Synopsis
On February 5, Cambodia dispatched 355 peacekeepers, including 86 women, to support United Nations peacekeeping efforts in South Sudan, Central African Republic, and Lebanon, demonstrating its commitment to global peacekeeping initiatives.Key Takeaways
- Cambodia has sent 355 peacekeepers to UN missions.
- 86 of the peacekeepers are women.
- They will serve in South Sudan, CAR, and Lebanon.
- This marks Cambodia's ongoing commitment to peacekeeping since 2006.
- Overall, Cambodia has deployed 9,826 peacekeepers to 10 countries.
Phnom Penh, Feb 5 (NationPress) On Wednesday, Cambodia sent off a new contingent of 355 peacekeepers, comprising 86 women, to participate in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions in South Sudan, the Central African Republic (CAR), and Lebanon, as reported by officials.
Major General Sem Ratana, who is the acting Director-General of the National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces, stated that these blue helmets would be replacing personnel from earlier deployments whose one-year terms have concluded.
He further mentioned that 73 military police would be assigned to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, 98 explosive ordnance disposal specialists would join the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the CAR, and 184 multi-role engineering staff members would serve with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon.
During the send-off event in Phnom Penh, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Tea Seiha highlighted that the peacekeepers would focus on activities such as mine clearance, explosive ordnance disposal, road and bridge engineering, along with various humanitarian efforts.
He remarked, “The deployment of our peacekeepers to South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Lebanon clearly illustrates the UN's trust in our ongoing role in fostering peace, security, and stability in regions affected by conflict,” as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The Southeast Asian nation began its involvement in UN peacekeeping missions in 2006, and to date, has dispatched a total of 9,826 peacekeepers, including 857 women, to participate in UN operations across 10 countries, according to Sem Ratana.
He also noted that currently, Cambodian peacekeepers are stationed in four nations: South Sudan, Lebanon, the CAR, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Over the years, UN resident coordinators have praised the peacekeepers for their bravery and commitment to the missions aimed at sustaining global peace and security.
Once a recipient of UN assistance, Cambodia has evolved into a leading contributor of blue helmets within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Across various nations, UN mine-action teams, which include Cambodian deminers, have not only saved numerous lives but have also transformed hazardous areas filled with landmines and remnants of war, such as cluster munitions, into safe spaces suitable for schools, hospitals, and agricultural use.
