Contents:
- The world needs blue helmets who act as blue helmets
- Working toward a meaningful ‘victims’ register’ in Bastar
The World Needs Blue Helmets Who Act As Blue Helmets
Context :
The UN Peacekeeping force also known as “Blue Helmets”, are essential for establishing peace and stability in conflict affected areas while protecting civilians and innocents. However, recent crises in Gaza and Ukraine have revealed their shortcomings in taking immediate action, highlighting the urgent need for reforms in the United Nations Security Council to enhance the efficiency of the peacekeeping mission.
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)
Practice question: Examine the significance of the Blue Helmets in establishing peace in conflict-hit regions. Suggest key reforms in the UNSC to enhance the effectiveness of peacekeeping missions. (250 words)
Yehuda Bauer’s statement:
- “Thou shalt not be a victim, thou shalt not be a perpetrator, but above all, thou shalt not be a bystander”.
- Bauer calls one not to be a victim, perpetrator or bystander.
- The “bystander” is considered a silent promoter of crimes against humanity.
United Nations (UN) and peacekeeping :
- Chapter VI of the UN Charter emphasises the peaceful resolution of disputes.
- Chapter VII authorises the use of force for the establishment of peace and the rule of law in cases of aggression with Security Council approval.
- UN Peacekeeping Forces were established in 1948 and were first deployed in the Middle East.
- Their purpose is to establish peace by deploying soldiers, police, and civilian peacekeepers from various countries.
- Blue Helmets:UN peacekeepers, known as “Blue Helmets” for their distinctive headgear, include military personnel, UN police, and civilian peacekeepers.
India’s Contribution to UN Peacekeeping:
- India is a major contributor, with over 2,60,000 Indian personnel serving in 49 missions since 1948.
- India deployed the first all-women contingent in 2007 to Liberia.
- India has suffered over 200 casualties, one of the highest among contributing countries, showing its deep commitment to global peace.
Successes of UN Peacekeeping:
- Successful missions in Cambodia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Angola, Timor Leste, Liberia, and Kosovo reflect the UN’s potential to establish peace.
Failures of the UN as a Bystander:
- The Rwanda Genocide (1994): Nearly a million Tutsi civilians were killed. French continued to support the Rwandan Army, the main perpetrators of the genocide, which is an unfortunate thing, and the UN Assistance Mission in Rwanda (UNAMIR) was a bystander.
- Recent conflicts in Ukraine and Israel-Gaza showcase the UN’s inaction despite 1,00,000 peacekeeping forces.
Missed Opportunities:
- Extraordinary situations demand extraordinary interventions.
- The UN, with 100,000 peacekeepers, failed to engage them in sensitive areas like Ukraine and Gaza.
- Blue Helmets must act impartially and decisively, as in Kosovo (UNMIK 1999-2008) and Timor Leste (UNTAET, UNMIT 1999-2008).
Debates on UN Security Council (UNSC) Reform:
- The veto power of the P5 often paralyses UN action in critical peace-establishing situations.
- Expansion of permanent members to include countries like India(Voice of Global South) and South Africa(representation from Africa).
- Reforming the veto system to agree on a majority vote among P7 is expected to improve decision-making.
Conclusion:
The UN must act impartially to protect civilians, using its forces effectively. Without meaningful action and reforms, the UN risks becoming irrelevant in global peacekeeping efforts. Reforms for the UNSC are the need of the hour to attain inclusive representation.
Working Toward a Meaningful ‘Victims’ Register’ in Bastar
Context:
A recent meeting of the Union Home Minister with victims of Naxalite violence in Bastar, Chhatisgarh, to discuss the “Victims’ register”. To address the issue of victimisation from both Maoist actions and state responses. The key focus is on inclusivity and reconciliation of historical grievances.
Relevance: GS 3 (Internal Security)
Practice question:How can the establishment of a “victims’ register” in conflict zones like Bastar and Chhattisgarh contribute to addressing the challenges of internal security and promoting peace-building? (250 words)
Location: The Bastar division is central to left-wing extremism in Chhattisgarh.
Government Approach :
- Holistic Strategy: The initiative suggests a shift from a purely security-oriented approach to a more comprehensive strategy that includes security, development, governance, and community rights.
- Example: “Aspirational Districts Programme” aims for holistic development of the region
- Recent Successes: The government is attempting to build on recent successes in counter-Maoist operations to enhance its credibility and effectiveness.
- Example: “Operation Green Hunt” with approximately 190 Naxalites killed in the last year
Victim Identity Complexity :
Multiple Categories of Victims:
Two primary categories are:
- Victims of Maoists: Those who have directly suffered due to Naxalite actions.
- Example: 2013 Darbha Valley ambush where 27 people, including senior political party leaders, were killed.
- Victims of the State: Individuals affected by actions of security forces and, including those victimised by the Salwa Judum, a state-sponsored militia against Maoists in Chhattisgarh.
- The Supreme Court of India declared Salwa Judum illegal in 2011 due to its involvement in atrocities against tribal communities.
- Example: Sarkeguda encounter in 2012, where 17 villagers including 6 minors were killed by security forces, allegedly mistaking them for Maoists,
Internal Displacement:
More than 55,000 tribals who fled to Andhra Pradesh reflect complexities and long-lasting impacts on locals and tribals.
Victim’s register and its potential :
A victims’ register is a database that documents the experiences and identities of individuals who have suffered due to conflict or violence.
Global Examples:
- Colombia: Over 9 million victims documented, aiding in reparations and societal integration.
- South Africa: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) collected testimonies from over 21,000 apartheid victims, fostering national unity.
Spirit of Truth and Reconciliation:
Acknowledgement: Recognizes and validates the suffering of victims.
Diverse Narratives: Including experiences from both Maoist and state actions.
Healing and Justice: Foundation for reconciliation efforts, providing a platform for victims.
Reparations: Provides a platform for compensating victims.
Policy and Planning: helps the government to take action and plan policies to support victims.
Implementation Challenges:
- Need for Trust: Building trust with communities, as many victim accounts may be unverifiable.
- Risk of Division: Ensuring the initiative does not deepen societal divides and remains inclusive.
- Data Privacy Concerns: Safeguarding personal data to maintain confidentiality.
- Logistical and Financial Constraints: Securing sufficient funding and resources.
- Verification of Claims: Implementing mechanisms to validate victim accounts without causing additional trauma.
Opportune Moment:
The current low point in Maoist activities provides a strategic opportunity for the government to engage in meaningful dialogue and address tribal aspirations effectively. This period of reduced conflict creates a unique opportunity for implementing initiatives like the victims’ register and other reconciliation efforts.
Conclusion :
Victims’ registry is a significant step towards fostering the trust of victims. Necessary steps like data safety and efficient verification mechanisms make the process more resilient
