Whereas giving medals to uniformed peacekeepers could seem like an ordinary process, it’s an act that carries profound that means. The Blue Helmets who obtain them have proved their price by demonstrating selflessness, dedication and sacrifice, typically beneath difficult circumstances.
That was the gist of the message delivered by Lieutenant-Normal Mohan Subramanian, Power Commander of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), at three latest medal-pinning occasions in Bor.
“Whereas it means laborious work and generally daunting duties, I really feel privileged to contribute to the pursuit of peace. After 14 years within the navy, the expertise of serving to create a greater world is each rewarding and unforgettable,” mentioned Bezawit Girum, a medical physician within the Ethiopian military.
She was one in every of 68 ladies peacekeepers from Ethiopia and South Korea having her efforts acknowledged in the course of the award ceremonies. In complete, greater than 1,700 navy personnel – 643 from Ethiopia, 268 from South Korea and 850 hailing from India – being honoured for his or her excellent service within the identify of peace since their deployment in April this 12 months.
The 18th Ethiopian contingent’s vital function in maintaining convoys of humanitarian support secure as they bring about life-saving provides to these most in want was duly highlighted by the visiting Power Commander.
Thus far, they’ve performed 124 brief and lengthy length patrols, together with some by air, to discourage violence in opposition to civilians. They’ve additionally accomplished about 1,000 foot patrols and supplied pressure safety for numerous missions undertaken by UNMISS and humanitarian companions.
South Korean peacekeepers have made vital contributions to the safety of civilians in Jonglei and the Larger Pibor Administrative Space as properly. As well as, their contingent stands out for making a degree of selling ladies to vital posts.
“I’ve all the time felt revered as an equal, and the inclusive setting permits me to excel in my duties. The alternatives I’ve been given encourage me to all the time give my highest,” mentioned Yang Yoon Yeong, a nurse serving with UNMISS.
Engineering troops from her nation are presently enjoying a vital function in flood mitigation efforts, not least by setting up a number of kilometers’ price of dykes to guard each civilians, not least a camp for internally displaced individuals in Bor, and demanding infrastructure, just like the airstrip and hospital in Pibor. Flight operations are significantly important, as they allow uninterrupted humanitarian efforts.
Ahead- and sustainability pondering additionally characterizes a South Koreans’ rice cultivation initiative in collaboration with the Dr. John Garang College in Bor. At present, some 30 younger ladies and men are studying agricultural methods, utilizing tools that has been handed over by the UNMISS contingent, to contribute to elevated meals safety. Future plans embody providing native youths vocational trainings within the fields of carpentry and electrical work as properly.
The big group of Indian Blue Helmets are after all additionally enjoying their half in helping the South Sudanese people who they’re right here to serve. Certainly one of their main achievements is the continuing upkeep work performed to maintain some 400 kilometers of significant provide routes connecting Bor, Pibor and Akobo operational for merchants, humanitarians and peacekeepers alike.
The Indian contingent has additionally endeared itself to cattle house owners within the area by organizing free veterinary camps for ailing animals, thus contributing to the livelihoods of 1000’s of individuals counting on their (largely) bovine beasts boosting good well being.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).