The Minister of Defence Maj Gen Albert Murasira on Wednesday, December 8, noted that Rwanda continues to bring innovations to peacekeeping including the Kigali Principles on Protection of Civilians that were adopted by 55 member states. 

Murasira was delivering a keynote speech to the 2021 Seoul United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference hosted virtually by the Republic of Korea from Tuesday to Wednesday. 

The Kigali principles are a positive initiative to enhance commitment and accountability of troops and Police contributing countries with regards to protection of civilians in conflict zones. 

Minister Murasira reiterated Rwanda’s commitment to international peace and stability and to enhance the new initiative for digital and medical capabilities in peacekeeping missions.

"I cannot end my remarks without reiterating Rwanda’s commitment to women, peace and the security agenda. Rwanda continues its journey to increase the participation of women in peacekeeping missions and also to assign them command and leadership responsibilities and hope to meet the UN target in the near future,” he said.

The 2021 Seoul United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference hosted virtually by the Republic of Korea from 7 to 8 December 2021.

The UN peacekeeping ministerial is aimed at strengthening peacekeeping operations by improving the performance and impact of operations by facilitating new and sustainable partnerships while strengthening the existing ones.

Rwanda, a key player in peace support operations, co-hosted with the USA, international preparatory meetings on "Protection of Civilians” in 2019 and on performance and accountability in July 2021.

Rwanda is presently the fourth biggest troops and police contributing country to UN missions world wide and is credited for its exemplary and selfless performance in peacekeeping missions.

Minister of Defence Maj Gen Albert Murasira virtually  delivers a keynote speech to the 2021 Seoul United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference.Courtesy