May 2012 - UNMIL Today - 1

The United Nations and Government of Liberia pay tribute to fallen peacekeepers

By Seble Worku

The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) ob-served the annual International Day of UN Peacekeep-ers that also marks the 64th anniversary of peacekeeping by the United Nations in a solemn ceremony at UNMIL

Headquarters in Monrovia and around the country. In Monrovia, the event brought together senior officials of

the Liberian Government, the United Nations family, members of the Diplomatic Corps, non-governmental organizations and other partners. The Officer-In-Charge of UNMIL, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Rule of Law Louis Aucoin and the Representative of the President of the Republic of Liberia, Boima Fahnbulleh each laid wreaths in memory of fallen peacekeepers.

Fahnbulleh gave an account of the contributions of UN peace-keepers in restoring peace and stability to Liberia.

“We come today to honour the glorious memory of all those peacekeepers who have selflessly paid the supreme sacrifice in serving humanity in the arena of conflict management and resolu-tion. We also pay homage to those who have demonstrated and continue to exhibit the highest level of commitment, professional-ism and valor in the risky business of peace, confidence building and national reconciliation in all post-conflict societies,” he said.

UN envoy Aucoin delivered Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message commemorating the International Day of UN Peace-keepers. “Today we honor the memory of the more than 2,900 peacekeepers that have lost their lives in the line of duty over the years, and we pledge to carry on their work to bring stability to war-ravaged countries. The fallen peacekeepers came from many different troop-contributing countries, a poignant reminder of the global partnership that underpins United Nations peacekeeping.”

The Secretary-General’s message also noted that on this In-ternational Day of the United Nations Peacekeepers, “let us re-member the sacrifice of those who have served, and let us pledge to strengthen the global partnerships that make our blue helmets a beacon of hope to millions of people around the world.”

The colorful parade this year included 164 troops from 4 dif-ferent military contingents, who were joined by representatives of the Liberian National Police and Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization, symbolizing this year’s theme “Global partner-ships in Peacekeeping.”

Similar activities were carried out in other parts of Liberia including Bong, Nimba, Harper, Bomi, Grand Gedeh and Lofa.

Today, the United Nations has more than 121,000 men and women deployed in conflict zones around the world coming from nearly 116 Member States.

UNMIL

TodayMay 2012 Volume 8, Issue 11

Inside this Issue: Photo GalleryPeacekeepers’ Day ....... Pg. 6-7

Around LiberiaLNP Depot Handover ...... Pg. 3

Beyond WorkPakistani Peacekeepers ..... Pg. 8

2 - UNMIL Today May 2012

From the Editor

This year’s Inter-national Day of UN Peacekeep-ers was cel-

ebrated with a solemn ceremony at UNMIL headquarters in Mon-rovia and various ac-tivities in other parts of the country. We bring you the details in our cover story and snap-

shots of the event in our photo gallery.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has announced the

appointment of Karin Landgren as his new Special Representative

in Liberia and Head of UNMIL. A brief biography throws light on the vast experience the UN envoy

brings to Liberia. UNMIL Today extends a warm welcome to the new boss.

Two newly constructed Liberia National Police depots and a regional headquarters building for the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization -- all Quick Impact Projects -- were handed over to Liberian authorities recently aimed at strengthening the country’s rule of law sector. Pakistani peacekeepers have set up a new learn-ing centre -- Pakistan-Liberia Academy of Computer Education -- for the benefit of the residents of Bong County while UN Women sponsored a leadership training for female officers of the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization.

We have yet another inspiring story of a UN peacekeeper dem-onstrating the value of true integrity and thereby saving a local bank teller from financial ruin.

Read on.

Mathew Elavanalthoduka

By James S. King

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has ap-pointed Karin Landgren as his Special Repre-

sentative to Liberia and Head of United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). Landgren is a Swedish citizen and a career UN Diplomat. She replaces Ellen Margrethe Løj of Denmark who served UNMIL for more than 4 years.

Prior to her appointment as UN Envoy in Liberia, Landgren served as Special Representative of the Secretary-General to Nepal and Bu-rundi. She has many years of ex-perience in political development, resource mobilization, managerial

and international law at the United Na-tions.

