Cambodia has sent 355 peacekeepers, including 86 women, to UN missions in South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Lebanon. This deployment replaces prior forces and emphasizes the peacekeepers’ roles in various humanitarian and engineering tasks. Since 2006, Cambodia has dispatched over 9,800 personnel to support UN peacekeeping initiatives, underscoring its growing international commitment to peace.
On February 5, 2023, Cambodia dispatched a total 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, the acting Director-General of the National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces, confirmed that these personnel would replace previous contingents whose one-year terms had concluded.
The new batch comprises 73 military police for the UN Mission in South Sudan, 98 explosive ordnance disposal experts for the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the CAR, and 184 engineering staff for the UN Interim Force in Lebanon. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Tea Seiha emphasized the peacekeepers’ roles in mine clearance, ordnance disposal, engineering of roads and bridges, and various humanitarian efforts during the send-off ceremony in Phnom Penh.
General Seiha remarked, “The departure of our peacekeepers for South Sudan, Central African Republic and Lebanon clearly show the UN’s confidence in our continuous contributions to promoting peace, security and stability in war-torn countries,” highlighting Cambodia’s growing involvement in global peace efforts.
Since initiating its overseas troop deployments in 2006, Cambodia has sent a cumulative total of 9,826 peacekeepers, including 857 women, to ten different countries. Presently, Cambodian personnel contribute to peacekeeping operations in South Sudan, Lebanon, the CAR, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Cambodian peacekeepers have received praise from UN resident coordinators for their dedication and bravery in service. Transitioning from a beneficiary of UN support to a prominent contributor within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Cambodia’s commitment to peacekeeping reflects its evolving role on the global stage.
Cambodian deminers, along with other UN mine-action personnel, have played a crucial role in transforming hazardous landscapes into safe spaces for schools, hospitals, and farmland, thereby saving countless lives.
Cambodia’s involvement in United Nations peacekeeping missions began in 2006, marking a significant transition from a nation that once required international aid to one that actively contributes to global peace efforts. The dispatch of peacekeepers signifies both the capabilities of Cambodian forces and the trust the UN places in their commitment to stabilizing conflict-affected areas. Over the years, Cambodia has emerged as a significant contributor to peacekeeping missions in various countries, reflecting its dedication to international cooperation and humanitarian assistance.
The recent deployment of 355 Cambodian peacekeepers to various UN missions underscores the nation’s commitment to global peace and security. With substantial participation in international peacekeeping since 2006, Cambodia has established itself as a reliable contributor, showcasing its capabilities and dedication to humanitarian projects. The country continues to transform war-torn regions into safer, usable lands through the diligent work of its peacekeepers and deminers.
Original Source: pune.news
