WASHINGTON: The United Nations Security Council has unanimously adopted a Pakistan- and Denmark-sponsored resolution aimed at strengthening accountability for crimes committed against UN peacekeepers, with a record 153 member states backing the initiative.
The resolution, approved by all 15 members of the Security Council on Tuesday, strongly condemns attacks on UN peacekeeping personnel and emphasises that such acts may constitute war crimes. It urges governments to promptly investigate and prosecute those responsible while enhancing cooperation among host countries, the United Nations and troop-contributing nations to combat impunity.
Pakistan, one of the largest and longest-serving contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, has played a leading role in advocating stronger protections for peacekeepers. More than 183 Pakistani peacekeepers have lost their lives while serving under the UN flag.
The resolution received support from 153 UN member states, marking the highest number of co-sponsors ever secured for a Security Council resolution.
Although only Security Council members can vote on resolutions, other UN member states may formally co-sponsor a draft before it is put to a vote, demonstrating broad international support.
Introducing the resolution, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad thanked Security Council members for unanimously adopting Resolution 2823 and praised Denmark for its partnership on peacekeeping issues.
He also expressed gratitude to the 153 co-sponsoring countries, saying the unprecedented level of support sent a clear message in favour of UN peacekeeping operations.
“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 Security Council, drafted the resolution amid growing concerns over increasing attacks on UN personnel, including the use of drones and other advanced weapons in conflict zones.
The resolution stresses the urgent need to address violence against peacekeepers and recognises accountability as a critical tool for deterrence, justice and operational safety.
It calls on governments and relevant stakeholders to cooperate with the United Nations in identifying, investigating and prosecuting perpetrators while reaffirming that host countries bear primary responsibility for protecting peacekeepers and ensuring justice.
Negotiations on the resolution lasted nearly a month. A proposal that would have allowed UN peacekeeping missions to conduct their own investigations into attacks was revised after concerns were raised regarding state sovereignty. The final version instead requires missions to maintain prompt factual records of incidents to support national investigations.
Another proposal to establish a special envoy dedicated to accountability for crimes against peacekeepers was also removed during negotiations. Instead, UN Secretary-General António Guterres will appoint an existing senior UN official to coordinate accountability efforts.
The resolution requests the secretary-general to submit an initial report within 120 days outlining options to strengthen accountability mechanisms, followed by annual progress reports.
Describing the resolution as a tribute to peacekeepers serving around the world, Ambassador Asim stressed the importance of ensuring justice for attacks against UN personnel.
“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,” he said.
