UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix has lauded the role of Bangladesh in advancing the cause of women in peacekeeping missions.
"We thank you all, especially Bangladesh, which has repeatedly demonstrated a strong commitment in advancing the cause of women in peacekeeping," the UN official said at the opening of the two-day UN Peacekeeping Ministerial 2023 in Dhaka yesterday.
Bangladesh is co-hosting the meeting, under the theme of women in peacekeeping, with Canada and Uruguay.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen was also present.
Masud said the meeting marked the first milestone in the journey towards the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting to be held in Ghana in December.
“The theme of this preparatory meeting, ‘Women in UN Peacekeeping,' resonates deeply with the values and principles that Bangladesh holds dear,” he added.
Bangladesh is the largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping missions. At present, 7,436 Bangladeshi peacekeepers, including 572 women, are deployed in 14 countries.
Bangladesh started her journey in UN peacekeeping operations with the deployment of only 15 peacekeepers from Bangladesh Army in the Iran-Iraq Military Observer Group (UNIIMOG) in 1988.
Till now, 188,558 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have participated in 63 UN missions or assignments in 40 countries or locations.
Women in peacekeeping
"Recognizing the invaluable contributions of women peacekeepers, we are committed to promoting their meaningful participation in peacekeeping operations at all levels," the foreign secretary said.
He also mentioned that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is a global champion of women's empowerment and an ardent proponent of increasing the number of women peacekeepers.
“The all-female Formed Police Unit (FPU) contingents were the result of her active encouragement and support. Aligning with the UN's Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy, we have taken initiatives to increase the number of women peacekeepers,” Masud Bin Momen added.
“In addition to troops and police, our female judges and correction officers have also been serving in peacekeeping operations and contributing to security sector reforms,” the foreign secretary said.
He recalled Bangladesh's pioneering role as a non-permanent member of the Security Council in the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security in October 2000, making a clarion call for women's equal participation in the maintenance and promotion of peace and security.
“We have been also implementing a National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security involving all stakeholders,” he said.
Lacroix said steps had been taken to improve the working environment of women in peacekeeping missions.
But challenges remained, he said, as women made up only 6.5% of the entire contingent.
"Women are still excluded in combat and senior positions," he said.
Personal sacrifices of women peacekeepers must be recognized
During a meeting with Lacroix and Under-Secretary-General for Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance Catherine Pollard yesterday, Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen underscored the importance of recognizing the personal sacrifices of women peacekeepers.
He also highlighted Dhaka's strong commitment to fulfill the UN's target to increase women peacekeepers.
Momen stressed that the safety and security of the peacekeepers should be ensured while noting that Bangladesh has established Bangladesh Institute for Peace Support Operation and Training (BIPSOT) for providing regular and customized pre-deployment training to the Bangladeshi peacekeepers.
The foreign minister also reiterated Bangladesh's support to the UN's effort to maintain global peace and security.
The under-secretaries-general appreciated Bangladesh's leading position as the troop and police contributing country in the UN peacekeeping missions.
They also commended the proactive role and efforts of Bangladesh to increase women peacekeepers and welcomed Bangladesh's assurance to work together in the pursuit of global peace.
