Uvira, 7 July 2022 (TDI): The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) Acting General awarded medals to Pakistani peacebuilding officers working in DR Congo.
South Kivu, 5 Jul 22. MONUSCO Acting Force Commander Maj Gen Benoit CHAVANAT awarded UN medals to Pakistani peacekeepers in an auspicious ceremony held at UVIRA. The ceremony was witnessed by GoDRC Leaders and FARDC. Gen appreciated the tireless efforts rendered by peacekeepers. pic.twitter.com/USJGU79vqI
— MONUSCO FORCE (@MonuscoF) July 6, 2022
The MONUSCO Acting Force Commander Major General Benoit Chavanat awarded the medals in an auspicious ceremony held in Uvira (a city in Congo).
The ceremony was witnessed by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (GoDRC) leaders and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Moreover, the General appreciated the tireless efforts rendered by the Pakistani peacekeepers. Similarly, in January 2020 – the first-ever Pakistani Female Engagement team in any United Nations (UN) mission around the world received UN medals.
Inspired by Pakistani women serving with distinction in the @UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC. The first Pakistani all-female group of 15 peacekeepers received medals last week for their work performing a range of services to the conflict-affected eastern DRC. AGW 📸credit @UN pic.twitter.com/3puYU7r4WW
— State_SCA (@State_SCA) February 11, 2020
They received recognition for their service in the Peacekeeping Mission in the DR Congo. A team of 15 Pakistani women officers was the first one to receive it.
It is pertinent to note that it was a major recognition for being the first all-female group from Pakistan to serve in a UN peacekeeping mission.
Pakistan in UN peacebuilding
Pakistan joined the United Nations on 30 September 1947 and has ever since played a significant role part in UN Peacebuilding projects.
Not only men but Pakistan women have also contributed to many UN peacebuilding missions. Pakistan has been serving United Nations peace building since August 1960.
When it comes to UN peacekeeping efforts, Pakistan has played a vital role as Pakistan Armed Forces are the third-largest contributor of troops to UN Peacebuilding.
United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations (UNDPKO)
United Nations Peacekeeping helps countries affected by conflict and creates the conditions for lasting peace. It is comprised of civilians, police, and military personnel.
These peacekeepers are also obliged to play their role in contributing to assisting in political processes like reforming judicial systems and training law enforcement and police forces.
Similarly, disarming and reintegrating former combatants and contributing to the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) as well as refugees are its responsibilities.
According to a report published in 2017, there are approximately 7500 troops serving in the peacebuilding missions, presently.
