Audio

From the beginning of the current crisis UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Stefano Del Col instructed to divert the use of funds from some projects to provide support to the local communities in the common fight against COVID-19 corona virus. Recently such help, comprising masks, gloves, hand sanitizers, other personal protective equipment, and chlorine solution, was given to Marjayoun Caza municipality and Lebanese state…

The fury of the virus illustrates the folly of war. Echoing the call of the UN chief for global ceasefire in the midst of COVID19 pandemic and in accordance with the UN Security Council resolution 1701, UNIFIL has reiterated its call for Lebanon and Israel to support a permanent ceasefire and a long-term solution to the conflict. Here is the link to full story in SoundCloud.

In the face of global COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic, UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Stefano Del Col says business-as-usual cannot be the norm of the day and the unprecedented situation warrants exceptional measures. Here is the link to full story in SoundCloud.

The mere presence of over 11,000 peacekeepers – including the Mission’s both military and civilian peacekeepers – and thousands of the Lebanese Armed Forces officers and soldiers, deployed in south Lebanon under the Security Council Resolution 1701, has enhanced the safety in the area, giving the local people an opportunity to live a normal life. It’s not a small feat – especially in an area beset by cycles of conflicts until 2006. In our story…

UNIFIL attaches great importance to its relations with the population it serves. There are several facets to this relationship: from informing the people of south Lebanon about UNIFIL’s mandate and activities to providing or facilitating humanitarian assistance to the extent possible. UNIFIL radio recently joined Indian peacekeepers as they set out to offer veterinary assistance to local farmers in south-eastern Lebanon. More details about their…

Providing assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces in building their capacity lies at the core of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Following the letter and spirit of the document, UNIFIL peacekeepers from Italy, the Republic of Korea and Malaysia recently offered a 5-day long training to around 70 Lebanese Army personnel. Here is the link to full story in SoundCloud.

Patrolling is an integral part of UNIFIL’s daily operational tempo aimed at ensuring peace and stability in South Lebanon. There are different types of patrols the peacekeepers conduct: motorised patrols, foot patrols, as well as air and sea patrols. There is, however, less known type – so called “snow patrols” conducted in mountainous areas during wintertime. Recently UNIFIL Radio joined one of such patrols performed by Indian peacekeepers…

Hussein Ramadan a farmer from Froun village in south Lebanon says that he owes it to a UNIFIL Finnish peacekeeper, Tom Kjällman, that he is still alive. It was in 1985 that an explosion thundered under the feet of the Lebanese farmer when he inadvertently entered a minefield. UNIFIL peacekeepers saved him then, although one rescuer, a young soldier from Finland, paid the ultimate price for his bravery. Here is the link to full story in SoundCloud…

"Women in the minefield” is still a rare phenomenon world over. Zeina Saleh, from the United Nations Mine Action Service operating in south Lebanon, is among those few women undertaking a job that can be deadly. Recently Zeina, together with six other young women working for UNMAS around the world, was given the UN Secretary General Award after she became a qualified Explosive Ordnance Disposal Operator. With their commitment and courage, these…

For the first time in its history, since gaining independence in 1991, the Republic of Kazakhstan is taking part in a UN peace operation. On 31 October 2018, 120 Kazakh troops joined UNIFIL. They have been deployed in a south-eastern corner of Lebanon, close to Shab’a Farms, and formed a joint team with the UNIFIL Indian battalion. How does this scheme – dubbed also as an example of south-south cooperation – work? More details about their task in…

They have been working hand-in-hand for more than 13 years, the Lebanese Navy and UNIFIL Maritime Task Force. Since the very first moment when the first naval component in the history of UN peacekeeping operations was deployed in 2006, it has been providing all possible support to the Lebanese Navy not only in monitoring territorial waters but also in building its capabilities. The results of such cooperation, remarkable in themselves, allow…

More women among peacekeepers is key to UNIFIL’s efficiency, impact and credibility. Overall, though, improving the women-to-men ratio among civilian staff have fared better than among their military counterparts. Against this background, UNIFIL Nepalese peacekeepers have made an important step towards better women representation in their operational activities by initiating a women-led patrol. Here is the link to full story in SoundCloud.