UN decorates Rwandan Police peacekeepers in Haiti

Rwandan Peacekeepers serving under the UN Stabilisation Mission for Haiti (Minustah) have been decorated with medals for their outstanding performance in building the capacity of the Haitian National Police. A contingent of 140 officers including 14 women under the Rwanda Formed Police Unit (RWAFPUIV) were awarded medal and given certificates by the United Nations in the ceremony held in their base camp in Jeremie. Sandra Honore, Special Representative of the Secretary General (SRSG) and the head of the Mission, who presided over the ceremony thanked Rwanda for its contribution towards bringing peace in Haiti and involving women in peace building in the Caribbean nation. She also commended the Rwandan officers for their professionalism, commitment and integrity in achieving the Minustah mandate. She pointed out humanitarian activities including initiatives like community work such as rehabilitating roads in Haiti as examples of their outstanding contribution. “Rwanda Police contingent performed to its expectations and their significant achievements build credibility for Minustah and Rwanda in particular,” Honore said. The contingent commander, Chief Superintendent Peter Hodari, said Rwanda is committed to peace building in countries across the world. He thanked his colleagues for the exemplary service and dedication and encouraged them to maintain the spirit. “You are ambassadors of Rwanda and always endeavour to keep your country’s flag high through professional and dedicated service,” CSP Hodari said. The RWAFPUIV was deployed in Haiti in July last year to maintain peace and stability in the Caribbean country. The contingent is scheduled to be replaced later this month by RWAFPUV. The mandate of Rwanda police officers was to support UN activities and build the capacity of the Haitian National Police. However, the role of Rwanda FPUIV went beyond to support people’s welfare, enhance development through maintaining infrastructure and environmental protection. The event was also attended by Police Commissioner Luis Miguel Carrilho (Portugal), Force Commander Lieutenant Gen. Jose Luiz Jaborandy Jr. (Brazil), among others.