Special Representative decorates 149 Pakistani police officers and donates equipment to Monitoring and Sensitisation Committees in Guiglo and Blolequin

Some 149 members of the Formed Police Unit (FPU) of the Pakistani contingent based in Guiglo received the United Nations Medal on Monday, 24 March 2014 at the end of a year's service with the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI). The medal parade ceremony was presided over by the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire and head of UNOCI, Mrs Aïchatou Mindaoudou, in the presence of local civilian and military authorities in the UN Mission's camp in Guiglo.

The Special Representative congratulated the recipients, adding that the medal should motive to continue their work. The head of UNOCI highlighted the remarkable contribution of the Pakistani contingents in the implementation of the UN Mission's mandate since their first deployment in the country in 2004. "I'm happy to award you this medal which in recognition of your continued professionalism in working to maintain peace in Côte d'Ivoire", she said while welcoming the perfect collaboration between local authorities and peacekeepers. In this regard, she thanked Ivorians for their support to the soldiers of peace.

The Special Representative recalled Pakistan's long tradition in supporting peacekeeping missions throughout the world. In effect, Pakistan has participated in 42 United Nations missions, including UNOCI, since 1960. Some 1,377 Pakistani military observers, police officers and military are currently serving in UNOCI.

The Commander of the Pakistani Contingent, Colonel Qaiser Mushataq outlined the various tasks carried out by his contingent which is based in Guiglo, one of the most sensitive areas in the country, with regard to working side by side with other Mission components and the local population. The FPU provides escort to UN police officers during daily patrols in the Guiglo, Duékoué and Bangolo area. The also provided security during regional elections and protection for high-level Ivorian officials. Colonel Qaiser thanked the Special Representative, her delegation and local authorities who attended the ceremony.

The head of UNOCI's police component, Commissioner Vianey Nshimiyimana, for his part, welcomed the good collaboration between the Pakistani FPU and UNPOL, which has resulted in both sides carrying out their duties with professionalism. "This Medal represents the international community's gratitude to you for your contribution to peace. Wear it with honour and pride!" he told the medal recipients. The ceremony ended with a military parade.

Donation of equipment to Monitoring and Sensitisation Committees in Guiglo and Blolequin

After the medal parade ceremony, the Special Representative and her delegation went to the Prefecture in Guiglo where she symbolically handed over material and equipment destined for the Monitoring and Sensitisation Committees in Guiglo and Blolequin, in the presence of the Prefect of Cavally Region, Mr. Messemba Koné and local government officials. The material and equipment comprised motorcycles, cycling helmets, sound systems, chairs and tents.

The equipment and materials were bought with funds provided by the United Nations Development (UNDP) and the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund.
To date, Côte d'Ivoire has set up 23 Monitoring and Sensitisation Committees. Chaired by prefects, the committees are composed of deputy prefects, elected local government officials, members of political parties, village chiefs, religious and community leaders, representatives of women's associations and youths.

Created in 2011 in the post-crisis context, the role of the committees is to promote dialogue between local communities, prevent inter-community violence and sensitise people on social cohesion.