, and transnational organised crime has adversely impacted their operations," he added.

While launching the group, EAM Jaishankar also declared that New Delhi will soon have a database that will record all crimes against the UN peacekeepers.

"India has facilitated the launch of a database that will record all crimes against UN peacekeepers. I am glad to note that it will soon be ready for launch as well," he said.

According to EAM Jaishankar, UN Security Council resolution 2589, which was enacted in August of last year while India held the Council's Presidency, symbolizes the "political will" of member states, notably the nations that provide troops and police to UN peacekeeping missions.

"It is, therefore, very befitting that this "Group of Friends" being launched today under India’s ongoing Presidency of the UNSC, will seek to promote accountability in practical terms both within and outside the UNSC," he added.

EAM Jaishankar said that the UNSC unanimously approved the resolution, which has the support of more than 80 member nations.