She has worked extensively on hu-manitarian and refugee issues serving with United Nations High Commission-er for Refugees (UNHCR) in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Eritrea and Singapore as well as postings to India and the Phil-ippines. Landgren was legal advisor for the organization from 1994-1998. She also held the position of Head of Child Protection for the United Nations Chil-dren’s Fund (UNICEF) between 1998 and 2008.

Landgren obtained a bachelor’s de-gree in economics-international rela-tions and a master’s degree in interna-tional law from the London School of Economics. The new SRSG was born in 1957 and is a mother of two children.

UNMIL’s New SRSG

Chief of Public InformationIsabelle Abric

Editorial TeamRuby Ofori

James S. KingPhotos

Staton WinterEmmanuel Tobey

Design and GraphicsPaddy Defoxy Ilos, II

Thomas S. Blidi

www.unmil.unmissions.org

UNMIL TodayPublished by the Public Information Office, UNMIL

Head of PublicationsMathew Elavanalthoduka

May 2012 - UNMIL Today - 3

By Frances Alesi

A newly constructed Liberian National Police (LNP) Depot at Klay, Bomi County, was handed over to the local authority by UNMIL in early May. The station was built under UNMIL’s Quick Impact Projects (QIP)

with the aim of enhancing the rule of law.Representing the UNPOL Commissioner during the handover

ceremony, UNPOL Planning Coordinator Sajjad Afzal Afridi said this milestone achievement befitting addition and will no doubt boost the fulfillment of LNP’s mandate and performance in func-tions related to security. “The New Depot at Klay is a testament to UNMIL’s commitment to consolidate and ensure the security of the Liberian territory now and in the future,” Afridi said. He said the gesture also demonstrates that LNP officers deserve a well

equipped office for their activities; to encourage them to fulfill their duties with diligence and professionalism – thus, Klay LNP Depot is UNMIL’s direct response to this, he added.

Afridi said the importance of LNP cannot be overemphasised, and urged LNP Officers to offer their best service, because Police is a service; and that UNPOL advisers will continue to do their work with professionalism, integrity, courage and perseverance, and ensure Liberia gets nothing but the very best LNP officers. He said we can all attest to the role of the LNP in maintaining law and order for the sustenance of peace and security in Liberia. He assured that LNP presence in Klay and surrounding communities will make the communities feel secure. He appealled to LNP of-ficers and the people of Klay to take care of the building.

Representing the Inspector General of the Liberian National Police, Deputy Police Commissioner for Public Safety Amos B.

Nyenatorh said “We are grateful and will write your name on the table of our hearts; the work you do is kind of a seed planted in our lives and we will water it.” Commissioner Nyenatorh said UNPOL has plant-ed professionalism in the LNP system, and should keep up their good work, for their part LNP will give fullest cooperation. Commissioner Nyenatorh sent a strong caveat to the citizens of Klay not to target Po-lice stations but to channel their grievances through proper systems. He urged the citizens to talk to their children so they can be law abiding, adding the new structure is for the community and they should main-tain it. He said LNP is here to provide needed security, and strives to be a problem solving police, thus called for full cooperation of the community.

The Secretary to the District Commissioner, Klay District, said they were happy for this gesture towards the people of Klay, and that the facility will serve the purpose for which it was built.

UNMIL Hands Over New Police Depot

By Ruby Ofori

Another honest UNMIL peacekeeper has demon-strated true integrity. Lieu-tenant Colonel Dimitry Ar-

tyushchik was faced with two choices. First was to double his monthly pay and by so doing cause pain and suf-fering to a fellow human. The second choice was to turn his back on a finan-cial windfall and save someone from financial ruin. The Lieutenant Colonel decided to save the other person.

The Russian hero and UNMIL Military observer previously based in Gbarnga told UNMIL Today that he had already received his salary when the bank called him to say they had no record of paying him and he should therefore come to receive his pay.

Realizing a mistake had been made, Artyushchik’s deep sense of honesty and decency kicked-in. He knew that by taking the money there would be adverse consequences for the Liberian

Another honest PeAcekeePer sAves the DAybank teller who had made the mistake of paying him the first time without keeping record of the transaction. Indeed, the bank teller would be financially penalized and possibly have to repay the entire amount.

