1.       Genesis.   During the 1980s, armed conflict occurred in most of Central American region.  The UN became directly involved in peacekeeping and peacemaking efforts in the region in 1989, when the government of Costa Rica, EI Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua requested for its assistance in the implementation of their collective agreement – known as the Esquipulas II Agreement and the Guatemala procedure. The Agreement dealt with an end to hostilities, national reconciliation, democratization and free elections, amongst a host of other provisions. Based on the agreement, ONUCA was established by on 07 November 1989. The mandate was to conduct on-site verification of compliance by the Governments of Costa Rica, EI Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua with their security undertaking contained in the Esquipuals II   Agreement. On 27 March 1990, the Council authorized, on a contingency basis, an enlargement of the mandate of ONUCA and the addition of armed personnel to its strength in order to enable it to play a part in the voluntary demobilization of the Nicaraguan Resistance.

2.      Contribution.    India was one of the principal contributors to this mission and contributed 10 military observers. ONUCA operations involved mobile teams of military observers patrolling from verification centers. Because of their professional competence and vast operational experience, the Indian officers were always most sought after especially in crises situations. The mission in Central America was terminated on 16 January 1992, and the military observers of ONUCA were transferred to form the military wing of ONUSAL.