22 March 2012 – The first medal parade since the establishment of UNMISS was held today at the mission's Tomping compound in Juba and brought together personnel from five different military contingents.

"I do congratulate the recipients of the awards," said the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for South Sudan (SRSG) Hilde F. Johnson. "I would like to commend all of you for your outstanding service."

Noting that it would be some time before the mission attained its "full operational capacity," the SRSG went on to highlight the peacekeepers' work in promoting the enhanced UNMISS role in the protection of civilians under its UN Security Council mandate.

"We saw this... in Jonglei State, Pibor and in particular at the very end of last year and the beginning of this year," said Ms. Johnson. "Through significant operations, we have seen the courage that many of you had in actually facing a huge protection of civilians challenge."

UNMISS Force Commander Maj. Gen. Moses Obi said that the presentation of medals signified a public recognition of the efforts made by soldiers in the performance of their duties. "The UNMISS medal is presented to the UNMISS military personnel on completion of 90 days of physical service with the mission," he explained.

Ms. Johnson, Maj. Gen. Obi and the Deputy SRSG Raisedon Zenenga pinned the blue, green, white and black striped medals to the chests of57 uniformed peacekeepers. Among the recipients were three commanding officers, 23 members of the departing Bangladesh Battalion, 18 military liaison and staff officers, eight members of the Force Signal unit and five members of the Indian Battalion.

The color blue in the medal represents the UN, black and green symbolize the mission's area of operations in South Sudan and white signifies hope for peace and prosperity.

Some of the medal recipients said they were moved by the occasion and thanked the mission for its acknowledgment of their service.

"I have been serving in the Sri Lankan Army for 20 years," said Sri Lankan Maj. Ranjith Premathilaxn. "This is the first option I got to contribute in a peacekeeping mission, so it is a memorable day for me."

Zambian Capt. Florence Kasengele served in the previous UN peacekeeping mission in Sudan and expressed her gratitude.

"As a military liaison officer, this medal means the UN has appreciated (my) input," said the acting staff officer. "I hope the effort that I have put into UNMISS will go a long way to bring the objectives of the UNMISS and South Sudan's peace into effect."

Ms. Johnson also handed out citations to the Chinese, Bangladeshi and Indian units that operate field hospitals, the Bangdaleshi Infantry Battalion andthe Chinese and Indianconstruction engineer companies.

The medal presentation ceremony was followed by a vibrant cultural show that showcased the diverse identity of the military contingents' respective home countries.

Members of the Bangladesh Battalion performed a rhythmic folk opera and were followed by members of the Chinese military contingent who demonstrated their mastery of the Kung Fu martial arts.

A celebratory war dance was staged by the Indian Battalion, and the cultural programme ended with a dance by members of the Kenyan Battalion accompanied by pulsating drumbeats.