China among top contributors in U.N. peacekeeping operations

Insight

Since 1948, the United Nations has launched 71 peacekeeping operations and there are currently 16 underway today across 20 countries. China is among the top ten nations sending peacekeepers around the world.

More than 100 countries contribute uniformed personnel to the operations, and their peacekeeping missions include hotspots like South Sudan.

Where they come from: U.N. peacekeeper contributing nations

Source: United Nations

Where they go: Current U.N. peacekeeping operations

Note: India and Pakistan are one operation with a combined total of 112 personnel. Source: The United Nations

“The crime rate used to be quite high on this patrol route, with frequent occurrence of robberies, rape and other violent crimes. After a one-month patrol, the feedback from the residents is good. And the patrol also helps improve local security conditions,” said Chen Hua, a Chinese peacekeeping police officer in South Sudan.

Chinese peacekeepers are widely seen as a reliable part of the U.N. force at a time when some peacekeeping missions are the target of criminal investigations. In places such as Haiti and the Central African Republic troops have been accused of engaging in “transactional sex” and sexually abusing children.

“What we know is that the crimes could go as far back as 2014 and then most recently occurred this past year,” United Nations spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.

United Nations peacekeepers work in dangerous places that sometimes come under attack. Just last week, six U.N. workers were killed in Mali. Peacekeepers there, including several teams from China, routinely hold live fire drills.

Peacekeepers also play a critical role in the fight against Ebola in West Africa. When doctors discovered a new case last week in Liberia Chinese peacekeepers were quick to launch an emergency plan.

“All officers must wear masks, gloves and protective suits before going out on missions. All vehicles must be sterilized upon return to the camp, while officers must sterilize their hands and shoes and have their temperatures taken,” said He Long, a Chinese Peacekeeper Commander in Liberia.


U.N.’s Hervé Ladsous discusses peacekeeping operations

CCTV’s Liling Tan interviewed Herve Ladsous, the head of the U.N. Peacekeeping Operations program about how member states and missions function to maintain international peace and security.