TAG: GS-2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
THE CONTEXT: On 20 October 2024, the United Nations Force in Lebanon issued a statement saying that the Israel Defense Forces had used a bulldozer to “deliberately demolish the observation tower and perimeter fence of a UN location in Marwahin”. India has expressed concern about the safety of UN peacekeepers deployed in South Lebanon.
EXPLANATION:
About the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL):
- It is a peacekeeping force in Lebanon, originally set up by the UN Security Council in March 1978 after Israel first invaded Lebanon in what became known as the South Lebanon Conflict.
- UNIFIL was established to oversee the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon and to restore peace and security in the area.
- After a 34-day war in Lebanon between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006, in which 1,100 Lebanese people were killed, UNIFIL’s mandate was expanded to monitor the cessation of hostilities and support Lebanese armed forces deployed throughout southern Lebanon.
- It has around 10,500 peacekeepers coming from 48 troop contributing countries.
- The largest number of UNIFIL peacekeepers come from Indonesia. Italy, India, Nepal and China also contribute a large number of soldiers to the peacekeeping force.
- Funding: UNIFIL is funded through a separate account approved on an annual basis by the General Assembly.
- It is a part of the UN Peacekeeping force. It’s rules of engagement allow the use of force only if necessary for self-defence or to carry out its duties.
India’s contribution to UN peacekeeping and UNIFIL:
- India contributes the second highest troops to the UNIFIL. It is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping, with around 5,900 Indian troops deployed in 12 missions.
- India has established a centre for UN Peacekeeping in New Delhi and provides training to more than 12,000 troops every year.
- India contributes troops, police personnel, staff officers, and experts to all 12 active UN peacekeeping missions.
- India has the highest contribution of troops in regions including the Central African Republic, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Lebanon, Abyei, and Cyprus, among others.
Significance of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)
- Conflict Prevention: UNIFIL monitors the Blue Line and prevents escalations between Israel and Lebanon.
- Civilian Protection: It safeguards civilians and supports humanitarian aid efforts in conflict zones.
- Support for Lebanon: UNIFIL helps the Lebanese government extend control in the south alongside the Lebanese Armed Forces.
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