Indonesia Joins 72 Countries in Initiating UN Statement on Peacekeeping Troops' Safety

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Indonesia has initiated a joint statement among countries at the United Nations (UN) calling for comprehensive protection for UN peacekeeping troops. This comprehensive protection is specifically aimed at the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to enable it to continue carrying out its mandate. “We remind that peacekeepers must not be targeted for attacks,” said Indonesia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Umar Hadi, in a statement shared by the Indonesian Government’s Communication Agency (Bakom), on Friday (10/4/2026). He stated that Indonesia, together with 72 other countries, strongly condemns the consecutive attacks on UNIFIL personnel. This includes the incidents on 29 and 30 March 2026 that resulted in the deaths of three TNI soldiers, as well as other incidents that injured personnel from France, Ghana, Nepal, and Poland. In addition, Umar emphasised that the safety and security of UN peacekeepers is an obligation that must be guaranteed. “All attacks against them constitute violations because they are protected by the UN and UN Security Council resolutions. Therefore, such attacks could potentially be described as war crimes,” said Umar. Furthermore, Indonesia and the supporting countries also called on all parties to take concrete steps to ensure the safety and security of peacekeeping personnel in accordance with international law under any circumstances. “This effort is in line with UN Security Council Resolutions 2518 and 2589. Those responsible for these attacks must be held accountable,” said Umar. On this occasion, Umar also expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Lebanon. “We call on all parties to return to the ceasefire and respect UN Security Council Resolution 1701, to de-escalate, and to return to the negotiating table,” said Umar. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemlu), Indonesia initiated this joint statement in response to developments in the security situation in Lebanon that have impacted the peacekeeping forces.