India has donated about $ 300,000 to train commanders for UN peacekeeping with a specific focus on issues of conduct and discipline, the UN Department of Field Support has announced.
The “Pipeline to Peacekeeping Command Programme” will, over a period of three years, help develop the capacity of future commanders and managers to lead by example and raise awareness of UN standards of conduct among their personnel.
Advertisement
It will also equip them to respond to allegations of misconduct, including through collaborating with the various stakeholders in mission settings during the investigation and disciplinary process.
According to Syed Akbaruddin, India’s Permanent Representative at the United Nations, “India is a strong supporter of the United Nation’s Zero Tolerance Policy on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and remains committed to contribute through all means possible for this cause.”
UN Under-Secretary-General for Field Support Atul Khare said, “This programme will be the first of its kind with a focus on issues of conduct and sexual exploitation and abuse, and we are grateful for the lead of India on such a significant new initiative,” added Under-Secretary-General for Field Support.”
India has been a key partner in preventing and addressing sexual exploitation and abuse, and there have been no allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse against uniformed personnel from India since 2013. India is also noted as the first contributor to the Trust Fund in Support of Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
India is a signatory to the Voluntary Compact on Eliminating Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and a member of the Circle of Leadership of the Secretary-General on the prevention and response to sexual exploitation and abuse.
