UN chief praises peacekeepers in Central African Republic
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres paid tribute Tuesday to the thousands of UN peacekeepers in Central African Republic, the site of one of the UN's most dangerous missions and the most sexual misconduct allegations against peacekeepers and UN personnel last year.
The UN chief attended a wreath-laying ceremony in the capital of Bangui. A dozen peacekeepers have lost their lives so far this year amid escalating violence in the long-volatile country.
"We need to make sure that the world fully appreciates the heroic contributions of peacekeepers protecting civilians, sometimes in extremely difficult circumstances, like the ones we face in the Central African Republic," Guterres said.
"I am very proud to be your colleague. I am very proud to serve in the same United Nations where you serve," he said. "And I want to tell all of you Blue Helmets here with us that we count on you to make the UN always more effective serving the people."
