Nepali peacekeepers awarded in Liberia

Nepali peacekeepers have been awarded medals for their contribution to peace and security in Liberia.

255 Nepali peacekeepers (240 members of Formed Police Units and 15 Military Police officers) were awarded UN peacekeeping medals by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) in Liberia, Ms. Ellen Margrethe Løj, a statement by the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) reads.

Recognizing the long commitment of the Nepali government to peacekeeping operations, in general and to Liberia in particular, SRSG Løj noted the times Nepali peacekeepers have served in Liberia - during the UN Observer Mission in 1996, and now in UNMIL since 2003. “You have traveled thousands of kilometers and made personal and professional sacrifices so that Liberians can live in peace, security and freedom”.

The UN Envoy recounted the contributions of the Nepali peacekeepers to the Liberia National Police, which have contributed to reducing incidents of violent crimes in the country. She commended them for their unique sense of compassion and respect for diversity. “I am immensely proud that you - Nepali peacekeepers - have brought your unique traditions to peacekeeping in Liberia and conducted yourselves with compassion and respect for diversity. We deeply value this approach”. She assured them that the difficult situation under which they perform their duties is well appreciated by UNMIL and the UN, and she conveyed the appreciation of the head of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Alain Le Roy, whom she said, was, “particularly impressed at the high sense of commitment and professionalism exhibited by peacekeepers in Liberia”.

SRSG Løj also praised the outreach activities of the Nepali contingent in training youth in the various communities in cooking and vehicle mechanics; as well as training the Monrovia Central Prison inmates in vegetable farming, which has not only helped to improve their nutritional status, but also equipped them with skills to become productive member of their communities after their jail sentence is over.

Nepal is the fifth largest troop contributing country worldwide. Over 76,000 of its peacekeepers have served in various peace missions since 1958 when it became a member of the United Nations. Currently, over 3,900 are deployed in eleven missions around the world. nepalnews.com Jun 26 09