“I realized it was somebody’s mistake and I didn’t want to put anyone in trou-ble,” Artyushchik told UNMIL Today. “The Cashier made a mistake and for that they could go without pay for a couple of years,” he noted, adding that he has al-ways believed that “money can’t buy you happiness.”

Originally stationed in Gbarnga, Arty-ushchik has served in UNMIL for the past two and a half years and regards himself as one of the oldest Military Observers in the mission. The Russian officer recently completed his term of service at UNMIL

but before his departure he stressed the need for Liberian bank cashiers to be more careful. “Local Ca-shiers should be very attentive when dispensing funds to custom-ers,” he said.

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By James S. King

As a part of the effort by the government of Liberia and its UN partners to have more women in leadership roles in Liberia’s security sector, UN Women spon-sored a week-long training course for 20 senior fe-

male officers of the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (BIN) in May.

Speaking at the launch of the event, UN Women Repre-sentative to Liberia, Izeduwa Derex-Briggs, urged course par-ticipants to aspire to greater responsibilities so as to strengthen their leadership skills. Derex-Briggs further urged participants to “demonstrate a sense of high integrity” in their professional careers.

The training had as a specific objective to empower women in senior management positions to be able to navigate and suc-ceed in the male dominated workforce. Bin Commissioner Abla Gadegbeku Williams expressed satisfaction with the content of the training programme.

The course was in line with BIN’s strategic project plan

which seeks to increase the capacities of the organization’s top and middle level management as well as to introduce mechanisms for greater accountability and to set clear objectives for managers in accordance with rank and promotion policies.

Leadership Training for Female Immigration Officers

UNMIL Hands-over Newly Constructed Buildings to BIN and LNP in Grand Bassa County

By Moses M. Zangar, Jr.

UNMIL has completed and turned over two newly con-structed buildings to the Liberian Government for use by the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization and the Liberia National Police in Buchanan and the City

of Edina in Grand Bassa County. The two facilities were constructed under UNMIL’s Quick Im-

pact Projects and are worth more than US$ 48,000.Handing over the facilities, Jane Rhodes, UN Police Reform

and Restructuring Coordinator who represented the UNPOL Com-missioner said the gesture is to strengthen security and rule of law institutions in the country.

“A lot of time, efforts and professionalism have gone into pro-ducing these facilities,” she said, pleading with the BIN and LNP personnel to be proud of the structures and look after them.

“These buildings are fantastic. They are really good step in the right direction. And I know that every one of these buildings makes a difference both to the staff that are going to work within them and to the community that they serve. I know that BIN and LNP have got significant challenges ahead of them as UNMIL gradually draws down over the next few years. The BIN and LNP will be expanding and growing, and these buildings are going to become even more important to them and to the community,” she said.

The UN Police Reform and Restructuring Coordinator also handed over an assortment of stationery worth US$450 for the Edina Police depot.

The depot is expected to serve a population of more than 6,000 people including those from surrounding communities.

In appreciation, Grand Bassa County Superintendent Etweda Cooper praised UNMIL for the construction of the facilities and encouraged security personnel to make the structures a place

where community dwellers could go and discuss security issues in order to preserve peace.

BIN Director for Operations Aaron Canmue thanked UNMIL for completing 22 Quick Impact Projects since 2008, saying 11 more of such projects were ongoing.

The BIN Headquarters in Buchanan is the first structure to host the bureau exclusively in the county. Prior to constructing the facility, the bureau had been occupying offices in the Administra-tion Building.

For his part, the LNP’s Regional Commander for Region One, Col. Patrick Smith, was full of praise for UNMIL, saying the con-struction of a police depot in that part of the county was necessary to combat crime in the area.

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The Commander of the Nigerian Contingent in Sector A, Brig-adier General C. O. Okoro expressed delight with the Nigerian Formed Police Unit (NFPU) for taking part in the games. Among the senior officers who witnessed the closing ceremony were the Deputy Sector A Commander, Colonel A. Laguda and UNMIL Forces Chief of Staff, Brigadier General O. T. Ethan.

