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The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) 

  • News: India has strongly condemned the attack that took place on French UN Peacekeepers deployed in UNIFIL and expressed concern over growing number of attack on the UNIFIL.

  • Note: India had piloted UN Security Council Resolution 2589 on Accountability for Crimes against Peacekeepers.

About UNIFIL

  • The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is a peacekeeping mission in south Lebanon. 

  • It was established by the Security Council in 1978 with Resolutions 425 and 426. 

  • Mandate:-

    • Confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.

    • Monitor the cessation of hostilities.

    • Accompany and support the Lebanese armed forces as they deploy throughout the South, including along the Blue Line, as Israel withdraws its armed forces from Lebanon. etc.

  • As of 30 March 2026, UNIFIL’s force consists of 7,505 peacekeepers from 47 troop-contributing countries. (India- 642 Peacekeepers).

About United Nations Peacekeeping

  • 1948: The U.N. began its Peacekeeping efforts in 1948 when it deployed military observers to West Asia.

  • The Peacekeeping mission’s role was to monitor the Armistice Agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbours.

  • Joint effort: The U.N. Peacekeeping mission is a joint effort between the Department of Peace Operations and the Department of Operational Support, and aims to assist host countries to transition from situations of conflict to peace.

  • Aim: 

    • U.N. Peacekeepers provide security as well as political and peace building support to conflict-ridden countries.

  • Department of Peace Operations (DPO):

    • DPO provides political and executive direction to UN peacekeeping operations around the world and maintains contact with the Security Council, troop and financial contributors, and parties to the conflict in the implementation of Security Council mandates.

  • The three basic principles that guide U.N.’s Peacekeeping missions are:

    • Consent of the parties

    • Impartiality

    • Non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate

  • Responsibilities of U.N. military personnel

    • Protecting civilians and other U.N. personnel

    • Monitoring disputed borders

    • Observing peace processes in post-conflict areas

    • Providing security in conflict zones

    • Providing security during elections

    • Assisting in-country military personnel with training and support

    • Assisting ex-combatants in implementing the peace agreements

  • Composition: 

    • UN peacekeepers are often referred to as Blue Berets or Blue Helmets because of their light blue berets or helmets) can include soldiers, police officers, and civilian personnel.

    • Peacekeeping forces are contributed by member states on a voluntary basis.

    • Civilian staff of peace operations are international civil servants, recruited and deployed by the UN Secretariat.