A happy Commissioner yesterday afternoon, By Glenda Willie
Vanuatu is set to resume its participation in the United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Mission, according to the Commissioner for Vanuatu Police Force (VPF), Robson Iavro.
In an interview with local media, Iavro confirmed that the VPF received confirmation of the resumption of Vanuatu’s engagement from officials in New York yesterday morning.
The first 10 officers to be deployed to the UN Mission sites will undergo pre-deployment training in Indonesia in May. The training will equip the officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to execute their tasks on the ground during their mission.
While it is still early to confirm the countries where the officers will be deployed, Iavro confirmed that among the first load of officers, there will be a representation of female officers. Selected officers must meet the UN requirements and be of good character, experienced, and keen to learn, among other criteria.
Vanuatu deployed its first officers to the UN Peacekeeping mission in East Timor in 2000-2001. Since then, Vanuatu has participated in several UN Peacekeeping Missions, including Bosnia, South Sudan, Dafur Sudan, Ivory Coast, Congo, and Haiti. The last deployment was to Ivory Coast in 2014 with 13 officers who completed their mission in 2016.
According to Iavro, much effort has been put into recommencing this network. He thanked the previous and current government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Australian Federal Police (AFP), East Timor, and all VPF partners who worked hard to meet the UN requirements and make this happen.
Vanuatu’s resumption of engagement in the UN Peacekeeping Mission is a significant achievement for the small island nation.
The VPF’s participation in the mission demonstrates Vanuatu’s commitment to global peacekeeping efforts and strengthens its ties with the international community.
Source: Daily Post
Melanesia News 