UNIFIL peacekeepers host 50 children

UNIFIL peacekeepers from the Force Commander Civil-Military Cooperation (FC CIMIC) unit hosted about 50 children in the Indonesian peacekeepers’ main base in Adshit Al Qusayr earlier this month. The children, between 5 and 13 years, came from the nearby town of Marjayoun to interact with UNIFIL peacekeepers and learn about the crucial work of furthering peace the Mission has been doing in south Lebanon since 1978. FC CIMIC unit organized the programme, which also saw traditional Indonesian music and dance performances, in close coordination with a local non-governmental organization called “AVSI” as well as UNIFIL’s Indonesian Battalion and the Military Community Outreach Unit. The NGO operates in south Lebanon, carrying out various projects for children with vulnerability. During the visit, UNIFIL peacekeepers briefed the children about what the Blue Line is, why Blue Barrels are dotting the Blue Line, why it is important not to cross the Blue Line, and other aspects of UNIFIL’s mandate. Between peacekeeping duties, UNIFIL peacekeepers regularly carry out various small-scale activities with the host communities in order to maintain and enhance their excellent relation.