By Capt. S. O. Mbaneme

UNMIL Nigerian Battalion 26 (NIBATT-26) other-wise known as the “Baby Dragon” defeated “Crown Bird,” the affectionate nickname for NIBATT-27. The winners were awarded a trophy at the finale of

the Nigerian Contingent Inter-Unit and Nigerian Formed Police Unit (NFPU) Volleyball Competition.

Declaring the five-day sporting activity closed on 4 May 2012, UNMIL Deputy Force Commander, Brigadier General J. A. Kwasie commended the harmonious relationship, that was demonstrated among personnel of the Nigerian Contingent. The Deputy Force Commander, who was the guest of honour at the occasion, said he was encouraged by the high sense of discipline and sportsmanship that was exhibited by participants and specta-tors. “All of you who are here, whether you supported NIBATT-26 or NIBATT-27, I say well done for your enthusiastic support in making the competition very lively.”

The Deputy Force Commander further noted that the “one-ness” he observed during the sporting event was an indication that its purpose had been achieved. He urged the winning team not to rest on their oars but to train harder in preparation for future competitions.

Learning was made easier and more productive for students of Boatswain Junior High School and St. Mary Catholic School in Monrovia when officers of the Nigerian Signal Battalion 12 volunteered to give them training in the fundamentals of computer use, basic computer components, operating systems, and applica-tion packages. A certificate of participation was presented to the school at the end of the train-ing on 20 May.

NIGSIG 12 builds capacity in Monrovia schools

Nigerian Contingent holds Inter-Unit Volleyball Tournament

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UN International Day of Peacekeepers in Pictures

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By Lieutenant Saad Saeed

In Bong County, residents of Maimu Town, Salala District, now have a chance to learn the use of computers, thanks to the Pakistan-Liberia Academy of Computer Education, a fully equipped training centre launched by UNMIL Force

Commander Major General Muhammad Khalid on 25 April. The computer centre was set up, funded and equipped by the

UNMIL Force Quick Reaction Force 5 (FQRF-5) which is part of the Pakistan Contingent under the watchful management of Proj-ect officer, Major Moin Nasir Siddiqui, the main coordinator of the project.

Major Moin told UNMIL Today that 30 students have graduat-ed from the basic computer course under FQRF-5 train-ing. Local Liberian instructors are now training others in basic computer use at the Academy. Meanwhile, the FQRF-5 is currently training students in advanced com-puter studies. These students will augment the numbers of trainers at the computer centre.

The Pakistan contingent not only refurbished the building which houses the centre, they also went the extra mile by equipping it with four computers, a laser printer, software and computer training manuals.

Having done all that, UNMIL’s Pakistan Contingent did not rest. They also prepared a complete syllabus and lesson plan on basic and advanced training in comput-ing. They even made sure the centre had an essential utility - electricity - and helped set up a Steering Com-mittee made up of local people to manage the center.

The facility was inaugurated by UNMIL Force Commander, Major General Mohammad Khalid, who

himself was presented with a traditional Kola nut and gown by the clan chief and District Commissioner.

Other dignitaries at the launch included Pakistan Contingent Commander, Brig. Zahid Hussain, Commanding Officer FQRF-5, Lt. Col. Shafique Ur Rehman, Senator Henry. W. Yala and Senator Jewel Howard Taylor. The legal counsellor for the Forestry Devel-opment Authority, Bong County, Benedict Sagheh expressed his appreciation to the FQRF-5 personnel for their efforts in setting up the facility. He said such projects are very important in sustaining durable peace in Liberia.

Certificates were awarded to the successful candidates of the basic computer training programme at the Camp Milton headquar-ters of the Pakistan Contingent in Bong County.

Pakistani Human Resourcepers set up computer training centre in Bong

Lt. Ali Khalaf formerly assigned with the Jordanian Formed Police Unit (FPU) of UNMIL has died. Khalaf joined UN-

MIL in February 2012 with expected end of service by 9 August 2012. He died in early May while in the Mission area. Khalaf was Deputy Platoon Commander and training officer assigned to the Jordan FPU1. He was a team builder. Khalaf pre-viously worked with The Peacekeeping Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) in 2001.

He is survived by his wife and twin daughters aged 5.

Angeline Boikpa Arisco, a for-mer UNMIL Security Guard passed away on 31, May 2012 in the Mission area.

