Cambodia has sent 355 peacekeepers, including 86 women, to UN missions in South Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Lebanon. This deployment succeeds previous forces whose missions concluded, emphasizing Cambodia’s growing role in global peacekeeping since it first participated in 2006. The personnel will engage in mine clearance, engineering, and humanitarian work, demonstrating the UN’s confidence in Cambodia’s contributions to international peace efforts.
On February 5, 2023, Cambodia dispatched 355 new peacekeepers, including 86 women, to participate in various United Nations peacekeeping missions in South Sudan, the Central African Republic (CAR), and Lebanon. According to Major General Sem Ratana, who directs the National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces, these personnel will succeed the previous troops whose missions concluded after one year. The contingent includes 73 military police officers, 98 explosive ordnance disposal experts, and 184 engineering staff members.
At the send-off ceremony in Phnom Penh, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Tea Seiha stated that these peacekeepers would focus on mine clearance, explosive ordnance disposal, bridge and road engineering, and other humanitarian efforts. He emphasized that the deployment reflects the trust the United Nations has in Cambodia’s ongoing contributions towards fostering peace and stability in regions afflicted by conflict.
Cambodia first contributed troops to United Nations peacekeeping operations in 2006 and has since sent 9,826 peacekeepers, of whom 857 are women, to various missions across ten countries. Presently, Cambodian peacekeepers are engaged in operations in South Sudan, Lebanon, the CAR, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, highlighting their global commitment.
International officials, particularly UN resident coordinators, have lauded the Cambodian peacekeepers for their valor and dedication. The nation, once reliant on external assistance for peacekeeping, has emerged as a leading contributor within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Notably, Cambodian deminers have played a critical role in transforming landmines and war remnants into usable spaces for education, health, and agriculture.
The commitment of Cambodia to international peacekeeping reflects its transformation from a beneficiary of UN support to a significant contributor to global peace efforts. Since commencing participation in 2006, Cambodia has bolstered its reputation among ASEAN nations and committed resources to various humanitarian missions. The role of peacekeepers, particularly in mine clearance, is vital for fostering recovery and stability in war-affected areas.
Cambodia’s dispatch of 355 peacekeepers represents a significant commitment to international peacekeeping and security efforts. This deployment underscores the trust placed in Cambodia by the United Nations, illustrating the country’s evolution into a proactive partner in global stabilization missions. With a record number of peacekeepers deployed, Cambodia continues to support humanitarian initiatives and foster rebuilding in regions impacted by war.
Original Source: pune.news
