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Tarnishing UN peace keeping operationsPakistan OBSERVER, Tue, Jul,31, 2007.Pervaiz Iqbal Cheema
The idea of maintaining UN peace keeping force in various countries materialized during the heydays of the then incumbent Cold War days. The primary objective of creating and deploying such a force in trouble spots was to help the resolution of incumbent conflicts. Peace keeping force was not expected to fight. In most cases the peace keepers were deployed when the ceasefire was in place and the parties to the conflict had given their consent. They were expected to observe and report impartially regarding the observance of ceasefire, troops withdrawal, and other specified elements of peace agreement. Cognizant of the useful work that was performed by the UN peace keeping forces and rapidly increasing demand for the stationing of such forces, the UN established a Department of Peace Keeping Operations in 1992. It was fully recognized that the UN peace keepers performed useful functions under extremely difficult conditions and did manage to reduce tensions between the involved parties especially in areas where an armistice has been negotiated but a peace treaty was yet to be established. It needs to be mentioned here that apart from UN peace keeping forces, in many case individual countries have also contributed such forces. For example the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) was stationed in Sri Lanka in 1987. However the IPKF was forced to withdraw by 1990. The stationing of IPKF was undertaken after an agreement was singed between India and Sri Lanka. It is assessed that the cost of maintaining UN peace keepers ranges in between US$2.5 to US$3.00 billion. Although the cost has been different at different times but above mentioned cost reflects the general trend. In 1981 the cost was US1.00 billions where as in 1993 the cost was US$3.6 billions. The UN budget for the year 2004-2005 was US$2.80 billion. The year that involved large scale deployment of forces the cost certainly increased. According to UN Charter all member nations are expected to assist in maintaining peace and security and in this connection, if the need be, make available necessary armed forces. Around 130 nations, since 1948, have contributed military and civilian police personnel who have served in peace keeping operations. It is estimated that around a million soldiers, police officers, civilians have served in various operations under UN flag. It needs to be mentioned here that despite the large number of contributors, the main burden was primarily borne by a small group of developing countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, India, Jordan, Ethiopia, Nepal, Nigeria, Ghana, Uruguay and South Africa. In terms of contributions from the developed world, the figures are rather disappointing; the European Union contributed just about 6% and 1% came from the United States. Indeed these are dismal contributions. Among the developing countries, two countries have contributed largest contingents than the others. These countries are Bangladesh and Pakistan contributing troops over 9000 each. India occupies a third place and its contributions are little over 7000. Compared to massive contributions by the above mentioned countries, the largest contribution from a western country is little over 700. Pakistan has been deeply committed to peacekeeping operations right from the beginning. It has not only contributed soldiers and other civilian officials but it has been a host of one of the oldest peacekeeping operation in the form of United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). In Pakistan UNMOGIP not just enjoys complete freedom to move around but the government of Pakistan provides all facilities deemed essential for the performance of its functions. Compared to Pakistani situation the members of UNMOGIP are restricted to certain areas in India and they are allowed to move freely. An observer is supposed to observe violations of temporary border but if you are not allowed to visit the border at will, then how can they report accurately. Since 1960 Pakistani peace keepers have served in and around 30 countries performing various functions. Many Pakistanis sacrificed their lines while serving the cause of peace under the UN flag. Pakistani soldiers have served in some of the difficult and dangerous peace keeping operation of the UN. The commitment and dedication with which the Pakistani troops served earned enormous commendations. Pakistan’s long and varied experience in peace keeping operations in different parts of the world has equipped her with a certain amount of expertise in peace keeping which it is willing to share with others. Pakistan’s record in peace keeping has been overwhelmingly positive. The main reason for its constructive record is that its contingents have invariably consisted of highly disciplined and trained troops led by professional and competent officers. The recent allegations against the peace keepers that they were involve in sexual exploitation and abuse in Ivory Coast indeed deserve probe and proper investigations. Ordinarily the peace keepers strictly refrain from indulging in such activities which are highly condemnable. Although the main focus of report pointed fingers towards the Moroccan troops but the troops from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Ghana are also stationed there and quite naturally such an act also has an impact on the efficient working of the others. Since the allegations have not yet been proven, it is only fair to wait for the outcome of investigation which the report indicated is well underway. The peace keepers are expected to demonstrate decent and dignified behavior in order to win the confidence of the local people. Pakistan is one of those few countries that have won the hearts and minds of people by demonstrating exemplary behavior. That is why the Pakistani contingent for the UN Assistance Mission in Sierra Leone was cited by the UN peacekeeping Headquarter as a ‘Role Model for all UN Missions’. Admittedly the peace keepers perform a very difficult task but they must maintain a very high standard in public dealings while performing their duties as this can not only facilitate their work but would also earn the good name for their country. The writer works for Islamabad Policy research Institute.
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