Launch of the Barrier Assessment (MOWIP) Project Report, Medal ceremony for Engineering contingent 423 recently completed mission in Central African Republic, and Handover of UN compensation to injured peacekeeper

[Check Against Delivery]

Excellency Gen. TEA Seiha, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense

Excellency Gen. Sem Sovanny, Director General of National Center for Peacekeeping Forces, Mines and Explosive Remnants of War Clearance (NPMEC)

Excellencies, Peacekeepers, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and gentlemen,

It is with great and genuine gratitude and honor that I join you here today to mark three important moments: the return of Engineering Contingent 423 from the peacekeeping operations in the Central African Republic; the presentation of compensation for an injured peacekeeper; and, the launch of the Barrier Assessment Project Report. 

Though we mark all three occasions here today as one, I wish to emphasize that I view each of these individually as achievements and moments worthy of singular and special recognition.

Returning contingent

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

I would like to turn first to the returning men and women of Engineering Contingent 423. Welcome home. 

You have served with bravery, dignity and professionalism in the service of peace in an environment a world away that doubtless presented you with moments of challenge, doubt and difficulty. But only in those moments can courage be measured, and as you return, you do so as courageous peacekeepers who have served the community of nations in search of a better tomorrow. 

Cambodia has an outstanding tradition of peacekeeping, with more than 9500 Cambodian peacekeepers serving across 10 countries. 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. Engineering contingent 423 now join this proud tradition.

The safe return of deployed peacekeepers is always a cause for celebration, reflection and thanks. I offer all this to you, the returning men and women of contingent 423. 

I also take this moment to extend my heartfelt thanks to the families of contingent 423 – your partners, husbands, wives, parents, children and beyond. It is only through their strength, their sacrifice and their love and support that those returning today can do what you do, can go where you need to go, and serve in the manner that you must serve. 

Contingent 423, on behalf of the United Nations, thank you and welcome home.

Compensation

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

In recognizing our returning peacekeepers, we must also recognize the reality of peacekeeping deployments – that injury, and even death, are genuine risks, and that not everyone may return as they left. With this in mind, it is with great humility that on behalf of the United Nations I witness the presentation of compensation to Lieutenant Suon Sambath for injuries he suffered in the course of his duties as a UN peacekeeper. Lieutenant Suon served as part of returning contingent 423 deployed to the Central African Republic, before he was injured in November last year. 

Lieutenant, your courage and resolve are seen, your sacrifice is recognized and your contribution to the cause of peace is held with our deepest gratitude. Thank you for your service.

Launch of the report

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

Cambodia is one of the lead ASEAN Member States advancing the Women Peace and Security agenda in the region. As part of this, Cambodia has committed to increase its deployment of military women to UN Peacekeeping operations to more than 20 per cent by 2028. 

In order to make this concrete, an assessment has been undertaken to highlight areas where the Cambodian armed forces are working well and areas where additional focus is needed. The report released today includes the results and recommendations from this assessment.

Understanding these barriers to greater participation by women within peacekeeping operations is essential, and I thank The Elsie Initiative Fund for its support to the Government in continuing to work towards its commitment to gender equality, including through today’s report.

The report outlines several essential recommendations for capacity building and training support for both female and male officers. It emphasizes the importance of enhancing skills beyond those required for unit deployment, including pre-deployment technical and practical training. It also addresses the specific needs of women during deployment, such as the provision of healthcare and mental health support.

Concrete measures are recommended, including implementing official parental leave policies and addressing gender and social norms. These steps aim to combat misconceptions and stigma surrounding women’s deployment. In this regard, the visibility of female role models and trailblazers within the institution and broader society is essential.

Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen,

The report launched today is a testament to the commitment of the Royal Government of Cambodia and the armed forces to concretely address women’s participation in peacekeeping operations. This is no small step. And it is fitting that it takes place at the same time that we recognize the very real work of Cambodian peacekeeping contingents as they return home. This is not a theoretical exercise, nor about ticking a box nor satisfying an agenda. This is about continuing to build, to strengthen and to support Cambodian peacekeepers in the field – to make them safer, stronger and more effective.

I thank His Excellency General TEA Seiha, his ministry and the senior ranks of the Cambodian armed forces for their support and leadership. And I thank all the members of the Cambodian Armed Forces for their commitment to peacekeeping, and encourage them to embrace the need for continued evolution and the steps taken to achieve this. 

Lastly, I thank the Elsie Initiative Fund and its donors, and reiterate the commitment of the United Nations to support Cambodia in the next phase of this project, and in implementing the recommendations from the assessment.

Thank you very much.