Bangladesh wished to broaden the dialogue on the operational challenges faced by peacekeepers on the ground

UsaNewsOnline.Com, New York : “There is need for enhanced investment in community engagement, training and capacity building, and use of enabling technologies to address the threats posed by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) to peacekeepers and civilians,” said Masud Bin Momen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Bangladesh at a side-event on the mine action in complex UN peacekeeping operations at the UN headquarters here today, 15 February.

The side-event was jointly organised by the Permanent Missions of Bangladesh, Ethiopia and the United Kingdom in collaboration with UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS).

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Bin Momen said Bangladesh wished to broaden the dialogue on the operational challenges faced by peacekeepers on the ground. He stressed the need for exploring the possibilities for addressing those challenges by better utilizing the existing resources available with the UN and its Member States.

The side-event expressed concerns at the frequent use of IEDs targeting UN peacekeeping missions and observed one-minute silence in memory of the peacekeepers killed due to IEDs and landmines.

The event also highlighted the tools available with UNMAS to mitigate IED threats, conduct mine action, and facilitate armoury and stockpile management. A number of troop contributing countries shared their experience in mine clearance and demining as well as IED detection and disposal in peacekeeping mission settings.

The side-event featured a panel discussion moderated by Ms. Agnès Marcaillou, Director, UNMAS and with the Military Advisers of Bangladesh, UK and France participating as panellists. Ambassador Tekeda Alemu, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia also spoke on behalf of the co-hosts.