UN Secretary-General Presents Dag Hammarskjold Medals to Three Indian Peacekeepers, Urges Improved Protection Measures
Border Security Force Personnel and Civilian Recognized for their Sacrifice
In a solemn ceremony held in the General Assembly chamber, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres awarded the prestigious Dag Hammarskjold Medal to three Indian peacekeepers who lost their lives while serving under the United Nations. The medals were presented to India's Permanent Representative, Ruchira Kamboj, as a tribute to the fallen heroes.
Head Constables Shishupal Singh and Samwala Ram Vishnoi from the Border Security Force (BSF) were tragically killed in July 2022 during their participation in the UN peacekeeping operation MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Additionally, Shabir Tahir Ali, a civilian, lost his life while serving with the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq.
UN Secretary-General Expresses Gratitude and Commemorates Contributions
During the ceremony, Secretary-General Guterres expressed deep gratitude to the fallen peacekeepers, stating, "We will never forget their contributions." He emphasized that UN peacekeepers serve as a beacon of hope and protection for civilians caught in the midst of conflicts, embodying the United Nations' unwavering commitment to peace.
India's Role in Peacekeeping Efforts and Commitment to Accountability
Indian Permanent Representative Ruchira Kamboj highlighted India's historical role as the largest contributor of peacekeepers, with over 275,000 personnel deployed in 51 UN missions. She acknowledged the sacrifices made by Indian peacekeepers and emphasized the importance of recognizing their exceptional courage and dedication to the cause of peace.
Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix, who heads UN peacekeeping operations, stressed the significance of accountability for crimes committed against peacekeepers. He commended India's leadership in promoting progress in this area and emphasized the need to ensure that perpetrators of such crimes are held accountable.
Commitment to Enhancing Safety and Security for Peacekeepers
Secretary-General Guterres reaffirmed the UN's commitment to supporting peacekeepers in their mission. He pledged to improve their safety and security, along with the overall effectiveness of peacekeeping, through the implementation of the Action for Peacekeeping Plus (A4P+) strategy. This strategy aims to provide comprehensive support to peacekeepers, addressing their evolving challenges and enhancing their operational capabilities.
The posthumous recognition of the three Indian peacekeepers with the Dag Hammarskjold Medal serves as a poignant reminder of their selfless sacrifice in the service of the United Nations. As the international community commemorates their contributions, efforts to enhance the protection and safety of peacekeepers are being emphasized. India's significant role in peacekeeping operations, its leadership in advocating for accountability, and its commitment to creating a database of crimes against peacekeepers demonstrate its dedication to upholding peace and security worldwide.