International affairs
CURRENT AFFAIRS UN Peacekeeping mission
1 june
Issue The role of UN peacekeepers from India and other countries in thwarting attack by militants in Congo was lauded by UN officials. Background The attack was carried out by Mouvement du 23 mars (M23) armed group, which is active in Eastern DR Congo. Details UN peacekeeping is an effort by Department of Peace Operations and the Department of Operational Support, which aims to assist host countries to transition from situations of conflict to peace. Peacekeeping efforts were first started by UN in 1948 when it deployed military observers to West Asia. UN peacekeepers are mandated to provide security as well as political and peacebuilding support to conflict-ridden countries. Peace keeping in UN Members of UN peacekeeping forces are known as ‘Blue Helmets’. They are members of national armies of respective countries but serve under UN command temporarily. The highest contributors to peacekeeping missions are Asian and African countries. Western countries’ contribution is miniscule.
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