UN Security Council backs new steps to prosecute attacks on peacekeepers
What's new: The measure gives the secretary-general 120 days to propose stronger accountability tools as prosecutions remain rare.
The U.N. Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution Tuesday aimed at improving investigations and prosecutions after attacks on U.N. peacekeepers. Drafted by Denmark and Pakistan and backed by more than 150 countries, the measure presses host states to take all necessary steps to investigate and prosecute those responsible, while urging all parties to cooperate. It also calls on Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to designate a senior focal point inside the U.N. to coordinate accountability efforts and to report back within 120 days with options to strengthen them. The vote came amid concern over rising violence against peacekeepers and persistently low prosecution rates, after seven U.N. personnel serving in Lebanon were killed during fighting in March.