India donates USD 300,000 for significant peacekeeping initiative on issues of conduct, discipline

India has donated USD 300,000 for a peacekeeping initiative at the UN that will focus on issues of conduct along with sexual exploitation and abuse and help develop the capacity of future commanders and managers to lead by example.

The UN Department of Field Support announced that the Indian government had donated about USD 300,000 for the 'Pipeline to Peacekeeping Command Programme' with a specific focus on issues of conduct and discipline.

The programme will, over a period of three years, help develop the capacity of future commanders and managers to lead by example and raise awareness of UN standards of conduct among their personnel, said Stphane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN secretary-general.

The programme will equip future commanders and managers to respond to allegations of misconduct including through collaborating with the various stakeholders in mission settings during the investigation and disciplinary process.

India's Permanent Representative at the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin said India is a strong supporter of the UN's Zero Tolerance Policy on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and remains committed to contribute through all means possible for this cause.

Under-Secretary-General for Field Support Atul Khare said the programme will be the first of its kind with a focus on issues of conduct and sexual exploitation and abuse, and said the UN is grateful for India's leadership on such a significant new initiative.

India, one of the largest troop contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions, has been a key partner in preventing and addressing sexual exploitation and abuse, and there have been no allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse against uniformed personnel from India since 2013.

India is also noted as the first contributor to the Trust Fund in Support of Victims of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.

The country is also a signatory to the Voluntary Compact on Eliminating Sexual Exploitation and Abuse and a member of the Circle of Leadership of the Secretary-General on the prevention and response to sexual exploitation and abuse.