New Delhi [India], August 30 (ANI): Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on Saturday said that MEA Secretary (West) Tanmaya Lal attended the valedictory function of the UN Women Military Officers course, hosted by the Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping.
Jaiswal noted that the event saw participation from women officers representing 15 partner countries of the Global South. In a post on X, the MEA stated: “India – a committed partner for UN Peacekeeping; Women, Peace & Security agenda; and perspectives of Global South. Secretary (West) Tanmaya Lal attended the valedictory function of the UN Women Military Officers course, hosted by Centre for United Nations Peacekeeping India, that saw participation of women officers from 15 partner countries of Global South along with 12 Indian officers.”
United Nations Peacekeeping works to ensure that women’s priorities are central to peace and security decisions at all levels. To achieve this, it addresses social, cultural, and political barriers, as well as protection risks, that limit women’s full participation in achieving and sustaining peace.
Its initiatives are guided by the Secretary-General’s Action for Peacekeeping Initiative (2018) and his Call to Action “Women Transforming Peace and Security” (2020). Both underscore that women’s full, equal, and meaningful participation in peace processes, political solutions, and peace operations, along with gender-responsive efforts, are essential for effective peacekeeping.
Earlier, on August 20, India’s Charge d’Affaires at the United Nations, Eldos Mathew Punnoos, highlighted that India was one of the first nations to support the Secretary-General’s Trust Fund for victims of sexual exploitation and abuse.
“Mr. President, the Secretary-General’s Trust Fund in support of victims of sexual exploitation and abuse is an important resource which should be further strengthened. India was among the first nations to contribute to this fund and remains committed to supporting such victims,” he said.
“Our dedication to the cause can be seen from the fact that in November 2017, a voluntary compact was reached between the UN Secretary-General and the Government of India on commitment to eliminate sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping, humanitarian, and development work,” he added.
He further noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India joined the circle of leadership on the prevention of and response to sexual exploitation and abuse in United Nations operations, underscoring its seriousness on the issue. (ANI)
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