By Greg Hagopian
Introduction:
UNIFIL Mandate
According to Security Council resolutions 425 (1978) and 426 (1978) of 19 March 1978, UNIFIL was established to:
- Confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.
- Restore international peace and security.
- Assist the Government of Lebanon in ensuring the return of its effective authority in the area.
According to Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) of 11 August 2006, UNIFIL, in addition to carrying out its mandate under resolutions 425 and 426, shall:
- Monitor the cessation of hostilities.
- Accompany and support the Lebanese armed forces as they deploy throughout the South, including along the Blue Line, as Israel withdraws its armed forces from Lebanon.
- Coordinate its activities referred to in the preceding paragraph (above) with the Government of Lebanon and the Government of Israel.
- Extend its assistance to help ensure humanitarian access to civilian populations and the voluntary and safe return of displaced persons.
- Assist the Lebanese armed forces in taking steps towards the establishment between the Blue Line and the Litani river of an area free of any armed personnel, assets and weapons other than those of the Government of Lebanon and of UNIFIL deployed in this area.
- Assist the Government of Lebanon, at its request, in securing its borders and other entry points to prevent the entry in Lebanon without its consent of arms or related materiel.
By this resolution, the Council also authorized UNIFIL to take all necessary action in areas of deployment of its forces and as it deems within its capabilities, to ensure that its area of operations is not utilized for hostile activities of any kind; to resist attempts by forceful means to prevent it from discharging its duties under the mandate of the Security Council; and to protect United Nations personnel, facilities, installations and equipment, ensure the security and freedom of movement of United Nations personnel, humanitarian workers and, without prejudice to the responsibility of the Government of Lebanon, to protect civilians under imminent threat of physical violence.
School Event:
On Friday 29th of January 2016, the UNIFIL visited Holy Cross-Harboyan Highschool to attend a special event organized by the school.
The principal o
f the school Mrs. Rita Boyajian did a welcome speech presenting the guest who was an official in the UN civil affairs office.
The guest speaker did a presentation to the students about the United Nations in general and more specifically the UNIFIL.
At one point, Mrs. Boyajian also joined the presentation by presenting photographs of her visit to the UN headquarters in New York where she represented the school before a while.
After the presentation some students asked questions to the guest regarding the beneficial presentation.
On the occasion of this event, an arts and crafts project competition was organized at the school where groups of students had prepared many artworks concerning UN and UNIFIL.
The 11th grade students (Nareg Basmadjian, Tsoler Melkissetian, Aline Simonian and Marie Djourian won the first place. The second place was won by the 10th grade students (Marina Ohanian and Tamar Ganimian). The third place was occupied by the BT2 student (Jack Jizmedjian).
Souvenirs on behalf of the UN were distributed by the visitors to the attending students. While the surprise of the event was the announcement that the winners of the first three places shall be granted the opportunity to visit Nakoura soon where the UNIFIL headquarters is.
Used Source for the Mandate: www.unifil.unmissions.org
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Did You Know?
The republic of Armenia is the smallest of the former Soviet Republic nations, a landlocked country with a population of approximately three million people, located in the Southern Caucasus and bordered by Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Iran.
Armenia has a rich cultural, historical and religious heritage going back 3.500 years. It was the first nation to adopt Christianity in 300 AD. The St. Etchmiadzin Cathedral which is the main center of worship is also the oldest cathedral in the world.
Christian roots and heritage from an important part of Armenian’s identity. The ark in the well-known tale of Noah and the flood is said to have rested on top of Mount Ararat, Armenian’s cherished mountain peak, which is depicted on its coat of arms, and is now part of Turkey. Armenian traditions consider Armenians the descendants of Noah, through his son Japheth.
Armenia is known for its world famous architecture, literature, and handicrafts. The economy is mainly industrial, and it exports finished goods, foodstuff and tools in exchange for raw materials and energy. Yerevan, the capital city is the center for industry and one of the oldest continuously inhibited cities of the world.
Armenian’s flag is composed of horizontal bands of red, blue and orange. The red symbolizes the Armenian people’s continued struggle for survival, maintenance of the Christian faith, Armenian’s independence and freedom. The blue symbolizes the will of the people to live under peaceful skies, and the orange symbolizes their creative talent and hardworking nature.
Conflicts and persecutions have led to the dispersion of the Armenians to all corners of the world, including Lebanon, where they make up about percent of the population.
Apart from being actively engaged in the Lebanese society as citizens, the Armenians also play their part as peacekeepers in South Lebanon. Armenia is a UN troop-contributing country (TCC) since. The Armenia troops joined UNIFIL in November 2014, and they are responsible for the security and safety of UNIFIL staff at Sector West HQ in Shama, in southern Lebanon.
“We are on duty 24/7, therefore we do not have the chance to go outside and meet with the Lebanese people”, said Major Artashes Danielyan. “We hope in the future to have more tasks to assist more the community because it is always a great feeling to help people”, he said.
Suzane Badereddine and Zeina Ezzeddine-
Public Information Office
Source: al-janoub UNIFIL magazine
