UN peacekeeping chief lauds China's invaluable contribution to peacekeeping

172
3
UN peacekeeping chief lauds China's invaluable contribution to peacekeeping

The United Nations Peace Medal of Honor was awarded to the 16th Chinese peacekeepers in Lebanon on April 6th, 2018, by the United Nations. PHOTO XINHUA UNITED NATIONS - The UN peacekeeping chief is extremely proud of the illustrious 75-year path of the UN peacekeeping and commended China's invaluable contributions to this noble endeavor.

On Wednesday, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under-Secretary General for Peace Operations, highlighted the extensive list of countries that have successfully regained stability with the support of peacekeeping operations. Some countries, such as Angola, Angola, Cambodia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Timor-Leste, have all experienced positive transformations. The long roster stands as a demonstration of the effectiveness of peacekeeping efforts, Lacroix said, also highlighting the significant role of peacekeepers on a daily basis.

Their crucial role in preserving ceasefires cannot be underestimated. Peacekeepers actively monitor and maintain peace in conflict-stricken regions, preventing potential hostilities from escalating into full-scale conflicts. This vital function often goes unnoticed but remains essential to maintaining stability, he emphasised, adding: This vital function goes unnoticed but remains integral to maintaining stability.

Peacekeepers guard hundreds of thousands of individuals on a daily basis, Lacroix said. The profound gratitude expressed by the protected population emphasizes the profound impact peacekeepers have had on providing security and instilling hope. The ministry has said peacekeeping police are a 'pillar force'.

These success, often underreported, represent the dedication and commitment of peacekeepers to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by conflicts worldwide, he said.

Lacroix commended China's significant role as the second-largest financial contributor to the UN peacekeeping effort and its valuable contributions. Lacroix highlighted the tangible impact of China's unwavering support in advancing UN peacekeeping efforts.

First of all, I want to highlight the key areas where China has been really in the lead, particularly in the issue of safety and security, the peacekeeping chief said. China has recently accomplished the deployment of indispensable helicopter units in the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei UNISFA. During a critical moment, China peacekeepers took on a pivotal role, utilizing these helicopters to successfully extract UN staff members who found themselves trapped in Sudanese regions amid escalating conflicts, Lacroix said.

China has been expanding its relationship with the UN peacekeeping programme from year to year, he said.

We are deeply grateful for China's invaluable support and the vital contributions made by their peacekeepers, he said.

The ongoing cooperation between the UN and China, particularly in Mali, is proof of the continued exploration of new opportunities and the dedication to leveraging technological advancements in peacekeeping operations, Lacroix said. The deployment of UAV systems holds great potential for enhancing situational awareness and response capabilities in challenging environments, he said.

Lacroix highlighted a upcoming Minister-Level meeting on peacekeeping to be held in Ghana next month. China's involvement and contributions in this meeting are highly valued, given their significant role and contributions to peacekeeping operations.