Latest news with #UNMedals
Times of Oman
04-08-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Indian peacekeepers honoured with UN Medals for protecting civilians in South Sudan
Juba: In a proud moment, Indian peacekeepers, including 12 women serving in South Sudan, were recently awarded the UN Medals for protecting civilians and humanitarian convoys. The official account of the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, New York, said in a post in hindi on the social media platform X, "Recognition for the dedicated services of Indian peacekeepers." The appreciation in response to a tweet posted earlier by UNMISS, which said, "UNMISS peacekeepers from #India working in Bor, Akobo & Pibor in #SouthSudan have been awarded @UNmedals for protecting civilians & humanitarian convoys, + providing medical & veterinary services. A total of 838 Blue Helmets, including 12 women, were rewarded." Earlier in June this year, the Blue Helmets from India hosted a two-day medical outreach at the UN Protection of Civilians site, adjacent to the Mission's base in Malakal, where around 315 displaced people received free treatment, UNMISS reported. UN Peacekeeping began in 1948 with the establishment of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) in the Middle East to monitor ceasefires, an official statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. India has been a key contributor to global peace and security, with over 2,90,000 peacekeepers serving in more than 50 UN missions. Currently, over 5,000 Indian peacekeepers are deployed in 9 active missions, working in challenging conditions to promote international peace. It further noted that the UN Peacekeepers, known as Blue Helmets, get their name from the light blue of the United Nations flag. In 1947, the UN decided on this colour because blue symbolises peace, while red is often linked to war. This light blue shade has since become a symbol of the UN.
The Star
21-06-2025
- General
- The Star
M'sian peacekeepers awarded UN Medals
Well deserved: Some of the Malbatt 850-12 personnel posing with their UN Medals. KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 155 members of the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) 850-12, comprising 20 officers, 134 other ranks, and one administrative and diplomatic officer, have been awarded United Nations (UN) Medals in recognition of their service in Lebanon. The medals were presented during a formal parade held in full military tradition at Marakah Camp, Lebanon, on Thursday. Leading the ceremony was Deputy Commander of Malbatt 850-12, Lt-Kol Firdaus Shah Budin, who served as the parade commander. 'The event was accompanied by a performance from the Ghana Battalion (Ghanbatt) military band,' Malbatt said in a statement yesterday. Topping the list of recipients was Malbatt 850-12 Commander, Kol Johan Effendi Mohd Shalleh, who received the medal in recognition of his leadership and significant contribution to the mission's success. The medals were conferred by United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) Sector West Commander, Brig-Gen Nicola Mandolesi, who presented the awards to senior officers and personnel of all ranks. Also in attendance was Malaysia's Ambassador to Lebanon, Azri Mat Yacob, who officiated the medal adornment ceremony on behalf of the Malaysian government as a symbol of national support and appreciation for the contingent's peacekeeping contributions. The UN Medals serve as formal recognition of Malbatt 850-12's professionalism, dedication and vital role in maintaining peace and supporting international missions in the region. Malbatt 850-12 was deployed under Unifil in November 2024 during a period of heightened security tensions in southern Lebanon stemming from rising friction between Israel and Iran. These developments significantly strained local political stability and public safety. 'The presence of Malbatt 850-12 has been crucial in supporting Unifil's mandate to assist the Lebanese government in strengthening security control and monitoring within the area of operations,' the statement said. The contingent has also built strong cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces, enabling effective operations. Beyond peacekeeping, Malbatt 850-12 has been involved in numerous humanitarian missions, including medical outreach, food aid distribution, and community engagement programmes for orphans. These initiatives have fostered goodwill with local communities and contributed meaningfully to social stability in the region.
The Star
20-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Malbatt honoured with UN Medals for contributions to peacekeeping, outreach programmes
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 155 personnel from the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) 850-12, including 20 officers, 134 other ranks, and one government staff member, were honoured with United Nations (UN) Medals. They were honoured in a ceremonial medal parade held at the Marakah Camp in Lebanon on Thursday (June 19). The parade, held in full military tradition, was led by Malbatt 850-12 deputy commander Leftenan Kolonel Firdaus Shah Budin, who served as the parade commander. The event was accompanied by a performance from the Ghana Battalion (Ghanbatt) military band. Heading the list of medal recipients was Malbatt 850-12 commander Kolonel Johan Effendi Mohd Shalleh, in recognition of his leadership and significant contribution to the mission's success. The medals were presented by United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) Sector West commander, Brigadier General Nicola Mandolesi, who later continued the award ceremony to senior officers and all other ranks. Also present was Malaysia's Ambassador to Lebanon, Azri Mat Yacob, who officiated the medal adornment as a gesture of the Malaysian Government's support and appreciation for the contingent's role in international peacekeeping efforts. The awarding of the UN Medals is an official recognition of the professionalism, dedication, and contributions of Malbatt 850-12 personnel in maintaining regional peace and supporting international missions. Malbatt 850-12 began its deployment under Unifil in November 2024, during a period of heightened security concerns in southern Lebanon, amid escalating tensions in the region involving Israel and Iran. These challenges posed significant pressure on local political stability and public safety. In this context, Malbatt 850-12 played a crucial role in supporting Unifil's mandate to assist the Lebanese government in strengthening security control and monitoring within the area of operations, while also fostering strong cooperation with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). Beyond peacekeeping operations, Malbatt 850-12 has also carried out numerous humanitarian initiatives, including medical outreach, food aid distribution, and engagement programmes for orphans. These efforts have helped foster goodwill with local communities and contributed meaningfully to social stability within the region.
