Nepal, a small landlocked country nestled in the majestic Himalayas, has made an outsized contribution to global peace and security through its participation in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations.
Despite its modest size and limited resources, Nepal has consistently ranked among the largest contributors of troops and police personnel to UN missions worldwide.
This commitment reflects Nepal’s dedication to international peace, respect for multilateralism, and desire to contribute to global stability.
Central to Nepal’s foreign policy are its abiding faith in the Charter of the United Nations and the value of world peace.
Over the decades, Nepal’s role in UN peacekeeping has earned it widespread recognition and respect, solidifying its reputation as a reliable and courageous partner in maintaining global peace.
Historical Context of Nepal’s Involvement
Nepal’s involvement in UN peacekeeping began in 1958, just a few years after the country joined the United Nations in 1955.
The first Nepali peacekeepers were deployed as part of the United Nations Observer Group in Lebanon (UNOGIL).
Nepali women have also served in other UN missions, such as the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), and the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), among others.
Since then, Nepal has participated in over 40 UN peacekeeping missions across the globe, including in conflict zones in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
Over 150,000 Nepali peacekeepers have served under the UN flag, consistently ranking Nepal among the top contributors of troops and police personnel.
Nepal’s peacekeeping contributions are rooted in its cultural and historical values.
The country has long embraced the principles of non-violence, cooperation, and respect for sovereignty, aligning closely with the UN’s mission.
Furthermore, Nepal’s military, the Nepalese Army, has a strong tradition of discipline, professionalism, and adaptability, making its personnel well-suited for the complex and often dangerous environments of peacekeeping operations.
Contributions to Global Peacekeeping Efforts
Nepal’s peacekeepers have served in some of the most challenging and high-risk UN missions.
From Congo to South Sudan, from Haiti to Lebanon, Nepali troops and police have played critical roles in protecting civilians, facilitating humanitarian aid, and supporting post-conflict reconstruction.
Their efforts have been instrumental in stabilizing conflict-affected regions and fostering conditions for lasting peace.
One of Nepal’s most notable contributions has been in the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
Nepal has been a major troop contributor to this mission, which is one of the largest and most complex UN peacekeeping operations.
Nepali peacekeepers have been involved in a wide range of activities, including patrolling conflict zones, disarming armed groups, and supporting the Congolese government in maintaining security.
Their efforts have been widely praised for their professionalism and effectiveness.
In addition to its military contributions, Nepal has also provided police personnel to UN missions.
Nepali police officers have served in countries such as Haiti, Liberia, and Sudan, where they have helped build local law enforcement capacity, promote the rule of law, and protect vulnerable populations.
Their work has been crucial in restoring trust in public institutions and ensuring the safety of communities affected by conflict.
Sacrifices and Challenges
Nepal’s commitment to UN peacekeeping has come at a significant cost.
Over 80 Nepali peacekeepers have lost their lives in the line of duty, with many more injured, as they are often deployed to the most sensitive conflict zones.
These sacrifices underscore the risks and challenges that Nepali peacekeepers face in their mission to protect civilians and promote peace.
Despite these challenges, Nepal has remained steadfast in its commitment to peacekeeping, demonstrating remarkable resilience and courage.
One of the most tragic incidents in Nepal’s peacekeeping history occurred in 2010, when a Nepali helicopter crashed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, killing all 11 peacekeepers on board.
This incident was a stark reminder of the dangers peacekeepers face and the sacrifices they make in the pursuit of peace.
Nevertheless, Nepal has continued to contribute to UN missions, driven by a sense of duty and commitment to global peace.
Women in Peacekeeping
In recent years, Nepal has made significant strides in increasing the participation of women in peacekeeping operations.
Recognizing the importance of gender equality in peacekeeping, Nepal has deployed female troops and police officers to UN missions.
These women have played vital roles in addressing gender-based violence, supporting women’s empowerment, and building trust with local communities.
Their presence has not only enhanced the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations but has also served as a powerful symbol of Nepal’s commitment to gender equality.
In 2020, Nepal deployed its first all-female contingent of peacekeepers to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
This contingent consisted of 132 women, including police officers and support staff, who were tasked with providing security, conducting patrols, and engaging with local communities to build trust and promote gender equality.
This deployment was a landmark moment for Nepal and demonstrated its commitment to empowering women in peacekeeping roles.
Nepal’s adaptability and willingness to embrace new challenges will be crucial in ensuring its peacekeeping contributions remain relevant and impactful.
Nepali women have also served in other UN missions, such as the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), and the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), among others.
Recognition and Legacy
Nepal’s contributions to UN peacekeeping have been widely recognized and appreciated by the international community.
The country has received numerous accolades for its peacekeeping efforts, including the prestigious Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, which is awarded posthumously to peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Additionally, Nepal has been praised for its professionalism, discipline, and dedication to the principles of peacekeeping.
Nepal’s peacekeeping legacy extends beyond its military and police contributions.
The country has also been an active participant in shaping global peacekeeping policies and practices.
Nepal has consistently advocated for the protection of civilians, the importance of gender equality, and the need for adequate resources and support for peacekeeping missions.
These contributions have helped strengthen the UN’s peacekeeping efforts and ensure they remain relevant and effective in addressing contemporary security challenges.
The Future of Nepal’s Peacekeeping Role
As the nature of conflict and security challenges evolves, Nepal remains committed to playing an active role in UN peacekeeping.
The country has expressed its willingness to contribute to new and emerging peacekeeping initiatives, including those focused on counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, and climate-related security risks.
While UN peacekeeping has been a cornerstone of Nepal’s soft power, it has also generated significant revenue for the country, which is used to foster Nepal’s economic transformation.
Nepal’s adaptability and willingness to embrace new challenges will be crucial in ensuring its peacekeeping contributions remain relevant and impactful.
At the same time, Nepal has emphasized the need for greater international support and cooperation to address the root causes of conflict and promote sustainable peace.
The country has called for increased investment in conflict prevention, peacebuilding, and development, recognizing that these efforts are essential for achieving lasting peace and security.
Conclusion
Nepal’s role in UN peacekeeping operations is a testament to its commitment to global peace and security.
Despite its small size and limited resources, Nepal, the land of Buddha, has made significant contributions to some of the world’s most challenging peacekeeping missions.
Nepali peacekeepers have demonstrated exceptional courage, professionalism, and dedication, earning the respect and admiration of the international community.
As Nepal continues to contribute to UN peacekeeping, it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of multilateralism and collective action in addressing global challenges.
Nepal’s peacekeeping legacy is not only a source of national pride but also a shining example of how even the smallest nations can make a profound impact on the world stage.
While UN peacekeeping has been a cornerstone of Nepal’s soft power, it has also generated significant revenue for the country, which is used to foster Nepal’s economic transformation.
Through its unwavering commitment to peace, Nepal has truly earned its place as a global leader in peacekeeping.
(Regmi is Editor of Sandesh Danik and writes on national and international issues)
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