India is set to launch a mobile technology platform, ‘UNITE AWARE’, to enhance the security of UN peacekeepers in line with their duty.
It is reported that this will begin during the presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in India in August 2021 (the presidency of the UNSC Council will be held by each member for one month).
*United Awareness will increase the awareness of the situation of peacekeepers by providing information related to the terrain.
*India has spent US $ 1.64 million on the project and is developing it in collaboration with the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations and Operational Support.
*Ambassador K. Nagaraj Naidu, Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, shared information about the forum during his virtual speech at the UNSC Open Debate on ‘Peacekeeping Operations: Improving the Security and Security of Peacekeeping Forces’.
Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPO):
*The United Nations peacekeeping mission was launched in 1948 as part of the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPO).
*The peacekeeping force is used to establish or restore peace in an area of armed conflict. It employs 87,889 people in 12 peacekeeping operations worldwide (as of March, 2021).
*Because they are used in conflict zones, they face a variety of malicious attacks, including the use of advanced explosive devices (IEDs).
*Since 2013, more than 260 peacekeepers have been killed in malicious attacks.
*India is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions. It has contributed more than 250,000 troops to 49 passengers over the years.
*It has administered 200,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine to UN peacekeepers.