This afternoon, the National Assembly passed the Law on Participation in United Nations Peacekeeping Forces.

The Law stipulates that Vietnamese forces participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations include: armed forces officers, professional soldiers, defense workers and civil servants, non-commissioned officers, soldiers and units under the Ministry of National Defense; professional officers, non-commissioned officers, technical experts, police workers, soldiers and units under the Ministry of Public Security .

In addition, there is also a civilian force of cadres, civil servants and public employees equipped with technical means to carry out United Nations peacekeeping missions.

Forces participating in UN peacekeeping operations are selected from agencies and units under the Ministry of National Defense , the Ministry of Public Security and ministries, departments, branches and provincial People's Committees. Ministries, departments, branches and provincial People's Committees prescribe the conditions and selection criteria for forces under their management, meeting the requirements of the United Nations for each unit and selection position.

dsc4381 1 883 (1).jpg
Peacekeeping forces participate in emergency drills and capacity assessments.

Before the National Assembly voted to approve, there were opinions suggesting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs take the lead and coordinate with relevant agencies to "select personnel" based on common standards. There were opinions suggesting that the Government prescribe the conditions and standards for selection.

The National Assembly Standing Committee said that in the process of participating in UN peacekeeping activities, for each type of unit or specific individual position, the United Nations also has requirements on tasks and criteria specific to each force and position.

Participants are armed forces, civil servants and public employees who must meet the standards and criteria of the ministries, departments and branches in charge. Therefore, the selection criteria and standards will be regulated and guided separately by ministries, departments and branches, and provincial People's Committees.

There are suggestions to clarify policies and improve policies and benefits during the implementation of UN missions. There are suggestions to supplement regulations and policies that prioritize and encourage women in order to increase the proportion of women participating in UN peacekeeping forces.

The National Assembly Standing Committee said the draft law stipulates principles on regimes and policies for Vietnamese forces during their time on duty abroad; before deployment and after completing their duties and returning home.

According to the passed law, Vietnamese forces participating in UN peacekeeping operations during their missions abroad are entitled to salary, allowances and other preferential regimes and policies according to the provisions of Vietnamese and UN laws; during their training, education and fostering period, and upon completing their missions and returning home, they are entitled to preferential regimes and policies according to the Government's regulations.

During their participation in the United Nations peacekeeping force, individuals and units with achievements in performing their duties shall be rewarded according to the provisions of Vietnamese and United Nations laws. Individuals who are sick, injured, have accidents or sacrifice or die while performing their duties in the United Nations peacekeeping force shall themselves or their relatives enjoy the regimes and policies according to the provisions of Vietnamese and United Nations laws.

Social insurance and health insurance policies and regimes are implemented according to the provisions of Vietnamese law.

The Government will specify in detail the regimes and policies for the forces participating in the UN peacekeeping operations. The provisions in the law only provide a framework, ensuring principles and flexibility, in which the Government is decentralised to regulate.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/quoc-hoi-dong-y-can-bo-ngoai-quan-doi-cong-an-duoc-tham-gia-gin-giu-hoa-binh-2415328.html