UN Peacekeepers award

UN Peacekeepers

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Context:

Indian Army officer Major Radhika Sen will be receiving the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year award on May 30 from UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award

The Award is observed as the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.
The award recognises the efforts of a military peacekeeper in promoting the principles of the 2000 Security Council resolution that calls for protecting women and girls from conflict-related sexual violence and sets gender-related responsibilities for the UN.
Ms Sen is the second Indian peacekeeper to receive the honour after Major Suman Gawani, who served with the UN Mission in South Sudan and received the award in 2019.

Contributions

Sen served with the Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
Here she helped create the Community Alert Networks in North Kivu as a platform that brought in community leaders, young people, and women "to voice their security and humanitarian concerns.”
"with humility, compassion and dedication", she earned the trust of "conflict-affected communities, including women and girls" as her troops engaged with them "in an escalating conflict environment in North Kivu".
Radhika Sen, who led mixed-gender engagement patrols and activities, became a role model for both men and women by fostering "a safe space for men and women to operate together under her command".

International Day of UN Peacekeepers

The United Nations General Assembly officially established the day in 2002.
The theme for 2024 International Day of UN Peacekeepers is “Fit for the future, building better together”
The day honors the professionalism, dedication, and courage of all men and women who have served in UN peacekeeping operations.

UN Peacekeeping Role and Role

UN's Department of Peace Operations is responsible for peacekeeping, a tool developed to help countries in conflict create lasting peace conditions.
UN peacekeepers can include soldiers, police officers, and civilian personnel.
Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter grants the UN Security Council the power to maintain international peace and security.

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PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Which of the following awards recognizes outstanding individuals for their efforts in promoting gender equality in the military?

a) Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award

b) Military Excellence Award

c) Leadership in Defense Award

d) Gender Equality Champion Award

Ans: A