India votes in favour of UNSC resolution on mental health of UN peacekeepers

Tags: International News

India on 21 December voted in favour of a resolution on the mental health of UN peacekeepers.

Important facts

• India's Permanent Ambassador to the UN Ruchira Kamboj said, as one of the largest troop contributing countries over the years, India attaches the highest importance to the safety and well-being of UN peacekeepers.

• Mental health is an essential component of the overall health in which UN peacekeepers work.

• Therefore, the medical care and well-being of UN personnel is the collective responsibility of all Member States.

• Meanwhile, Kamboj raised the issue of data and studies done in consultation with troop and police contributing countries and the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, or C34.

• C 34 has been giving due consideration to the issue of mental health of UN personnel in peace operations. 

UNSC resolution on mental health

• members of the United Nations Security Council unanimously passed a resolution on mental health and psychosocial support for personnel of UN peace operations.

• Mexico initiated the draft resolution on mental health and psychosocial support.

• The draft resolution will be the first stand-alone Security Council resolution on mental health. 

• The draft resolution recognises the need to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and psychosocial support for UN peace operations personnel.

• It references the 2018 United Nations Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, a comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of UN personnel and improving organizational capabilities to maintain and protect mental health, which Applies to the entire United Nations system.

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