Why in News?

Two Indian peacekeepers, Brigadier General Amitabh Jha and Havildar Sanjay Singh, are in the news for being posthumously awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, recognising their supreme sacrifice while serving in UN missions.

About Dag Hammarskjöld Medal?

India and UN Peacekeepers:

• Global Role: India is the 4th largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping, with over 5,300 Indian troops deployed across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
• Honoured Peacekeepers 2025:
  
  • Brigadier General Amitabh Jha served under UNDOF (United Nations Disengagement Observer Force) in the Golan Heights.
  • Havildar Sanjay Singh served under MONUSCO (United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo).
    Both are posthumously awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal for their supreme sacrifice in global peacekeeping.
• Legacy of Recognition: In 2023, Major Radhika Sen was honoured as the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year.
• Cumulative Contribution: Since 1948, over 179 Indian peacekeepers have sacrificed their lives — the highest among all UN member states.

About UN Peacekeepers?

• Established In: 1948, with the first mission launched in the Middle East called the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO).
• Coordinated By: The Department of Peace Operations (DPO) under the UN Secretariat oversees peacekeeping missions globally.
• Personnel Involved: Currently, more than 68,000 military, police, and civilian personnel from 125 countries serve across 11 active UN peacekeeping missions.

Key Objectives of UN Peacekeepers?

• Conflict Management: Monitor ceasefires and support peace agreements in volatile regions.
• Civilian Protection: Safeguard at-risk populations, especially in conflict zones.
• Rule of Law & Institution Building: Assist in elections, judicial reforms, and strengthening public institutions.
• Disarmament and Reintegration: Support ex-combatants to reintegrate into civilian life via DDR (Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration) programmes.
• Humanitarian Assistance: Aid humanitarian agencies and ensure smooth delivery of aid in post-conflict recovery.
• Legal Mandate: Operate under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, empowered by the UN Security Council.
• Instruments of Peace: Known as Blue Helmets, peacekeepers include military, police, and civilian personnel deployed in UN-authorized missions.