Liberian girls asked to inspire from Indian female peacekeepers
Monrovia | Sunday, Nov 22 2009 IST
 

UN Envoy Ellen Margrethe Loj has said the Indian policewomen peacekeepers had infused a culture of tolerance, a tradition of respect and a natural inclination towards peaceful coexistence in UN operations.

Ms Loj, who decorated 125 Indian female peacekeepers serving with the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) with UN peacekeeping medals for their contribution to peace and stability in Liberia, praised the peacekeepers for the important outreach programmes they have provided to the Congo Town communities.

With basic self-defence training and computer classes, the peacekeepers had reached out to Liberian women and developed their capacities and practical skills to empower them to improve their lives.

''Your medical outreach and awareness campaigns to promote proper hygiene and sanitation have touched the lives of many community members in Congo Town; you have adopted the pupils of Hebron Orphanage and Victory Chapel School, and you have positively changed their lives,'' she added.

She hoped that the inspiration which the Indian women peacekeepers had provided the Liberian female would be among the many lasting impressions of their work in Liberia.

''Your work here will leave a positive legacy in the Rule of Law sector in Liberia,'' Ms Loj said, commending the contributions of the Indian peacekeepers.

Paying tribute to Commander Annie Abraham for her excellent and exemplary leadership, Ms Loj said the Commander had employed her skills and professionalism to effectively lead the unit.

''The unit hit the ground running on arrival and showed itself to be a capable force, protecting UN officials and VIPs, as well as protecting various installations,'' she said.

Ms Loj praised India for being the first country to send an all female Formed Police Unit to a peacekeeping mission in support of the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325.

''This resolution recognises that armed conflicts often affect women and girls most severely, and so it mandates that women should play a more active role in peacekeeping efforts,'' she noted.

Since their first mission in Korea in 1950, Indian blue helmets continue to make a difference in a variety of capacities in missions such as Iraq, Lebanon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Haiti and Liberia.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, ''Be the change that you want to see in the world,'' the Special Representative of the Secretary-General reminded all peacekeepers serving with UNMIL to display utmost professionalism in their work.

''Our behaviour must be a demonstration of our commitment to upholding the essential qualities of trust and respect in our daily interactions with our Liberian brothers and sisters,'' she stressed.

Attending the medal award ceremony were the Deputy Acting Police Commissioner Gautam Sawang. Commerce and Liberia's Industry Minister Miatta Beyslow, Ms Shamma Jain, Ambassador of India accredited to Liberia and other members of the Diplomatic Corps in Liberia

-- (UNI) -- 22DF1.xml

 

Viewer's Comment Comments Not Available

More Stories

Reliance raises $1 billion through overseas bond issue 

Sensex closes 82 points lower as industrial output slows (Roundup) 

FIFA urges Uganda football federation to amend constitution 

Chinese held for poaching panda 17 years ago 

Rajasthan Tourism beckons 

Anbazhagan blames Pondy govt for rising rate 

Haryana issues advisory on consumption of Lauki juice 

Encephalitis not any issue in Poorvanchal during UP polls ! 

Printer Friendly Version