Mrs Arisco joined UNMIL on 01 April 2004 with last assignment at UNMIL headquarters in Sinkor, Monrovia. She was a mother of 6 children and married to Didier Arisco.

Bokassa Jardiah, an UNMIL Telecommuni-cations Technician has died. Jardiah died in Ghana on 4 June 2012. He joined UNMIL on 01 April 2004. Jardia was born on 23 June

1967. He is survived by 5 children and his wife Rose.

Lt. Ali Khalaf

Angeline Boikpa AriscoBokassa Jardiah

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From Humanitarian to PeacekeeperBy Sarah-Jane Mungo

Who is Donasion Donasion? How many of you have heard the name before? Did you know that UN Volunteer Donasion, Fuel Management Assistant, Fuel Unit-Supply Section from Indonesia has

served at UNMIL HQ Harper for the last 4 ½ years? Did you know that prior to coming to Libe-ria Donasion worked as Senior Relief Officer for the International Federa-tion of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in tsunami devastated Banda Aceh from 2005 to 2006? And the British Red Coss again in Banda Aceh- from 2006 to 2007 as Housing and Com-pound Manager? For the IFRC his job was to coor-dinate the distribution of all relief supplies coming

through the organization, whereas at the BRCS he managed the general housing needs of re-lief workers in the tsunami-torn region. “Before coming here I did mainly humanitarian relief work, particularly after a natural disas-ter like the tsunami, but Liberia is an after-war disaster,” Donasion

noted with a pensive smile. He admitted that he was unprepared for the devastation he would see upon arrival in Liberia. “I was shocked to see the scale of the devastation resulting from the war. I came to Harper 15 days after arriving in Liberia and I could see that it had been a really nice city before the war.”

Responsible for fuel supply for Sector B4, which includes Pleebo, Barclayville and Harper, Donasion also gives support to all UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes operating in the sector. He is grateful to the UN Volunteers Programme for affording him the opportunity to serve. “UNV provides a positive way for you to share knowledge and skills as well as get more experience in an international environment. I genuinely feel that I have greatly improved my skills across the board. Before I did purely humani-tarian work but now that work also includes peacekeeping and development. I also supervise two national staff and have made it a priority to pass on my skills to them to build their capacity. As a volunteer, transferring knowledge is important to me.” Chief of Fuel Unit Mr. Tom Amolo, his supervisor, is full of praise for Donasion saying, “He is a reliable, competent and effective team player.”

Unassuming and calm by nature, the father of four – two boys and two girls - admits that he misses his family but the fact that he is helping to build Liberia gives him, and them, a sense of pride. He thinks that Liberia is developing really fast, however he would like to see more tangible evidence of that development outside Monrovia. “I think more attention needs to be given to developing Harper and other cities and towns outside of Monrovia.” Donasion thinks that it is extremely important to give back and is secure and happy in the knowledge that part of his giving back is to Liberia and her people.

Did You Know? Donasion Donasion

By James S. King

UNMIL staff responded with rapturous applause when UN fire fighting personnel skillfully quenched a blazing fire started in a metal container fueled by diesel. The dramatic demonstration was one of many

that were set up to edify UNMIL staff gathered at Star Base on 30 April in observance of World Day for Safety and Health at Work.

“There are different types of fires which can only be put out by proper use of appropriate extinguisher,” said one of the fire control experts. Two main types of substances are used for quenching fires, he explained. These include foam substance used to quench fire started as result of oil spills and powder sub-stance used in multipurpose situations. The fire safety unit per-sonnel warned against the use of water to quench fires started as result of oil spills as the water could facilitate the spread of the fire.

First aid and ambulance service demonstrations formed part of the event where fictitious fire victims received first aid and ambulance services as matter of necessity when injury occurs during fire response by fire fighters.

UNMIL comedian George Tamba alias Boutini amused the

staff with his usual hilarious performances this time conducted on safety and health at work place. Boutini advised UNMIL per-sonnel, particularly engineers and drivers, to always wear safety gears to prevent injury and drive with care to save lives and prop-erties.

The event was attended by UNMIL Director of Mission Sup-port Hubert Price, among others.

