Cambodia has dispatched 355 peacekeepers, including 86 women, to join UN missions in South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Lebanon. These personnel will replace previous troops and engage in crucial tasks like mine clearance and humanitarian activities. This deployment exemplifies Cambodia’s transformation into a key global peacekeeping contributor since its first mission in 2006.
On February 5, Cambodia initiated the deployment of 355 peacekeepers to participate in United Nations (UN) operations in South Sudan, the Central African Republic (CAR), and Lebanon, including 86 women in the contingent. Major General Sem Ratana, the acting Director-General of the National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces, indicated that these blue helmets would replace troops from earlier missions that had concluded after a year of service.
The new peacekeepers comprise 73 military police positioned within the UN Mission in South Sudan, 98 explosive ordnance disposal personnel assigned to the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in CAR, and 184 multi-role engineering staff tasked with duties in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon. During the ceremonial send-off in Phnom Penh, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Tea Seiha emphasized that the peacekeepers would undertake important tasks including mine clearance and humanitarian activities.
Since commencing its UN peacekeeping missions in 2006, Cambodia has contributed a total of 9,826 peacekeepers, of whom 857 are women, to various international operations across ten countries. Currently, Cambodian peacekeepers are deployed in South Sudan, Lebanon, CAR, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, showcasing the nation’s commitment to global peace efforts as acknowledged by UN resident coordinators.
The evolution of Cambodia from a beneficiary of UN peacekeeping into a prominent contributor among the ASEAN nations highlights its significant role in international peacekeeping. Cambodian deminers have made remarkable contributions worldwide, transforming war-torn areas filled with landmines into safe environments suitable for schools, hospitals, and farmland, thereby enhancing the quality of life for affected populations.
Cambodia’s involvement in UN peacekeeping initiatives began in 2006, marking a significant shift as the nation transitioned from needing assistance to becoming an active contributor. This evolution reflects the commitment of Cambodia to promote peace and stability globally, particularly in regions that have faced prolonged conflict. The Cambodian peacekeepers are recognized for their dedicated service and effectiveness in operations aimed at ensuring safety and facilitating reconstruction in war-affected areas.
In conclusion, Cambodia’s recent deployment of 355 peacekeepers underlines its ongoing commitment to international peacekeeping efforts. The inclusion of military police and explosive ordnance disposal personnel in diverse regions demonstrates the effectiveness of Cambodian forces in addressing critical humanitarian and security challenges. The continued contributions of Cambodian peacekeepers serve to enhance global safety and highlight the nation’s pivotal role in fostering stability in conflict-impacted areas.
Original Source: pune.news
