The UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2823 on June 23, 2026, aimed at strengthening accountability for attacks on UN peacekeepers [1, 2, 3]. The resolution was co-authored by Denmark and Pakistan and co-sponsored by more than 150 UN member states [1, 4, 3].
The resolution demands that host countries take all necessary steps to investigate and prosecute those responsible for attacks against peacekeepers. It also urges all parties involved to cooperate with investigations and requests the UN Secretary-General to appoint a senior focal point to coordinate accountability efforts [1, 4, 2, 3].
Troop- and police-contributing countries are encouraged to send investigators to assist host states on request. The resolution calls for annual UN reports on investigations and prosecutions related to peacekeeper attacks, with the first report due within 120 days of adoption [1, 4, 2, 3].
It further declares that attacks against UN peacekeepers may constitute war crimes and signals intent to consider additional accountability measures [1, 2]. Since 1948, approximately 4,500 UN peacekeepers from 134 countries have died on missions, including around 1,150 killed in malicious attacks [4, 3].
Recent incidents include seven peacekeepers killed in Lebanon in early March 2026 amid renewed Israel-Hezbollah fighting and six Bangladeshi peacekeepers killed in a drone strike in South Sudan in December 2025 [1, 3]. The Security Council vote was unanimous, securing the support of all 15 members [1, 2, 3].
Pakistan’s UN ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad stressed the need for practical accountability measures beyond condemnation, saying, "This draft resolution seeks to move the council beyond statements condemning these attacks. Council's pronouncements are important, condolences are necessary, but they are not enough" [2]. Denmark’s envoy Christina Markus Lassen said the resolution "sends a strong and important message to the over 50,000 personnel currently serving in peacekeeping missions" [2].
The UN Secretary-General is required to submit the first annual report on investigations and prosecutions related to peacekeeper attacks within 120 days of adopting the resolution [4].
