Cambodia has sent 355 peacekeepers, including 86 women, to South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Lebanon to support UN missions. The deployment highlights Cambodia’s growing role in international peacekeeping, with over 9,800 personnel dispatched since 2006. The peacekeepers will engage in various humanitarian tasks, including mine clearance, and reflect the UN’s confidence in Cambodia’s contributions to global peace efforts.
Cambodia has deployed 355 peacekeepers, including 86 women, to support United Nations peacekeeping missions in South Sudan, the Central African Republic (CAR), and Lebanon. Major General Sem Ratana, the acting Director-General of the National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces, stated that these personnel will replace those whose one-year assignments concluded. The contingent comprises 73 military police for South Sudan, 98 explosive ordnance experts for the CAR, and 184 engineering staff for Lebanon.
During the send-off ceremony in Phnom Penh, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Tea Seiha emphasized the important roles these peacekeepers would fulfill, such as mine clearance, explosive ordnance disposal, and infrastructure development. He remarked that this dispatch exemplifies the United Nations’ confidence in Cambodia’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in conflict-affected regions. Since 2006, Cambodia has contributed 9,826 peacekeepers to various missions across ten nations.
Currently, Cambodian forces are active in South Sudan, Lebanon, the CAR, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Over the years, UN officials have commended Cambodian peacekeepers for their bravery and dedication in promoting global peace and security. From being a recipient of UN peacekeeping support, Cambodia has evolved into one of the leading contributors of peacekeepers within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Across the globe, UN mine-action teams, including Cambodian deminers, have played a pivotal role in transforming hazardous regions filled with landmines and unexploded ordnance into safe environments suitable for schools and agricultural development. Their efforts have significantly contributed to saving lives and enhancing community safety.
The deployment of Cambodian peacekeepers is part of the country’s ongoing commitment to international peacekeeping efforts. Since joining the United Nations in 1955 and initiating troop contributions in 2006, Cambodia has made significant strides in becoming a notable contributor to global stability in various conflict zones. The nation’s experiences have given it a unique perspective, transitioning from a recipient of peacekeeping support to an active donor and participant in international missions, particularly through the auspices of the United Nations.
The recent deployment of Cambodian peacekeepers underscores the nation’s commitment to international peacekeeping efforts. By sending 355 personnel to various countries, Cambodia reaffirms its role in promoting global stability. This mission not only highlights the UN’s trust in Cambodia but also reflects the progress the country has made from benefactor to contributor in peacekeeping operations. The contributions of Cambodian peacekeepers in mine-action activities are crucial in transforming war-torn areas into safe environments for communities.
Original Source: pune.news