Send-Off ceremony of Cambodian Peacekeepers Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit 98, Central African Republic

***Check Against Delivery***

• Samdech Pichey Sena Tea Banh, Deputy Prime, Minister and Minister of National Defence
• Excellency General Sem Sovanny, Director- General of the National Center for Peace Keeping Force, Mine and Explosive Remnants of War Clearance
• Excellencies, Peacekeepers, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and gentlemen,

On behalf of the United Nations, it is my honour to join you recognizing Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit 98, who will serve in the multidimensional peacekeeping mission known as MINUSCA in the Central African Republic.

The 98 members of the unit join a fearless and proud tradition of Cambodian service in the cause of United Nations peacekeeping, joining the ranks of the more than 8,400 Cambodian troops who have served across nine countries. I commend these courageous and dedicated women and men who have served and are continuing to serve in UN peacekeeping operations supporting global peace and security.

UN peacekeepers work tirelessly, often in the toughest of conditions. Collectively, they manifest the best attributes of global solidarity and global aspirations for peace, serving in dangerous environments to protect the most vulnerable – while representing our diverse global community.

For Unit 98, your commitment and service will take you a world away to the Central African Republic and it will be a mission that will undoubtedly present you with serious challenges. But courage is not tested in the easy times – it is proven in moments of trial and times of difficulty.

I have no doubts that you will rise to these moments and meet the difficult times with the honour and spirit your fellow Cambodian peacekeepers have demonstrated, and as reflects the principles of the United Nations and the honour of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

With your departure today, you reaffirm Cambodia’s commitment to upholding the spirit of the UN Charter and joining together with a true community of nations, united in their quest for peace and a better future for all. Your service demonstrates that the common ties that bind humanity together are far stronger than the forces that seek to tear us apart. I hope this will act as a beacon of hope to others not only in Cambodia, but across the world.

In countries across the globe, UN mine-action personnel, including expert Cambodian deminers, have not only saved countless lives, but they have transformed danger zones littered with landmines and the explosive remnants of war, such as cluster munitions, into areas that now can be used for schools, hospitals and farms.

I have experienced the transformative impact of peacekeeping firsthand. Before coming to take up my function in Cambodia, I worked in Mali as the head of United Nations Development Programme and witnessed Cambodia’s peacekeepers in action on the ground. I highly commend their commitment and dedication to building peace, security and friendship. Unit 98, you join an impressive tradition.

Samdech Deputy Prime Minister

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Now, more than ever, we need to bring to life the values and principles of the UN Charter in every corner of the world. And at the same time, we must recognise that this world is ever-evolving and we need to adapt and respond accordingly, including to better protect peacekeepers in the field.

The Declaration of Shared Commitments on UN Peacekeeping Operations represents a near-global consensus on a roadmap to strengthen peacekeeping, and Cambodia was among the first nations voicing their support.

As Unit 98 departs, it is timely to reflect on the commitments made in that Declaration, including the recognition that “lasting progress in strengthening security, national reconciliation, the rule of law, human rights and sustainable development needs to occur in parallel.”

One of the 8 areas of improvement recognised in the Declaration is support for Women Peace and Security. Full, equal and meaningful participation by women in the peace process, and in peacekeeping, is essential to success. The many and vital roles women play in conflict prevention, conflict resolution and peacebuilding are at the heart of building sustainable peace and security. In addition, women peacekeepers serve as role models, championing gender equality, and inspiring girls around the world to engage in peacebuilding initiatives at home and abroad.

I highlight this important agenda because it has particular resonance today. Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit 98 is the first Cambodian peacekeeping unit to be commanded by a female officer. I foresee it will not be the last. Cambodia has demonstrated strong commitment to women’s participation in peacekeeping. UN figures show that at the end of 2022, Cambodia was ranked 5th globally in the proportion of their deployed peacekeepers being women out of the 78 countries contributing troops.

The deployment of this unit further burnishes that record and I applaud the courageous Cambodian women in uniform for your commitment and service.

The Kingdom of Cambodia, once a beneficiary of UN support and the assistance of peacekeepers through UNTAC, has transformed to become one of the top ASEAN blue helmet contributors. 

The United Nations is grateful to you, the Royal Government, and the people of Cambodia for joining the common cause to achieve peace in the world.

Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit 98, I do not come here today to bid you farewell. I come to bid you welcome. Though you may soon be far from your families here in Cambodia, I offer you each a warm welcome into the United Nations family.

You will wear the famous blue helmets, carry the UN emblem on your uniforms, serve beneath the UN flag. We are now joined in a common purpose, sisters and brothers aiming to make tomorrow better than today. I acknowledge your dedication and bravery and have no doubt you will lead by example and uphold the highest standards of integrity. As you join the UN family, I encourage you to discharge your duties in the proud tradition of the Kingdom of Cambodia – tough and solid as eternal stone. 

Thank you for your service and I wish you the very best for your mission.

I thank you very much, Samdech, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen