Praising women police and military officers serving in peace-keeping operations, United Nations General Assembly President Sheikha Haya Rashed Al Khalifa has said that the work being done by the first-ever all women contingent of UN police force sent by India to serve in Liberia was worthy of special mention.

"A shining example is the first ever all-female contingent of United Nations Police sent from India to Liberia," she added. "These Blue Berets are not only helping to restore the rule of law, they are also serving as role models for Liberian women."

Since the contingent's arrival, the number of Liberian women taking steps to join the national police force has increased, she stressed.

These peacekeepers not only carry out their mandated tasks but also create a lasting legacy by 'exemplifying how military and police can engage in humanitarian work while interacting respectfully with civil society', Sheikha Haya said in a message for the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

The United Nations is seeking increasing number of female peacekeepers especially as women and children are the worst sufferers in any crisis and at the greatest risk of being sexually exploited. It is expected that victims would find it easier to confide in female officers.

Sheikha Haya also hailed the contribution being made by UN military, police and civilian personnel across the world engaged in a broad range of activities, from disarmament to human rights monitoring.