SOUTH SUDAN / ETHIOPIAN PEACEKEEPER MEDAL

For 14 years, Major Bezawit Birum has served her country, Ethiopia, as a soldier and doctor. This past year, she has dedicated herself to supporting the people of South Sudan on their journey from conflict to peace, as a peacekeeper serving with the United Nations in the conflict-affected country. UNMISS

• Video Length: 00:05:22
• Production Date: 2 December 2024
• Asset Language: English
• Corporate Name: UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN SOUTH SUDAN – UNMISS
• Subject Topical: PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS; PEACEKEEPERS
• Geographic Subject: SOUTH SUDAN
• MAMS Id: 3316507
• Parent Id: 3316507
• Alternate Title: unifeed241202f

Description

UNIFEED SOUTH SUDAN / ETHIOPIAN PEACEKEEPER MEDAL
TRT: 5:22
SOURCE: UNMISS
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGES: ENGLISH / NATS
DATELINE: 20 NOVEMBER 2024, BOR, SOUTH SUDAN

Shotlist

1. Various shots, Maj. Birum
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Major Bezawit Birum, Doctor and peacekeeper:
“As a female peacekeeper, I have gained personal and professional growth, including leadership skills and cross-cultural understanding.”
3. Various shots, Maj. Birum
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Major Bezawit Birum, Doctor and peacekeeper:
“In peacekeeping, male peacekeepers often dominate, but I am proud to be part of this mission alongside them.”
5. Various shots of Ethiopian Army
6. SOUNDBITE (English)Colonel Berhanu Ragazza, Commanding Officer, ETHBATT-2:
“Ethiopian peacekeepers have shown extraordinary courage and commitment in protecting peace and stability in South Sudan. It has been a remarkable journey, and today we take a moment to acknowledge the milestones we have achieved together.”
7. Various shots, Ethiopian Army receiving Medals
8. SOUNDBITE (English) Lieutenant-General Mohan Subramanian, UNMISS Force Commander:
“This medal symbolizes your readiness to sacrifice everything under the UN flag, and it is truly well-deserved. I also honor the 141 Ethiopian soldiers who have laid down their lives in various missions under the UN flag, including eight who made the ultimate sacrifice here in South Sudan. One of them died due to a malicious act, and I bow my head in homage to these extraordinary peacekeepers.”
9. Various shots, South Sudanese
10. SOUNDBITE (English) Nebil Mehdi, Ethiopian Ambassador to South Sudan:
“Ethiopia and South Sudan share a long-standing historic and wonderful relationship. It is a bond built, not on transactions, but on enduring values, safeguarded by the sacrifices of many Ethiopians who stood with their South Sudanese brothers and sisters for a principled cause. The ties between our two nations are strengthened, not only by our shared history, but also by our shared destiny.”
11. Various shots, Ethiopian Army

Storyline

For 14 years, Major Bezawit Birum has served her country, Ethiopia, as a soldier and doctor. This past year, she has dedicated herself to supporting the people of South Sudan on their journey from conflict to peace, as a peacekeeper serving with the United Nations in the conflict-affected country. She has found the experience rewarding, professionally and personally.

SOUNDBITE (English) Major Bezawit Birum, Doctor and peacekeeper:
“As a female peacekeeper, I have gained personal and professional growth, including leadership skills and cross-cultural understanding. In peacekeeping, male peacekeepers often dominate, but I am proud to be part of this mission alongside them.”

Ethiopia contributed to United Nations peacekeeping operations since the early 1950s. Today, it is one of the largest contributors to missions, with over 8,300 uniformed personnel serving worldwide. The country also stands out for deploying the highest number of female peacekeepers, setting an example for other nations and inspiring more women to join their ranks.

In South Sudan, Ethiopian peacekeepers play a crucial role in preventing and mitigating intercommunal conflict, building trust within communities, ensuring the safe delivery of humanitarian aid and support peace efforts.

SOUNDBITE (English) Colonel Berhanu Ragazza, Commanding Officer, ETHBATT-2:
“Ethiopian peacekeepers have shown extraordinary courage and commitment in protecting peace and stability in South Sudan. It has been a remarkable journey, and today we take a moment to acknowledge the milestones we have achieved together.”

These peacekeepers, serving in Bor, are also strengthening relationships with those they serve by providing support far beyond their required duties, including supplying essential medications to the local hospital. Today, the 643 Ethiopian peacekeepers were honored for their service and sacrifice with the awarding of the United Nations Medal of Honor.

SOUNDBITE (English) Lieutenant-General Mohan Subramanian, UNMISS Force Commander:
“This medal symbolizes your readiness to sacrifice everything under the UN flag, and it is truly well-deserved. I also honor the 141 Ethiopian soldiers who have laid down their lives in various missions under the UN flag, including eight who made the ultimate sacrifice here in South Sudan. One of them died due to a malicious act, and I bow my head in homage to these extraordinary peacekeepers.”

Ethiopia’s ambassador to South Sudan reaffirmed the country’s commitment to working with the Government, assisting its people, and supporting the pursuit of sustainable peace and development.

SOUNDBITE (English) Nebil Mehdi, Ethiopian Ambassador to South Sudan:
“Ethiopia and South Sudan share a long-standing historic and wonderful relationship. It is a bond built, not on transactions, but on enduring values, safeguarded by the sacrifices of many Ethiopians who stood with their South Sudanese brothers and sisters for a principled cause. The ties between our two nations are strengthened, not only by our shared history, but also by our shared destiny.”

Despite the harsh conditions and the dangers of serving in areas of armed conflict, Ethiopian peacekeepers remain committed to protecting civilians and serving the cause of peace.