Bangladesh calls for stronger UN peacekeeping capacity to protect civilians

UN side event titled “Dialogue to De-escalate: How United Nations Military Peacekeepers Protect Civilians through Dialogue and Engagement” held at the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the UN. Photo: UNB

Bangladesh has underscored the need for enhanced political backing, sufficient resources and modern capabilities for United Nations peacekeeping missions to better protect civilians amid escalating conflicts and evolving global security challenges.

Speaking at a UN side event titled "Dialogue to De-escalate: How United Nations Military Peacekeepers Protect Civilians through Dialogue and Engagement" at the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the UN, Ambassador Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury said peacekeepers continue to play a crucial role in safeguarding civilians in increasingly complex conflict environments.

He identified geopolitical tensions, rapid technological advancements and funding shortages as major obstacles to effectively implementing Protection of Civilians (POC) mandates.

Stressing the urgency of adapting to new realities, the envoy highlighted the importance of equipping peacekeepers to address emerging threats, including those related to artificial intelligence and evolving warfare technologies.

Referring to ongoing crises such as Gaza and the Rohingya situation, he voiced concern over rising civilian casualties and emphasized the need to ensure humanitarian access, enhance peacekeeper safety and promote dialogue-based approaches to de-escalate conflicts.

The event featured a panel discussion with senior officials including Cheryl Pearce of the UN Department of Peace Operations, Humphrey Nyone and Herly Sinaga.

Co-hosted by Bangladesh alongside Australia, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Uruguay and Zambia, as well as the Stimson Center, the session was moderated by Lisa Sharland and attended by senior UN officials, diplomats and peacekeeping experts.