Nepal Leads in Deploying Security Personnel to UN Peace Missions

08th Feb 2024

Nepal has secured the top spot in the list of countries sending the highest number of security personnel to United Nations (UN) peacekeeping missions, with 6,247 personnel currently deployed, according to the latest data from the UN. This significant achievement marks Nepal’s prominent role in global peacekeeping efforts.

Over the past 65 years of participation in UN peace missions, Nepal has steadily risen in its contribution, surpassing other nations to claim the top position. Brigadier General Krishna Prasad Bhandari, spokesperson of the Nepalese Army, highlighted this milestone, emphasizing Nepal’s longstanding commitment to peacekeeping endeavors.

Bangladesh ranks second, followed by India in third place, in terms of sending the most security personnel, with 6,197 and 6,073 personnel respectively. Similarly, Rwanda holds the fourth position, while Pakistan stands fifth. South Asian countries dominate the list of nations contributing the most security personnel to UN missions.

Nepal has deployed personnel from the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police for peacekeeping missions. Currently, 5,885 Nepali Army personnel are deployed across various missions, including 680 female security personnel, spanning 12 missions. The Nepali Army reports that a total of 149,890 soldiers, armed police, and Nepal Police personnel have participated in 44 UN peacekeeping missions. Unfortunately, 73 security personnel have lost their lives, and 68 have been injured in the line of duty during these missions.

Nepal became a member of the United Nations in 1955. Since 1958, the Nepali Army has participated in UN peacekeeping missions, initially sending observers. Since 1973, Nepali troops have been deployed to Sinai, the border between Israel and Egypt, marking Nepal’s first military mission in peacekeeping efforts.

Nepal has committed to sending 10,000 troops to peace missions by 2028. The UN aims to increase the participation of military women to 15 percent and military observers and staff officers to 25 percent by the same year. Spokesperson Bhandari stated that the army is gradually working to increase the participation of women soldiers.

The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali ceased operations on January 15. However, 16 Nepali soldiers are yet to return. Meanwhile, 1,700 personnel from Bangladesh have returned from peacekeeping missions.

The Nepali Army reports that two companies of troops are prepared for immediate mobilization as per the UN’s demand. These companies, trained at the Birendra Shanti Karya Training Center in Panchkhal, are equipped for deployment. Additionally, soldiers at the three-company and one-battalion levels are undergoing training for potential mission deployments.

Currently, Nepal has deployed six personnel at the United Nations headquarters, 16 in the Mali mission, 1,154 in Congo, 1,742 in South Sudan, 873 in Lebanon, 416 in Syria (Golan Heights), and 1,241 in the Central African Republic.

Furthermore, 88 soldiers are deployed in Iraq, 235 in Libya, three in Israel, two in Yemen, 104 in Abyei Sudan, and five in Western Sahara. Additionally, more than 240 peacekeepers from the Armed Police Force and Nepal Police are actively engaged in peacekeeping efforts.