First all-female peacekeepers reach Liberia

MONROVIA – The United Nation’s first women-only peacekeeping contingent – made up of about 100 Indian policewomen – has arrived in Liberia, officials said.

The force will be stationed in the capital, Ben Malor, spokesman for the UN’s 15 000-strong peacekeeping force in the West African country, said Tuesday. Women have served in many UN peacekeeping forces, but this is the first women-only group.Members of the group have said they hope their unit will be seen as more approachable by women and children in conflict zones.The group may be particularly welcome in Liberia, where last year relief groups accused UN peacekeepers and aid workers of trading food for sex with girls left homeless by war.The United Nations has since instituted strong policies to prevent sexual exploitation in the country.About 20 men were accompanying the group of 103 women to provide logistical support, according to a UN statement.About 200 000 Liberians are believed to have been killed in the 1989-2003 civil war, which also displaced half the country’s 3 million people.The country – created to settle freed American slaves in 1847 _ is still struggling to recover.The UN peacekeeping mission has been present in Liberia since a 2003 peace deal ended the fighting.Nampa-APWomen have served in many UN peacekeeping forces, but this is the first women-only group.Members of the group have said they hope their unit will be seen as more approachable by women and children in conflict zones.The group may be particularly welcome in Liberia, where last year relief groups accused UN peacekeepers and aid workers of trading food for sex with girls left homeless by war.The United Nations has since instituted strong policies to prevent sexual exploitation in the country.About 20 men were accompanying the group of 103 women to provide logistical support, according to a UN statement.About 200 000 Liberians are believed to have been killed in the 1989-2003 civil war, which also displaced half the country’s 3 million people.The country – created to settle freed American slaves in 1847 _ is still struggling to recover.The UN peacekeeping mission has been present in Liberia since a 2003 peace deal ended the fighting.Nampa-AP