May 29 marks the Organization’s International Day of Peacekeepers, established in 2002 in recognition of their important contribution to global security. On this day, countries around the world celebrate the efforts of peacekeepers and highlight the originality of their activities. Kazinform News Agency correspondent reports on the work of Kazakhstan’s peacekeepers.
Kazakhstan, as a responsible participant in the International Association, actively participates in UN peacekeeping activities, making its practical contribution to the preservation of peace and stability. Since 2014, officers from Kazakhstan have participated in missions in Western Sahara (2014-present), Côte d’Ivoire (2015-2017), Mali (2022-2023), the Central African Republic (2022-present), Congo (2023-present) and Lebanon (2018-present).
Also, the officers participated in peacekeeping missions in Iraq (2003-2008) and Nepal (2007-2009). Since 2018, 538 Kazakh military personnel have participated in the UN Interim Force in Lebanon mission. In total, over the years of independence, about a thousand military personnel have participated in UN missions.
The selection of candidates is carried out through commissions that check medical, psychological and physical parameters, as well as knowledge of the English language and driving skills. Training is conducted at the Center for Peacekeeping Operations of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Kazakhstan, where certified UN courses are conducted. The military personnel learn base security, convoys, checkpoints and civilian protection, as well as field medicine, radio communications and mine clearance.
The UN highly appreciates the combat training of the Kazakh military and supports an increase in their contingent. Officers were awarded medals for their personal contribution to peacekeeping activities. Recently, the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan approved the deployment of up to 430 military personnel to various UN missions, which will strengthen international security and increase the role of Kazakhstan on the global stage.
Military personnel receive three times their salary in accordance with Article 16 of the Law “On Peacekeeping Activities”. Durations of service range from 6 months to one year in Lebanon and up to one year in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Western Sahara.
