UN official hints at downsizing peacekeeping missions
UN Under-Secretary General for the Department of Field Support Ameerah Haq yesterday hinted that the number of UN peacekeeping troops working across the world might be cut down considering various factors.
Asked whether the downsizing is because of global economic crisis, she said “It is a combination of many factors, not just economic situation.â€
Ameerah, the first Bangladeshi woman to assume the position in the UN, was addressing a press conference at the capital's IDB Bhaban, wrapping up her three-day visit.
She said a lot is now done better through new technology than the ground troops.
Citing examples of withdrawal of peacekeepers from different countries, Ameerah said the UN peacekeeping mission was shutdown in East Timor following the smooth transition of democracy there.
In Haiti, she said, the UN had expanded its peacekeeping mission after the devastating earthquake, but now they feel it is the time to pull out. Same situations are emerging in Liberia and Darfur, she added.
Replying to a question whether the number of Bangladeshi peacekeepers would be reduced, Ameerah declined to talk about it.
She said according to the UN mandate, the job of peacekeeping has changed a lot and it has become “complexâ€.
She explained that the traditional peacekeeping like monitoring ceasefire is no longer there. Now the focus is on how to protect the civilians in the conflict-ridden country and building peace, she said.
At a briefing session at the foreign ministry, Ameerah underscored the need for strategic approaches to maintain Bangladesh's edge in troop contribution in the hybrid peacekeeping operations run jointly by the UN and the regional organisations like the African Union.
She shared some practical advices on how Bangladesh could enhance its engagement with UN peacekeeping and peace building in the context of the increasingly complex and multi-dimensional peacekeeping operations.
She encouraged Bangladesh's businesses to explore the feasibility of doing business with the UN in terms of supplying logistics and services mobilised by the Department of Field Support (DFS) for UN peacekeeping operations.
Yesterday Ameerah also met Inspector General of Police (IGP) Hassan Mahmood Khandker at the Police Headquarters.
She told the IGP that the number of Bangladeshi policemen to be recruited to the UN peacekeeping missions will be increased soon. The missions will also recruit more female police members from Bangladesh, she said.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments