Nepalese peacekeepers honoured in Haiti

1,068 Nepalese soldiers were awarded the United Nations peacekeeping medal amidst a ceremony at their base in Haiti this month. In the presence of the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and the Head of the United Nations Stabilization Force in Haiti (MINUSTAH), Hedi Annabi and many guests, they were honoured for their work in order to help stabilize the Caribbean nation.

"The medal you receive today is given in recognition of your individual contribution in the implementation of MINUSTAH's mandate," Annabi said before decorating the Nepalese 'blue-helmets' at their camp in Charly à Tabarre.

"We are all aware that your service away from your country is a sacrifice for you and your families. I thank you for your commitment to the cause of peace and international security and for your dedication," said Annabi.

The Nepalese soldiers were responsible for providing security in Haiti's central plateau region and in particular at the borders with the Dominican Republic.

This contingent of peacekeepers served during a very difficult time in Haiti. They were called upon to provide `life-saving assistance during the emergency rescue and evacuation" during last year's deadly hurricane season when hundreds of Haitians were killed and hundreds of thousands displaced.

The Nepalese peacekeepers were also among the first to provide rescue and medical support to the victims of a collapse of a school near Haiti's capital in November which resulted in the deaths of more than 100 children. nepalnews.com Feb 21 09