On Peacekeepers Day, UN to spotlight vital role of women peace operations

May 29 marks the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. Over the years, Pakistan has contributed to the UN’s peacekeeping operations with over 200,000 troops in 46 missions across 28 countries.

Women in Peacekeeping, this year’s theme, highlights their central role in UN operations.

“Women often have greater access in the communities we serve, enabling us to improve the protection of civilians, promote human rights and enhance overall performance” observed the UN chief, adding that “yet, women continue to represent only six per cent of uniformed military, police, justice and corrections personnel in field missions”.

The Secretary-General also bestowed the ‘2019 Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award’, for the first time, to two peacekeepers.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also appreciated the role Pakistan’s women peacekeepers from time to time.

In recent years, Pakistan has increased its female representation in peacekeeping missions and was the first country to deploy female engagement teams. Currently, there are 30 Pakistani female officers serving in two such teams, with another team to be deployed in Congo by June 20.

Pakistan is one of the most consistent and reliable contributors to @unpeacekeeping efforts around the world.

I am travelling to Pakistan, where I plan to express my gratitude to the people #ServingForPeace. pic.twitter.com/81PuuIZ9kw

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) February 15, 2020

Besides the UN secretary general, the European Union Delegation to Pakistan also commemorated the role of Pakistani peacekeepers on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.

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