I would like to thank Under-Secretary-Generals Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Atul Khare and Gilles Michaud for their very insightful briefings.
The safety and security of peacekeepers is an integral benchmark of the ability of UN peacekeeping to adapt to the ever changing circumstances of where and how it operates. Three years ago, the establishment of the “A4P initiative” and the Declaration of Shared Commitments provided a clear cohesive approach to tackling the interconnected priorities of UN peacekeeping and ensuring that it is able to reform and adjust to the needs and challenges it is facing.
Now, Estonia will continue to support the “Action for Peacekeeping plus” initiative, and place high importance on its goals of improving the performance and accountability of peacekeeping, promoting the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and addressing capability and integration gaps. All these priorities in turn affect the safety and security of peacekeepers as they implement their core mandates of protecting civilians and advancing political solutions.
Improving the safety and security of peacekeepers involves a multitude of factors. It includes ensuring that equipment and training meet requisite standards and are appropriate for the circumstances of the particular operation area. Utilizing new technologies, including UAVs, together with appropriate training to increase the capabilities of peacekeepers. Addressing greater attention to SOFA violations which can constitute a serious risk to the safety of peacekeepers and mandate implementation. Meanwhile the Covid-19 pandemic has introduced new medical risks and entrenched illnesses as the largest contributor to peacekeeper casualties.
Violence against peacekeepers remains a grave issue that must be better investigated and prosecuted. More can also be done to prevent it. Regrettably the deliberate targeting of UN peacekeepers has increasingly become an approach for those not interested in peace, the spoilers who profit from instability. This, however, makes the job of peacekeepers so much more important. Because for millions of people around the world, our blue helmets represent the best hope for peace and stability. Estonia condemns in the strongest terms the targeting and killing of UN peacekeepers and emphasizes that the perpetrators and instigators of such violence must be brought to justice.
I would like to conclude by expressing gratitude and strong support to all UN peacekeepers, women and men, whose dedication and sacrifice bring hope to millions and help countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace. And I would finish by honoring the service of those