Guyana, A3+ reiterate calls at UNSC for safety, security of peacekeepers

– say attacks unacceptable, may constitute a war crime

Guyana, speaking on behalf of the A3+ group — comprising Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Guyana — has reiterated strong calls for the safety and security of United Nations peacekeepers, stressing that attacks against them are unacceptable and may constitute a war crime.
Delivering the statement on behalf of the A3+ during the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) briefing on “The Situation in the Central African Republic (CAR)”, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations (UN), Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, underscored the group’s commitment to supporting peace, stability, and democratic consolidation in the CAR.
“The A3+ reiterates that the safety and security of UN personnel are paramount. Attacks against peacekeepers are unacceptable and may constitute a war crime. We are concerned about the recent increase in security incidents involving United Nations personnel. We call for full accountability and urge the host authorities to facilitate investigations and prosecutions. The A3+ welcomes the steps taken by MINUSCA [United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic] to increase its local procurement. We encourage the mission to continue its efforts in that regard,” Birkett said.
The UNSC Peace Operations remain one of the most visible tools the international community uses to safeguard global stability. Authorised by the Council, these operations are deployed to countries facing conflict or instability, with the aim of preventing violence, supporting fragile peace processes, and helping societies recover from war.
UN Peace Operations take different forms. Traditional peacekeeping missions often combine military, police, and civilian components to monitor ceasefires, protect civilians, and assist with disarmament and reintegration of former fighters. Alongside these are special political missions, which focus more on mediation, diplomacy, and conflict prevention without large numbers of troops on the ground. In some cases, the UN partners with regional bodies to launch hybrid missions, such as those conducted jointly with the African Union.
The scope of these operations is wide-ranging. Peacekeepers may be tasked with protecting vulnerable populations, supporting elections, strengthening justice systems, and promoting human rights in volatile environments. They are often called upon to provide humanitarian assistance in areas where local institutions are unable to cope.
The Security Council holds ultimate authority over whether such missions are established, while the UN Secretary-General oversees their implementation through the Department of Peace Operations and the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs.
Earlier this month, Guyana had issued a call to the United Nations Security Council to ensure that future peace operations are more adaptable, resilient, and adequately resourced to address today’s complex global security environment.
In addition to calling for peace operations to be more adaptable and resilient, Persaud explained that agility and efficiency must not come at the cost of core mandates such as civilian protection, promotion of human rights, and advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
The Guyanese envoy emphasised that prevention should remain the cornerstone of peace efforts.
“Guyana acknowledges the decades of success of UN Peace Operations in shortening conflicts, protecting civilians and preventing spill-over of crises. However, we must also take stock of the complex and multi-faceted challenges that define today’s security landscape and which sometimes transcend borders. The operating environment for UN peace operations is itself often marred by asymmetric threats, misinformation and disinformation, hostile national Armed Forces, organised crime and the effects of climate change. Consequently, UN Peace Operations must be more adaptable and resilient than ever before,” Persaud said at the time.