The Nepalese Force Reserve Battalion is relied on to respond to the most volatile security situations in South Sudan. These peacekeepers, serving with the United Nations Mission in the conflict-affected country, are rapidly deployed to the most dangerous locations to protect civilians, deter violence, ensure peacekeeping engineers can safely build and repair key infrastructure, and that humanitarian aid reaches the most vulnerable.

Today, 850 battalion members received the prestigious United Nations Medal of Honour in recognition of their service to the people of South Sudan, as well as the Force Commander’s Commendation for exceptional professionalism and dedication to duty.

“You are not just a last resort, you are the ones that we bank on to handle situations which sometimes, due to various factors, go beyond the capability of respective sectors to handle. In this regard, you have distinguished yourselves,” said UNMISS Force Commander, Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian, who presided over the medal ceremony.

Nepal is the world’s largest contributor of troops and police to United Nations Peacekeeping, with these personnel following in the footsteps of more than 151,000 Nepalese men and women who have served in missions since 1958. While making an important contribution to efforts to secure peace in South Sudan, these peacekeepers have also learned new skills that they will take home with them.

“I think the great takeaway for me is that, as a military officer, I must know how to conduct many different operations and, here in South Sudan, I had the opportunity to experience and overcome a vast array of challenges. This experience has built my confidence to handle anything that comes my way and will certainly help me back in my home country,” said Captain Romit Sen.

The UNMISS Force Commander highlighted a particular operation where the Nepalese peacekeepers were attacked by an armed group while protecting a humanitarian convoy travelling on highly insecure roads in Jonglei to deliver much-needed aid to thousands of people in need.

“While under attack, while responding to the attack with fire, immediately on sighting a possible child solider in the attacking ranks, the Nepalese Force Reserve Battalion members stopped firing. That shows that you are committed to the highest tenants of United Nations Peacekeeping - that a soldier cannot fire at a child even if the child has taken up weapons against us,” said Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian.

Among this battalion are 106 women, including Medical Officer, Dr Jasmine Gurung, who describes her tour of duty as the experience of a lifetime.

“During our time here in South Sudan, I was able to meet people from many different cultures and countries. It was a truly wonderful experience.”

Outside of their official duties, these peacekeepers built strong and enduring relationships with those they serve, including supporting and spending their off-duty time with orphans, demonstrating their professional and personal commitment to securing a better future for current and future generations of South Sudan.