"The 2011 elections will be a milestone towards strengthening peace in Liberia for Liberians," the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) Ellen Margrethe Løj said at UNMIL Head quarters in Monrovia on Wednesday July 13 when she awarded UN peacekeeping medals to 15 Nepalese Military Police Officers as an acknowledgement for their commitment in maintaining peace and stability and their dedication to the UN.

SRSG Løj took the opportunity to call upon all components of UNMIL to protect Liberia’s hard earned peace, despite several challenges. 

“Together we have worked hard towards maintaining the hard earned peace despite several challenges. I would like to call upon all components of the Mission to stay vigilant and protect the unbroken peace that has been sustained in the past eight years” said the SRSG.

The UN Envoy also commended the Nepalese Military Police officers for their commitment and their dedication to UNMIL, “We have all felt the positive impact of your contributions in support of the military”, said the SRSG, referring to assistance provided in traffic control and investigations.

The UN Envoy paid tribute to Nepal for its continued long-standing and substantial contribution to peacekeeping operations for over 50 years and furthermore for its effort in bringing more women to the forefront of its contribution to peacekeeping. She expressed hope to see more female Military police officers in the future.

The Nepalese contribution to UNMIL in Liberia comprises two Formed Police Units with 240 officers and one Force Military Police Unit with 15 officers, 11 Nepalese UN Police officers, 2 Military Observers and 3 staff officers at Force HQ.