Bangladesh calls for stronger UN peacekeeping capacity to protect civilians

Bangladesh has urged greater political backing, increased resources and modern capabilities for United Nations peacekeepers to strengthen civilian protection amid rising global conflicts and evolving security threats.

The call was made at a 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 United Nations in New York on Monday, said a press release.

Bangladesh Ambassador to the UN Salahuddin Noman Chowdhury said peacekeepers play a crucial role in safeguarding civilians in increasingly complex conflict environments.

He noted that geopolitical tensions, rapid technological change and funding shortages are major challenges to implementing Protection of Civilians mandates.

He stressed the need to better equip peacekeepers to address emerging threats, including those linked to artificial intelligence and modern warfare technologies.

Referring to Gaza and the Rohingya crisis, the ambassador expressed concern over rising civilian casualties and emphasised the importance of humanitarian access, safety of peacekeepers and dialogue-based approaches to de-escalate conflicts.

The event included a panel discussion featuring senior UN peacekeeping officials and military representatives, including Cheryl Pearce, Humphrey Nyone and Herly Sinaga.

It was co-hosted by Bangladesh, Australia, France, Ghana, Indonesia, Uruguay, Zambia and the Stimson Center, and attended by senior UN officials, diplomats and peacekeeping experts.