World day for Safety and HealtH

Angeline Boikpa Arisco

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By James S. King

Liberia’s journalists and members of the public took to the streets of Monrovia in a joyous parade, organized a heated debate on press freedom, dressed up for a glam-orous media award ceremony and welcomed journalists

from neighboring states, all in celebration of World Press Free-dom Day on 3 May.

Sponsored by UNESCO in collaboration with the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), this year’s World Press Freedom Day had as its theme: “New Voices: Media Freedom Helping to Transform Societies.” A variation of this global theme was thoroughly ex-plored by students from the University of Liberia and Stella Maris Polytechnic who debated the question of whether “the Denial of Freedom of Information should be allowed in countries at a cer-tain stage of development.” Stella Maris Polytechnic won.

This year, for the first time, the PUL invited journalists from two Mano River Union countries, Sierra Leone and Côte d’Ivoire to take part in the celebrations. The Mano River Union bloc compris-es Liberia, Sierra Leone, Republic of Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire.

World Press Freedom Day was jointly estab-lished in 1991 by the United Nations to raise aware-ness about the importance of media freedom. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in his message on World Press Freedom Day, acknowledged the key role journalists play in transforming societies around the world.

“Countless journalists face intimidation, harass-ments and censorship at the hands of governments, corporations and powerful individuals seeking to preserve their power or hide wrongdoings and mis-deeds,” the Secretary-General said. He described attacks on journalists as outrageous and urged all concerned to prevent and prosecute perpetrators of violence against journalists. He paid tribute to jour-nalists killed in line of duties with a call for a minute of silence.

LiberiA ceLebrAtes WorLD Press FreeDom DAy

Press Union of Liberia President Peter Quaqua said the pas-sage of the Freedom of Information Law by the Government of Liberia in 2010 was “one of most important supporting measures towards strengthening the media in Liberia.”

Quaqua applauded the Government for appointing Free-dom of Information Commissioner, Mark Freeman to the crucial watchdog role.

Quaqua said the emerging new media is a phenomenon that adds more voices to the dialogue in any community, providing opportunities to those who have been deprived and previously un-heard to participate in debates for democracy.

UNMIL, IREX, United States Embassy in Monrovia, and USAID, among others, partnered with PUL in commemorating World Press Freedom Day.

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By Gideon Nma Scott, Jr.

I opened my eyes and counted over a dozen military uniformed men and women around my bed. Beside me hang an intravenous drip on a metal pole with needles feeding my veins

with life saving medication. The officers smiled. When I asked what had happened and how I got there, one of the ladies told me gently that I had ma-laria and a swollen leg. “You will be okay,” she said smiling, ripping off a pair of rubber gloves from her hands. I realized that I had earlier called Zulu Base at about 2:30 a.m. alerting them that I was not faring well and needed to be taken to the hospital. My call was heard by the fuel cell chief in Harper and with no time to waste, the gentleman was at my door. That was all I could remember.

After discussing among themselves for a few seconds, one of the uniformed men introduced himself as Usman. I have already read some of the names on their uniforms; Usman, Raheel, Jamil, Rehana, Sajjad, Martha, Amed, Mushtaq, Nusrat, Sahagufta, Ghaffar, Waqas, Naveeda, Khadi; the others were far from sight. In soft spoken but perfect English, Dr. Usman said, “I am the physician here. I will ask you a few questions about your health.” As soon as we completed my medical history, Dr. Usman said: “Your pressure is stabilized now and you will be fine. I will treat the fever and malaria and Raheel, our surgeon, will treat your leg.”

The Pakistan Medical Level II hospital not only caters to the medical needs of UN staff but also the communities living nearby. As early as 6:00 a.m., mothers, the elderly, refugees as well as young people queue up for treatment at the PakMed facility. Mala-dies of all kinds are treated by these gracious Pakistani soldiers.

Following six days of exhaustive treatment, I asked Dr. Us-man why were the soldiers providing medical services to com-munity people at a UN health facility, and if they were being paid for the job. He said: “This is part of our peacekeeping and humanitarian responsibility. Do not forget we are peacekeepers and part of peacekeeping is keeping the community healthy.” He

added that, “we also want them to benefit from our presence here.” The doctor informed me that the PakMed facility caters to over 20 outpatients daily, treating various illnesses. He said that there are few in-patient cases as well. Dr. Usman noted that besides treat-ing patients at the hospital, periodic medical outreach activities are conducted in communities outside of Harper as part of their service to the locals. “Our medical mobile team reaches out to patients who are not able to come to our facility due to distance,” Dr. Usman pointed out.

