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Use of new technologies in UN peacekeeping should respect sovereignty of host countries: Chinese envoy
CGTN
UN peacekeepers stand aside as ambulances transport victims after an attack near the village of Kibumba, the Democratic Republic of Congo, February 22, 2021. /CFP

UN peacekeepers stand aside as ambulances transport victims after an attack near the village of Kibumba, the Democratic Republic of Congo, February 22, 2021. /CFP

The use of new technologies in UN peacekeeping should respect the sovereignty and will of the host countries, a Chinese envoy said on Wednesday.

Peacekeeping missions, when using technologies of all kinds to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance, should have prior consultations with the host countries to make sure that such use fully respects their sovereignty, upholds the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, including the principle of non-interference in internal affairs, and follows basic principles of peacekeeping, said Dai Bing, the charge d'affaires at the Chinese Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

Peacekeeping missions should use relevant technologies based on the needs on the ground and in accordance with Security Council mandates, and should avoid harming the national security, public security and information security of host countries, he told a Security Council open debate on peacekeeping and technology.

"The use of new technologies must focus on improving the safety of peacekeeping personnel," he said.

He stressed the need to reduce the threat posed by improvised explosive devices to peacekeepers.

"Peacekeeping operations can fully use technological tools to improve information gathering and analysis, risk early warning, emergency response, emergency relief and other capacities, and reduce safety risks for peacekeepers," he added.

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency

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