Adam C Smith expresses the view that, as a country contributing the highest number of troops, Bangladesh should get more commanding posts in UN peacekeeping operations in the headquarters and the field level. Bangladesh is under-represented in that respect.
Unlike other countries, they go to any mission risking their lives, earning the UN's appreciation.
Bangladesh has one under-secretary general for the department of field support, Ms Ameerah Haq, who represents Bangladesh extremely well at the UN, says Smith, adding that Bangladesh could have a few more posts in the headquarters and the field.
The Bangladesh government should push for more such posts and Bangladesh has to continue to work on further developing their capabilities, not only on troops but also on equipment, Smith says.
DT: Participation of South Asian countries in UN peacekeeping missions has been coming down, why?
Smith: Participation of their troops as relative share of the total has decreased slightly from the historic level of 51% of all troops in 2006 to now 33%, which has been an average for the last 20 years. So, this has not necessarily gone below very far. At the same time, their policing contributions have increased. At present South Asia provides 35% of the all UN police force. So, there is a mixed trend.
DT: Do you think the UN peacekeeping has been facing shortage of funds?
Smith: Yes, I do think so. I think budgets have not kept up with the actual cost of peacekeeping in many countries, and I think in many TCCs [troops contributing countries], like Bangladesh, their troops have to deal with the consequences, the implications of these, I think, depressed peacekeeping budgets. They should be higher than they are. As a result of the financial crisis over the last few years you have seen an artificial ceiling on troops’ number, also on the budget. I think that negatively impacts peacekeeping, and makes it harder for your troops to do the job.
DT: Are there allegations of immoral activities by the peacekeepers? Does it question the role of peacekeepers in the host country?
Smith: No country is immune from immoral activities, such as sexual exploitation. The UN maintains “zero tolerance” for sexual exploitation. That can happen. Troops are stationed for 12 months.
DT: Can the UN peacekeeping be hampered if the armed forces got involved in the country’s governance?
Smith: There is a general trend that the UN examines the commitment of armed forces to the democratic process during the selection process so there may be some impacts on Bangladesh’s role as peacekeepers, although it varies from country to country.