UN Female Peacekeeping Force Serves In Liberia Since 2007

The all-female, Indian Formed Police Unit, the first in the history of UN peacekeeping, is set to depart from service to the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), having served in the country since 2007.

On 14 February 2016, 103 female members of the contingent will be departing the country as Liberia prepares to assume full responsibility for national security as part of the ongoing UNMIL drawdown.

At a farewell event at Indian FPU headquarters in suburban Monrovia on 21 January Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf noted the positive impact of the all-female contingent, citing their particular influence on the rise of women in the Liberian security sector that has been historically dominated by men.

SOUNDBITE (English) Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia:
“The contribution you have made to inspiring Liberian women, to imparting in them the spirit of professionalism, to encourage them to join those entities, those operations that protect the nation. For that we will always be grateful.”

In his remarks, the Special Representative of the Secretary General for UNMIL, Farid Zarif, praised the Indian FPU for their numerous contributions and service to the country, noting their seminal role in helping to rebuild the national police.

SOUNDBITE (English) Farid Zarif, Special Representative of the Secretary General for UNMIL:
“You should be proud that by your presence, you have made tremendous contribution in bringing greater stability, using confidence and assisting in the strengthening of the capacities of the Liberia National Police.”

Since their arrival in 2007, the all-female Indian Formed Police Unit has proved vital in restoring peace in the wake of the brutal civil war that ended in 2003.

The contingent—commonly referred to referred as Indian FPU 1—has had primary responsibility for providing static security, and support for joint day and night patrols conducted by the Liberia National Police and United Nations Police in the area of operations – ensuring the safety of communities.

Their special tasks have included protection for VIPs and VIP escort services, as well as various security roles during elections, including safe conduct of the polls during the 2011 Presidential and Parliamentary elections that resulted in a second term for the incumbent President.

In addition to their security role, the troops of the female Indian Formed Police have distinguished themselves through humanitarian service, staging medical camps for Liberians, many who have limited access to health care services. The troops have also conducted self-defense classes for young women, girls and boys, teaching youngsters new skills while becoming positive role models for them to aspire to.
STORY: LIBERIA / FEMALE BATTALION
TRT: 02:03
SOURCE: UNMIL
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH / NATS

DATELINE: 21 JANUARY 2016 CONGO TOWN, MONROVIA, LIBERIA / FILE
SHOTLIST
21 JANUARY 2016 CONGO TOWN, MONROVIA, LIBERIA

1. Wide shots, signboard for Headquarters of Female Indian Formed Police Unit (FPU)
2. Various shots, troops of all-female Indian Formed Police Unit (FPU) march past dignitaries
3. Wide Shot, Indian FPU demonstrate gun-handling and marching skills
4. Close up, all-female troops of Indian Formed Police Unit lined-up holding weapons
5. Wide Shot, Special Representative of the Secretary-General UNMIL, Farid Zarif, President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and Indian Formed Police Contingent Commander, Colonel Madhu Bal
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia:
“The contribution you have made to inspiring Liberian women, to imparting in them the spirit of professionalism, to encourage them to join those entities, those operations that protect the nation. For that we will always be grateful.”
7. Med shot, Zarif pins UN Medal on Indian Formed Police Unit 1 Contingent Commander, Madhu Bala, 8. SOUNDBITE (English) Farid Zarif, Special Representative of the Secretary General for UNMIL:
“You should be proud that by your presence, you have made tremendous contribution in bringing greater stability, using confidence and assisting in the strengthening of the capacities of the Liberia National Police.”

FILE – 2007, ROBERSTFIELD AIRPORT, OUTSIDE MONROVIA, LIBERIA

9. Various shots, first batch of female Indian Formed Police disembark from plane
10. Various shots, Indian FPU lined-up on tarmac after disembarking

FILE – 2011, ELWA JUNCTION, PAYNESVILLE, LIBERIA

11. Wide shot, a male Liberian National Police officer stands with female Indian Formed Police, providing security during 2011 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections
12. Med shot, Indian Formed Police provide security on perimeter of Coco Cola Factory, Red-light District

FILE – 2009, ELWA JUNCTION, PAYNESVILLE, LIBERIA

13. Wide shot, Indian Formed Police on night patrol
14. Close up, Indian Formed Police officer on night patrol

FILE – 2010, CONGO TOWN, MONROVIA, LIBERIA

15. Various shots, Indian Formed Police at patient registration table at Medical Outreach Clinic

FILE – 2009, CONGO TOWN, MONROVIA, LIBERIA
16. Various shots, young Liberian girls perform routine at Indian FPU sponsored physical fitness and self-defense training
DURATION: 02:03