A team of women peacekeepers from India has assumed duties in the UN mission in Congo with a focus on working with women and children worst affected by conflict.

The Female Engagement Team from India, comprising nearly 20 women peacekeepers began its deployment with the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission Democratic Republic of Congo also known as MONUSCO which is considered one of the most challenging peacekeeping missions under the UN flag.

Military Advisor to the Permanent Mission of India to UN Colonel Sandeep Kapoor said, India’s deployment of the Female Engagement Team is in line with Secretary General Antonio Guterres’ priority and initiative to ensure increased participation of women peacekeepers in the UN.

The Indian brigade is deployed in the North Kivu province of the African Nation with almost 38 armed groups operating and contesting to control the areas rich in natural resources. He said, the team will conduct patrolling and engage with women and locals in that country to gain their trust.

They will also undertake civic programmes and assist in conduct of investigations and riot control among other duties. India is the second largest troop contributor to MONUSCO, with 2624 peacekeepers and 274 police personnel deployed as of March this year.