Defense Minister Walter Martos on Friday presided over a send-off ceremony for the V Contingent of Peru Engineering Company —known as Blue Helmets— whose members will depart on a peace mission to the Central African Republic (CAR).
"It is worth noting that our country is committed to increasing the participation of military women in peace operations. The UN has stressed the work of the female staff for their commitment, dedication, and humanity," Martos said during the ceremony.
"You have the great responsibility of being ambassadors of Peru. You will project the values built up at armed institutions as well as the culture of our country," he added.
The contingent will join MINUSCA on January 21 in order to take part in the construction and maintenance of airdromes, the installation of peace operations headquarters, as well as other engineering works assigned by the UN.
According to the minister, the contingents of Peruvian Armed Forces, which represent the Inca country all over the world, are hailed as one of the best worldwide, not only for their preparation and training, but also for the institutional values that they embody.
Held at the Army headquarters in Lima, the farewell ceremony featured Head of the Joint Command of the Armed Forces Cesar Astudillo, as well as senior Army, Navy, and Air Force officers.
About MINUSCA
Concerned with the security, humanitarian, human rights and political crisis in the Central African Republic and its regional implications, the Security Council authorized on 10 April 2014 deployment of a multidimensional United Nations peacekeeping operation – MINUSCA – with the protection of civilians as its utmost priority.
Its other initial tasks included support for the transition process; facilitating humanitarian assistance; promotion and protection of human rights; support for justice and the rule of law; as well as disarmament, demobilization, reintegration, and repatriation processes.
(END) NDP/CVC/RMB
Published: 1/17/2020