The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a Pakistan and Denmark-sponsored resolution to enhance accountability for crimes against UN peacekeepers. The resolution secured the backing of all 15 Security Council members after weeks of negotiations. A record 153 UN member states co-sponsored the resolution before the vote.
The resolution condemns attacks against UN peacekeepers and stresses that such attacks may constitute war crimes. It also urges governments to investigate and prosecute those responsible without delay. Furthermore, it calls for stronger cooperation among host countries, the United Nations, and troop-contributing nations to end impunity.
Pakistan, one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, has lost more than 183 peacekeepers while serving under the UN flag. Consequently, Islamabad has played a leading role in promoting stronger protections and greater accountability for attacks on peacekeeping personnel.
Introducing the resolution, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, thanked Security Council members for unanimously adopting Resolution 2823. He also praised Denmark for its partnership during their 2025-2026 Security Council terms. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to the 153 co-sponsoring countries, saying their support demonstrated strong global backing for UN peacekeeping.
Ambassador Asim said the resolution sends a clear message that attacks against UN peacekeepers will not go unpunished. He added that perpetrators must face justice for crimes committed against personnel serving international peace and security.
Pakistan and Denmark drafted the resolution amid growing concern over attacks on peacekeepers, including the use of drones and advanced weapons. The resolution urges stakeholders to cooperate in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting offenders while reaffirming that host states hold primary responsibility for protecting peacekeepers.
Following month-long negotiations, diplomats revised several proposals to address sovereignty concerns. The final text requests UN missions to prepare factual incident records supporting national investigations.
It also asks Secretary-General António Guterres to appoint an existing senior UN official to coordinate accountability efforts and submit an initial report within 120 days.
