Kazakhstan Commemorates Return of Initial UN Peacekeeping Troops

Refreshed Narrative:

ASTANA — The homecoming of Kazakhstan's first peacekeeping unit, recently returned from a year-long mission under the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights, was met with a blend of joy, relief, and a touch of melancholy.

Sergeant Ardak Kurtibayeva was one of seven female members of the 139-strong contingent. "Our mission was to promote peace and stability among the local population, and I believe we accomplished that goal. Every single peacekeeper returned home safely – that's the most crucial aspect," said Kurtibayeva.

During her time, Kurtibayeva encountered harrowing moments, like the renewed conflicts in Syria in December. "Listening to missiles, explosions, and gunfire overhead was downright terrifying. But what truly left an impression was the resilience and dedication our Kazakh peacekeepers showed, working alongside the UN operational team under those conditions," she recalls.

Known for her work in the medical unit and as a gender adviser, Kurtibayeva underscored the importance of a female peacekeeper's role in such missions. "Women often bear the brunt of war, and a female peacekeeper can empathize with them more intimately. On several occasions, I conducted trainings with the troops on topics like sexual violence, conflict-related exploitation, and the role of women in peacekeeping. I strongly feel this aspect is vital because women are the most vulnerable during conflicts."

The return to peaceful, everyday life after the high-stress, intense experiences of a war zone is something to truly appreciate, Kurtibayeva noted. "Witnessing suffering in places like Syria really puts things in perspective. You realize how important even the smallest comforts are."

In addition to growing professionally through the mission, Kurtibayeva enhanced her English language skills and sharped her combat first aid skills. She shared her pride in the team, saying, "The UN leadership highly praised our peacekeepers. Our unit's performance during escorts, reinforcements, and challenging conditions was commendable."

Following the commendations by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at an April 14 ceremony in Astana, Kazakhstan launched its second national peacekeeping contingent to the Golan Heights on April 10. Since 2014, the Kazakh Armed Forces have engaged in various UN peacekeeping missions, with around 700 personnel involved in specialized roles.

Incorporating Enrichment Data:

Kurtibayeva's experiences mirrored the broader impact of female peacekeepers – a group that plays a pivotal role in peacekeeping missions due to their ability to build trust and communicate more effectively with local communities, especially women and vulnerable groups. This goes a long way in enhancing legitimacy, outreach, and improving protection efforts – especially against gender-based violence.

The presence of female peacekeepers like Kurtibayeva also contributes to the operational effectiveness of peacekeeping units by broadening perspectives and fostering environments that promote sustainable peace and stability.

Notes:1. Women, Peace, and Security: An Agenda for Peace and Human Security2. The Impact of Women in Peacekeeping Operations on the Scale and Nature of Sexual Violence: Evidence from Democratic Republic of the Congo3. Gender, Peace, and Security: Protecting Civilians in Extraordinary Circumstances4. Women in Peacekeeping: Challenges and Opportunities5. Female Peacekeepers: Breaking Barriers, Building Peace

Sergeant Kurtibayeva, having returned from her UN peacekeeping mission in the Golan Heights with the Kazakhstani contingent, shared her thoughts on the resilience and dedication displayed by her fellow peacekeepers during challenging times, especially towards civilians.
The importance of female peacekeepers, such as Kurtibayeva, in peacekeeping missions was highlighted, given their ability to build trust and communicate effectively with local communities, particularly women and vulnerable groups.
As a medical unit member and gender adviser, Kurtibayeva underscored the significance of her role in combating sexual violence, conflict-related exploitation, and promoting the role of women in peacekeeping efforts.
Kurtibayeva's experiences during the mission served not only to grow her professionally but also to enhance her English language skills and combat first aid skills.
Incorporating the findings from various studies such as Women, Peace, and Security and Female Peacekeepers: Breaking Barriers, Building Peace, Kurtibayeva's work underlined the vital role female peacekeepers play in enhancing the legitimacy, outreach, and protection efforts – especially against gender-based violence – in peacekeeping missions like UNDOF.