UN commends Cambodia’s commitment to peacekeeping

Synopsis: The United Nations has praised Cambodia’s enduring commitment to global peacekeeping as 156 troops, including a record number of female peacekeepers, depart for the Central African Republic under the UN’s MINUSCA mission.The United Nations has praised Cambodia’s steadfast commitment to global peace and security as 156 Cambodian peacekeepers from Force Construction Engineer Unit 486 prepare to depart for the Central African Republic under the UN peacekeeping mission MINUSCA.

At a send-off ceremony held on Thursday, Jo Scheuer, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Cambodia, lauded the Kingdom’s proud peacekeeping tradition, noting that more than 10,000 Cambodian personnel have served across 10 UN missions over the past two decades.

“You now join or rejoin the United Nations family and this exemplary tradition, welcomes you wholeheartedly,” Scheuer told the departing troops. “With your deployment, you reaffirm Cambodia’s commitment to upholding the spirit of the UN Charter – peace, dignity and prosperity for all.”

The latest deployment, he noted, reflects not only Cambodia’s continued contributions to international peace and security but also its leadership in advancing women, peace, and security agenda in the ASEAN region. This rotation includes 41 female peacekeepers—a record number for Cambodia—who will serve in critical engineering roles.

“We are deeply inspired by the 41 women peacekeepers joining Engineer Unit 486,” said Scheuer. “Their participation improves the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations and contributes to a more sustainable peace. They are role models, not just for Cambodia, but for the world.”

Scheuer extended heartfelt gratitude to the families of the peacekeepers, recognising their sacrifices. “It is only through their strength, their support and their love that you can serve in the manner that you must serve,” he said.

He also used the occasion to honour the memory of two Cambodian peacekeepers—Captain Duong Magaly and First Lieutenant Phat Muny—who tragically passed away while serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in May.

“We extend our deepest condolences to their families and to the Royal Government of Cambodia,” Scheuer said. “Their contributions and dedication will be remembered with the utmost respect.”

Major General Sem Ratana, Acting Director-General of the National Centre for Peacekeeping Forces, Mine and Explosive Remnants of War Clearance (NPMEC), presided over the ceremony and emphasised the strategic importance of Cambodia’s role in UN peacekeeping.

Since joining UN peacekeeping efforts in 2006, Cambodia has built a solid reputation for professionalism and discipline, particularly in engineering, demining, and medical support operations.

This year’s deployment to the Central African Republic—where civil unrest and instability persist—is part of Cambodia’s broader efforts to support conflict resolution and humanitarian recovery around the world.

“Cambodia’s peacekeepers represent the values of peace and humanity that the Kingdom holds dear,” said Scheuer. “As you prepare to serve in a country in need, we urge you to uphold the universal principles and values of the United Nations.”

The Cambodian peacekeepers will be tasked primarily with infrastructure repair, road construction, and base maintenance—vital contributions to supporting both the local population and the overall mission of peace in the region.KhmerTime