Cambodia has dispatched 355 peacekeepers, with 86 women, to support UN operations in South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Lebanon. This deployment marks a continuation of Cambodia’s commitment to international peacekeeping since 2006, with significant contributions to global stability and safety. The personnel will engage in mine clearance, road construction, and other humanitarian efforts.
On February 5, 2023, Cambodia deployed a new group of 355 peacekeepers, including 86 women, to support United Nations missions in South Sudan, the Central African Republic (CAR), and Lebanon. Major General Sem Ratana, acting Director-General of the National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces, noted that these personnel are rotating in for those who have completed their one-year terms. The contingent consists of military police, explosive ordnance disposal specialists, and engineering staff.
During the send-off ceremony in Phnom Penh, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Tea Seiha emphasized the importance of these peacekeepers in tasks such as mine clearance, explosive ordnance disposal, and infrastructure development. He remarked that their deployment illustrates the UN’s faith in Cambodia’s ongoing commitment to promoting global peace and security in conflict-ridden regions.
Cambodia began participating in UN peacekeeping missions in 2006 and has since dispatched a total of 9,826 personnel, including 857 women, to various missions worldwide. Currently, Cambodian peacekeepers are stationed in four nations: South Sudan, Lebanon, the CAR, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, continuing their significant contributions to international peacekeeping.
The Cambodian peacekeepers have garnered praise from UN resident coordinators for their valor and dedication to advancing global peace and security efforts. Once a recipient of UN support, Cambodia has evolved into one of the leading contributors of peacekeepers within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The engagement of UN mine action professionals, including those from Cambodia, has been vital in saving lives and rehabilitating areas previously devastated by landmines and unexploded ordnance. These transformed regions are now being utilized for essential services and agriculture, highlighting the critical role of peacekeepers in rebuilding post-conflict societies.
The deployment of peacekeepers is a vital part of the United Nations’ efforts to maintain peace and stability in war-torn countries. Cambodia, having once benefited from international peacekeeping assistance, has made substantial strides in contributing to these missions. Since its first troop deployment in 2006, Cambodia has developed a strong framework for peacekeeping, especially within the ASEAN framework, showcasing its commitment to international cooperation in addressing global conflicts.
In summary, Cambodia’s recent deployment of 355 peacekeepers reflects its dedication to international peacekeeping efforts under the auspices of the United Nations. The mission serves vital functions in conflict zones, contributed by a growing number of personnel over the years. This ongoing commitment not only highlights Cambodia’s evolution from a beneficiary to a contributor of peacekeeping forces but also underscores the significance of these missions in rebuilding safer communities worldwide.
Original Source: www.daijiworld.com