There is a mental health department, a radiology (X-ray) fa-cility, the only one serving Maryland, Grand Kru and River Gee Counties; eye and dental departments, an emergency room, medi-cal and surgical wards, an intensive care ward, an operation the-atre, a dispensary and a store at the PakMed Level II hospital.

While visiting me at the hospital, my friend George Yancy (Chico) told me he is benefiting from free dental services at the PakMed. “I am coming soon to extract one of my fangs,” Chico said, praising the Pakistani medical contingent for their services to the community.

With the amount of treatment, the loving care and the smiles I received daily from these dedicated and hardworking soldiers; and by the grace of God, I am well for the next five years!

the sAving hAnDs oF PAkistAn

Free medical treatment is hard to come by and that is why the local residents in Gbarnga were so pleased when the medical team of the Bangladesh Medical Contingent 8 (BANMED-8) gave free medical care to 173 local Li-berians at the Cari Complex in Gbarnga in May.

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By Ruby Ofori

UNMIL’s Conduct and Discipline Team organized a brainstorming workshop in early April to generate new ideas to better address the issue of sexual exploi-tation and abuse. Participants included representatives

of UNPOL, UNMIL military and civilian personnel as well as other UN agencies and national and international non-governmen-tal organizations.

Roselyn Odera, Chief of Conduct and Discipline Team, began the workshop by asking participants for their definitions of sexual exploitation and abuse. Odera ex-plained that “It is very important that people are able to define sexual exploitation before they can identify and report on it.”

Asked for the correct definition, Odera said: “I simplify it as any situation where sex is exchanged for anything else. It could be a service, it could be money, it could be a job. It could be anything as long as there is an exchange of sex for something else: that is sexual exploitation in very simple terms.”

The workshop was also part of a wider initiative termed the corporatization of Con-duct and Discipline functions UN-wide. Jacqueline Schroeder of the Conduct and Discipline Team at UN headquarters in New York gave the background to this initiative at the workshop.

“This is the first initiative in the UN Secretariat where Conduct and Discipline is now going to be a global corporate function and we want to integrate it in the Global Field support Strategy.” The Global Field Support Strategy includes a detailed a plan of action titled the Integrated Conduct and Discipline Framework (ICDF).

“Under that framework we have four strategic pillars and one of them is communication, awareness-raising. So I came to launch that first working group session on communication,” Schroeder said.

UNMIL CDT was chosen to spearhead the pillar on commu-

nication and awareness-raising, explained Schroeder, because the UNMIL Conduct and Discipline Team has a reputation for excel-lence with regards to raising awareness on conduct and discipline issues especially sexual exploitation and abuse.

The draft communications strategy prepared by UNMIL will be adopted for all missions after wide-spread consultations.

“Now what is important,” said Schroeder “is that it is an UN-MIL initiative in the sense that UNMIL is in the forefront of the awareness campaign and in the victim assistance. However the project is not mission specific, it is something we want to imple-ment in all missions.”

Asked how the new corporate strategy will differ from the way CDT has operated until now, Schroeder said: “Conduct and Dis-cipline is a relatively new function compared to other functions in the missions. It only started in 2006. We tend to operate in a more transactional way, meaning processing cases. The new trend is to work with other offices and departments as we realize that there are a lot of cross-cutting issues. For example, in a miscon-

duct case you often look at issues related to ethics and integrity.”

“At head quarters, for example, we are part-nering with the ethics office. At the mission level there are often issues related to civilians with the Chief Civilian Personnel Officer for civilian per-sonnel.”

Odera said her team is very keen to prevent abuse from happening in the first place. “We want to make sure that all our mission personnel are aware o f the rules and respect them. So in the area of prevention we put a lot of focus on training. Training of all the mission personnel -- civilians, military and police on UN standards of conduct. In that context, partnering with the IMTC is also key.”

In the next stage of the corporatization pro-cess, a draft communication strategy and action plan will be prepared for review by June.

Taking Conduct and Discipline to a New Level