Six police officers including a woman officer who will be soon leaving for a year-long assignment at the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) as peacekeepers.
The six police peacekeepers are Lt. Col Passang Dorji, Lt. Col. Dorji Khandu, Lt. Col. Jatshola, Lt. Col. Wangchula, Lt. Col. Karma Sonam and Capt. Nono, who is also the first female UN peacekeeper from Bhutan.
Granting an audience, His Majesty the King said Bhutan’s participation in UN peacekeeping was a matter of national pride. His Majesty said they must represent the country well by being a model of excellence, and conduct themselves with the highest standards of professional ethics.
Lyonchhen Tshering Tobgay also met with the officers and congratulated them for being the first police peacekeepers from Bhutan. Lyonchhen said Bhutan had always endeavored to be a responsible and an active member of the United Nations, one that was committed to the cause of international peace and security, and respect for the rule of law.
Lyonchhen said that it was indeed a proud moment for the country to be able to now contribute through direct engagement in UN peacekeeping operations to the maintenance of international peace and security.
This is the first time that police officers from Bhutan will be participating in a UN peacekeeping mission under the UN Police (UNPOL). The officers have all been selected based on their experience and training. They have also undergone pre-selection interview conducted by the UNPOL.
Police personnel taking part in UN peacekeeping missions provide technical and operational support to the host state police, assisting them to perform core public order and law enforcement functions.
They will also contribute to the rebuilding and strengthening of the host state police and law enforcement agencies on policing functions, development of specialist skills, and the training of police leaders.
