153 states back move to tackle crimes against UN peacekeepers
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WASHINGTON: The UN Security Council on Tuesday unanimously adopted a Pakistan- and Denmark-sponsored resolution to strengthen accountability for crimes committed against United Nations peacekeepers, following weeks of negotiations, and with the backing of a record 153 UN member states.
The resolution, adopted by all 15 members of the Security Council, condemns attacks against UN peacekeepers, underscores that such attacks may constitute war crimes, and calls on governments to promptly investigate and prosecute those responsible. It also seeks stronger cooperation between host countries, the United Nations and troop-contributing nations to end impunity for attacks on peacekeeping personnel.
Pakistan is one of the world’s largest and longest-serving contributors to UN peacekeeping operations. More than 183 Pakistani peacekeepers have lost their lives while serving under the UN flag, giving Islamabad a leading role in efforts to strengthen the protection of peacekeepers and ensure accountability for attacks against them.
The 153 co-sponsors represent the highest level of support ever received by a UNSC resolution.
Pakistan-led resolution aims at strengthening accountability for crimes against peacekeeping forces
While only the 15 Security Council members can cast a vote to adopt a resolution, non-Council members can formally co-sponsor the text before it is voted on. Once a draft is finalised, it is often circulated to the wider UN membership for additional co-sponsors before the formal vote takes place.
Introducing the resolution, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, thanked Council members “for the consensual adoption of Resolution 2823 on Accountability for Crimes Against Peacekeepers” and praised Denmark for “our strong partnership as the Council’s ‘peacekeeping duo’.”
He also expressed “deep appreciation and profound thanks” to the 153 member states that co-sponsored the measure, saying the record support “sends a strong and unambiguous message of support for UN peacekeeping.”
“The Council stands solidly and resolutely behind the peacekeepers that are serving the cause of international peace under its mandates,” Ambassador Asim said. “There will be no impunity for attacks against UN peacekeepers and the perpetrators of such crimes will be held to account.”
Pakistan and Denmark, which made peacekeeping a shared priority during their 2025-2026 terms on the UNSC, drafted the resolution amid growing concern over attacks on UN personnel, including the increasing use of drones and other sophisticated weapons in conflict zones.
The resolution recognises the need for immediate action to address attacks on UN personnel and facilities, stressing that accountability is essential to deter future violence and ensure the safety of peacekeeping operations.
It calls on all relevant stakeholders to cooperate with the United Nations in identifying, investigating and prosecuting perpetrators without delay while reaffirming that host states bear the primary responsibility for ensuring the safety of peacekeepers and bringing attackers to justice.
Negotiations on the text lasted nearly a month. A proposal that would have authorised UN peacekeeping missions to conduct investigations into attacks was revised after concerns from several UNSC members over host-state sovereignty. The final text instead asks missions to establish prompt factual records of incidents to support national investigations.
Another proposal to create a Special Envoy on Accountability for Crimes Against Peacekeepers was also dropped during negotiations. Instead, Secretary-General António Guterres will designate an existing senior UN official to coordinate efforts to strengthen accountability. The resolution requests the secretary-general to submit an initial report within 120 days outlining options for improving accountability, followed by annual reports.
Describing the resolution as a tribute to peacekeepers serving around the world, Ambassador Asim said, “Accountability is essential for justice, deterrence, and the safety and security of all Blue Helmets, and the Security Council will make sure that it is delivered. This important resolution signifies our highest tribute to all peacekeepers serving under the UN flag.”
Published in Dawn, June 24th, 2026 ...