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Question

India is the first country in the world to deploy an all-woman contingent to a UN Peacekeeping Mission. In which country did this mission operate?

This question was previously asked in
CDS I 2023 English Previous Year Paper (16-April-2023)
The correct answer is

Liberia

Understanding India's Historic UN Peacekeeping Mission

The question asks about the country where India first deployed an all-woman contingent as part of a United Nations Peacekeeping Mission. This was a significant event, marking a first for any country contributing to UN peacekeeping efforts.

India has a long history of contributing troops to UN Peacekeeping operations around the world. Deploying an all-woman contingent was a groundbreaking initiative that highlighted India's commitment not only to peacekeeping but also to gender equality within these global efforts.

Identifying the Location of the First All-Woman Contingent

The historic deployment of India's first all-woman Formed Police Unit (FPU) took place in a specific African nation that was undergoing post-conflict stabilization.

Let's consider the options provided:

  • Liberia
  • Sudan
  • Burundi
  • Croatia

Based on historical records and information regarding UN Peacekeeping Missions, the first all-woman contingent from India was sent to Liberia.

This contingent was part of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), which was established in 2003 to support the peace process and implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement following the second Liberian civil war.

Details of the Liberia Mission

India deployed its all-woman FPU to Liberia in January 2007. This contingent consisted of around 105 women police officers.

Their role included:

  • Contributing to the security and stability in Liberia.
  • Providing policing services.
  • Conducting patrols.
  • Engaging with the local population, particularly women and children, which was crucial in building trust and gathering intelligence in the post-conflict environment.
  • Serving as role models for women in Liberia and promoting gender equality.

The deployment was widely praised by the UN and the international community for its professionalism and positive impact.

Analysing Other Options

While India has contributed troops and police personnel to UN missions in Sudan (e.g., UNMIS, UNAMID), Burundi (e.g., ONUB), and Croatia (e.g., UNTAES during the 1990s), the distinction of being the location for India's *first all-woman contingent* specifically belongs to Liberia.

Therefore, the country where India deployed its first all-woman contingent to a UN Peacekeeping Mission was Liberia.

Country India's UN Mission Presence First All-Woman Contingent Location
Liberia Yes (UNMIL) Yes (Deployed 2007)
Sudan Yes (e.g., UNMIS, UNAMID) No
Burundi Yes (e.g., ONUB) No
Croatia Yes (e.g., UNTAES) No

Conclusion on India's UN Peacekeeping Location

The evidence confirms that Liberia was the country where India made history by deploying the world's first all-woman police unit to a United Nations Peacekeeping Mission. This mission in Liberia set a precedent for increasing the participation of women in peacekeeping operations globally.

Revision Table: India UN Peacekeeping

Key Aspect Details
Mission Type UN Peacekeeping Mission
Contributing Country India
Contingent Type All-Woman Formed Police Unit (FPU)
Significance First such contingent globally
Host Country Liberia
Specific Mission United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL)
Year of Deployment 2007

Additional Information on UN Peacekeeping and India

India is one of the largest contributors of troops and police personnel to UN Peacekeeping missions. Over the decades, India has participated in numerous missions across various continents, demonstrating its commitment to global peace and security.

  • Importance of Women in Peacekeeping: Including women in peacekeeping forces is vital. They can access and engage with communities, particularly women and children, that male peacekeepers might not be able to. This enhances intelligence gathering, builds trust, and improves the overall effectiveness of missions. Women peacekeepers also serve as role models, inspiring women and girls in host countries to participate in peace and political processes.
  • India's Contribution Record: India has contributed over 200,000 personnel to more than 49 of the 71 UN Peacekeeping missions established so far. India has also lost many brave soldiers in the line of duty during these missions.
  • Types of Contributions: India contributes military contingents, police units (like FPUs), military observers, and staff officers.

The deployment to Liberia was a landmark event that highlighted India's leadership in promoting gender perspectives within the critical field of UN peacekeeping.

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