Kathmandu: On the United Nations Day on October 24, there was a lot of praise for UN peacekeepers. At the event jointly organized by the Ministry of Defense and the Nepali Army, Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli commended peacekeepers from around the world, particularly those serving in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). “For decades, we have been a persistent advocate of peace, equality, cooperation, and the peaceful resolution of conflict in the international arena. Our long contributions to UN peacekeeping missions, international treaties, and disarmament efforts reflect our dedication to global tranquility and harmony. I am immensely proud of our peacekeepers, whose tireless dedication has left a lasting mark on conflict-affected regions in every nook and corner of the globe,” he said.
Nepal is the largest troop contributor to the UN peacekeeping missions and Nepal Army soldiers serve at probably the most challenging conflict zones in the world—Lebanon. With Israel’s offensive continuing in Lebanon and reports of Israeli troops striking the peacekeeping positions, concerns have been rightly raised in Nepal about the safety of Nepali peacekeepers.
Nepali peacekeepers are appreciated worldwide for their professionalism and hard work. Since its first deployment in 1958, the Nepali Army has been a crucial contributor to United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions. Nepal has established itself as a committed and reliable partner in international peace efforts, deploying troops to some of the world’s most challenging conflict zones. Nepali peacekeepers have served in diverse regions, from Africa to the Middle East, demonstrating professionalism, resilience, and adherence to neutrality and integrity. Their reputation for being adaptable, disciplined, and respectful of local cultures has earned them the respect of host communities and fellow international forces.
A center not to forget
Birendra Peace Operations Training Centre located in Panchkhal of Kavre district is at the heart of all this. Actually, this is the army institution which actually builds the reputation of Nepal Army. It is this Center which equips Nepali troops with the skills to operate effectively in complex and unstable environments. It offers specialized training in conflict resolution, cultural sensitivity, human rights, and disaster management. It ensures that soldiers are prepared for the multifaceted challenges they may face in different missions worldwide. Over the years, the Center has grown into a regional hub for peacekeeping education, hosting workshops and seminars in collaboration with international partners. The center’s focus on building the capacity of its troops has helped cement Nepal’s reputation as a reliable contributor to UN peacekeeping. The Center ensures Nepali peacekeepers are among the most capable and prepared troops deployed under the UN flag.
Despite its positive role in global peacekeeping, the Nepal Army has faced criticisms, particularly concerning allegations of human rights violations during the Maoist insurgency. According to a security officer familiar with Nepal’s Army’s contribution to the UN peacekeeping mission, this shadow of the past is sometimes used by some actors as a tool to discredit Nepal Army and to create obstacles in bringing in enough resources for Birendra Peace Operations Training Centre.
The murder of Maina Sunuwar by some irresponsible Army personnel in 2004 is sometimes cited to discredit Nepal Army. The 15-year-old school girl was detained, tortured, and killed in 2004 by Nepali Army personnel at the Birendra Peace Operations Training Centre, according to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights in Nepal. This incident became a symbol of the human rights violations that occurred during Nepal’s internal conflict and attracted significant international criticism.
The three soldiers–Amit Pun, Sunil Adhikari and Boby Khatri who were stationed at the Birendra Peace Operations Training Centre in Panchkhal, Kavre at the time of the incident had been convicted by a court martial in 2005 which jailed them for six months. Later in April, 2017, the Kavre District Court sentenced them to 20 years in jail. The verdict was welcomed by the United Nations as well.
However, the incident still casts a shadow over the army’s reputation in international peacekeeping circles though Nepali Army has integrated human rights education into its training programs, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future, the officer said.
Experts are of the view that this shadow of the past should be removed forever. New challenges are emerging in peacekeeping operations and they include complex and hybrid conflicts that often involve information warfare and cybersecurity threats, requiring enhanced training for troops, said Narayan Adhikari, a researcher on national security and terrorism. He listed the challenges that we could face.
Climate change could exacerbate resource scarcity and natural disasters in conflict zones, adding new dimensions to peacekeeping operations. The rise of autonomous weapons systems and drones poses opportunities and risks for peacekeepers, demanding careful consideration of legal and ethical issues. Political polarization within the UN Security Council could hinder the authorization and funding of peacekeeping missions, creating uncertainties for troop-contributing countries like Nepal. Humanitarian crises such as large-scale refugee flows and disease outbreaks could strain peacekeepers’ capacity. “Addressing these challenges will require Nepal to invest in new training programs, enhance partnerships with other nations, and ensure that peacekeeping mandates remain adaptable to changing conditions,” he said.
In this context, Birendra Peace Operations Training Centre and the proposed National Defense University (NDU) can be platforms for fostering regional cooperation and enhancing Nepal’s ability to contribute to global security, he mentioned. By building on its strengths and addressing its challenges, the Nepali Army can remain a cornerstone of the UN’s peacekeeping missions, contributing to peace, stability, and humanitarian values worldwide.
“Under the UN flag, the Nepali Army has been a steadfast symbol of peace and hope in conflict zones around the world. Their tireless efforts to restore lives and promote stability have earned them international respect,” said Adhikari. “The Nepali Army’s participation in UN peacekeeping missions demonstrates its commitment to humanitarian principles and dedication to building a better future for all.”
“Our troops are serving in the UN and actively working to combat crimes against humanity and uphold universal human rights. Their sacrifices and unwavering commitment to justice and dignity are a testament to our nation’s values.”
Regarding incidents like that of war-era crime on Maina Sunuwar, he said, the situation in Nepal during the Maoist conflict was complex and multifaceted. “It is imperative that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) thoroughly investigates and addresses crimes against humanity, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. Unfortunately, the TRC has faced challenges in achieving these goals, including slow judicial processes, political interference, and delays in providing justice to victims’ families.”
“To ensure a more just and equitable outcome, it is essential to prioritize the needs of victims, expedite legal proceedings, and strengthen accountability mechanisms. By doing so, Nepal can demonstrate its unwavering commitment to addressing the past and building a brighter future for all its citizens,” Narayan Adhikari said.
Nepal Army officials say that Nepal Army’s commitment to peace and human rights are exemplary and institutions like BPOTC need more support and resources. “Nepali Army’s role in global peacekeeping has been acknowledged and highly appreciated by the whole world. This is because we have worked with the highest degree of integrity, honesty and professionalism,” said Gaurav Kumar KC, Nepal Army spokesperson . “So many of our soldiers have sacrificed their lives in conflict zones so that there will be peace. This testifies our commitment to peace and human rights. Nothing will change this.” He also said Birendra Peace Operations Training Centre needs to be made more resourceful and more efficient. “BPOTC is an exemplary peace operation training center in South Asia. It trains and prepares thousands of competent and professional peacekeepers every year who go to maintain peace in the world’s risky conflict zones, he said adding that more attempts should be made by the United Nations, national as well as international stakeholders to make BPOTC even more resourceful in every sense.
Legal experts are of the view that Nepal’s positive role in global peacekeeping efforts should be acknowledged by all. “Every victim has the right to justice according to law. I hope transitional justice mechanisms will look into and resolve conflict-era cases,” said Jivesh Jha, who is a legal practitioner, columnist and author of several books. “But it does not look fair to raise a case that occurred 20 years ago, the case in which Nepal Army has court-martialed the perpetrators and in which the court has given verdict in favor of the victim to undermine a very positive role and contribution of Nepal Army to the global peacekeeping initiative,” said Jha.
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