Thirty-one UNFICYP peacekeepers from 11 contingents of the UN Police (UNPOL) were awarded medals for their contributions to peace in Cyprus, in a ceremony held at the UN headquarters in Nicosia today. The medals were presented by Elizabeth Spehar, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Cyprus and Head of UNFICYP. 

Spehar expressed appreciation to both men and women for their commitment to peace in Cyprus, especially during this challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic.

UNPOL has been part of the Mission since April 1964 and has been contributing to the maintenance and restoration of law and order in the buffer zone. 

The UN Police component on the island is currently comprised of 63 police officers, out of which 25 are female, and works together with UNFICYP’s military and the civil affairs components concerning civilian activity in the buffer zone, while also supporting humanitarian matters and assisting towards returning the area to normal conditions.

“This is my second UN mission and I am proud to represent the Russian police. Together with my colleagues from other countries all over the world we help to fulfil important and responsible tasks to ensure international security,” said Captain Anna Khodos, from Russia.

Peacekeepers awarded are nationals from China, India, Ireland, Italy, Jordan, Pakistan, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia and Sweden.