India to deploy Women Peacekeepers in Sudan

India is set to deploy a platoon of Women Peacekeepers in Sudan's Abyei region as part of the Indian Battalion in the United Nations Interim Security Force (UNISFA).

This will be India's largest single unit of women Peacekeepers in a UN Mission since it deployed the first-ever all-women contingent in Liberia in 2007, stated the Permanent Mission of India to the UN press release.

The Indian contingent, comprising two officers and 25 Other Ranks, will form part of an engagement platoon and specialize in community outreach, though they will be performing extensive security-related tasks as well, added the release.

Their presence will be especially welcome in Abyei, where a recent spurt in violence has triggered a spate of challenging humanitarian concerns for women and children in the conflict zone.

The Security Council, by its resolution 1990 of 27 June 2011, responded to the urgent situation in Sudan's Abyei region by establishing the UNISFA.

The operation has been tasked with monitoring the flashpoint border between north and south and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid, and is authorized to use force in protecting civilians and humanitarian workers in Abyei.

(ANI)