A Rwanda national police officer has been appointed the chairperson of the United Nations Police (UNPOL) Women Network under the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (Minusca).

Chief Inspector of Police Antoinette Umuraza was appointed to head the women league in CAR during the celebrations to mark the 69th birthday of the UN in the capital Bangui, last week.

She is among the 13 Rwanda police officers deployed in CAR last month under UNPOL.Rwanda National Police also maintains a contingent of 140 officers under Formed Police Unit.

Umuraza said she will put emphasis on the fight against gender-based crimes as they move toward restoring peace and stability in the conflict-ridden nation.

Five other RNP UNPOL officers were also recognised for excellent and professional operations in Bangui between October 7 and 12 to end atrocities in the capital.

Lt. Gen. Babacar Gaye, special representative of the UN secretary-general in CAR, who officiated at the celebrations, said the international community is now "needed more than ever” to counter instabilities affecting states.

"Poverty, disease, terrorism, discrimination and climate change are exerting a heavy toll. Millions of people continue to suffer deplorable exploitation through bonded labour, human trafficking and the global economy remains an uneven playing field,” he said.

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