THE OBSERVER FOR PEACE IN

United Nations Military Observer Group United Nations in and Peace Operations MAGAZINE 2016 2 UNMOGIP MAGAZINE Message from Chief Military Observer and Head of Mission

are the vast area of operations, for their assistance and support to high altitude, rugged terrain and UNMOGIP. extreme weather conditions. Winter in the mountains brings Our Mission has a unique position heavy snow and landslides, making as a neutral observer in the travel difficult and posing a risk to region. We will continue to make the safety of our Military Observers our contributions by reporting who are there to perform the impartially on developments along Mission’s mandate. They do their the and Working You are holding the fourth edition outmost to handle these challenges Boundary. of The Observer in your hands. My and I appreciate their hard work predecessors and their teams did a and dedication. However, without I am thankful to both India and great job of developing the annual the well organised and effective Pakistan for their continued publication of UN Military Observer support from our civilian staff we support for UNMOGIP. The Indian Group in India and Pakistan would not be able to achieve any and Pakistan Army liaison officers (UNMOGIP). I hope this magazine of this. and drivers as well as security will remain a useful platform for units play a crucial role in helping sharing our perspective in the We are here to monitor and report us carry out our mission. coming year as well. on developments along the Line of Control and Working Boundary UNMOGIP’s staff is a community Since the last issue of The and investigate alleged ceasefire of more than 25 nations that Observer was released, there violations. In a departure from strives for a common goal. Here has been a change of leadership past practice, I have instituted we learn to accept differences at UNMOGIP; on 3 July 2016 I new guidelines, which focus on and treat each other with humility assumed command of the Mission. the fulfilment of our mandate and and respect. The diversity of our I take this opportunity to thank my operational needs. Always, when Mission is our strength because predecessor and all the Mission conducting operations, the safety we can achieve more by drawing staff for their outstanding work. and security of our personnel are out the best in one another. They created solid ground for me of utmost importance. and I wish to continue the legacy We are also part of the larger UN of peacekeeping along the Line I appreciate the solid commitment family in India and Pakistan. Our of Control and Working Boundary of our troop contributing countries aim is to sustain and develop our in Jammu and Kashmir with the -- Chile, Croatia, Finland, cooperation and collaboration for same eagerness and diligence. Philippines, South Korea, Sweden, peace and development in the Switzerland, Thailand and Uruguay region. The focus for UNMOGIP is of -- who have supported UNMOGIP course the situation along the Line over many years. I also thank the of Control and Working Boundary. UN Department on Peacekeeping Operations and Department on Some of the challenges we meet Field Support and other UN entities Major General Per Lodin

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 3 ABOUT UNMOGIP What is UNMOGIP?

The Jammu and Kashmir region has been a source of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan for nearly seven decades. The UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) monitors the ceasefire between India and Pakistan along the Line of Control and Working Boundary in Jammu and Kashmir.

1947 1948 1949 The Indian subcontinent was In January, the UN Security Council In January, the first team of granted full self-governance from adopted resolution 39 establishing a unarmed Military Observers arrived former British rule and partitioned United Nations Commission for India in the area to supervise a ceasefire into two independent states - India and Pakistan (UNCIP) to investigate between India and Pakistan and and Pakistan. Under the Indian and mediate the dispute in Kashmir. to assist the Military Adviser to Independence Act of 1947, the In April, by its resolution 47the Council UNCIP. On 27 July, the Karachi state of Jammu and Kashmir was decided to enlarge the membership agreement established a ceasefire free to accede to either country. of UNCIP and to recommend line to be supervised by UN Military Its accession became a matter of various measures including the use Observers. dispute between the two countries of observers to stop the fighting. and fighting broke out later that At the recommendation of UNCIP, year. the Secretary-General appointed the Military Adviser to support the Commission on military aspects and provided for a group of military observers to assist him.

4 UNMOGIP MAGAZINE ABOUT UNMOGIP

UNMOGIP has six field stations in During summer months from May to the Pakistan-administered Kashmir October, UNMOGIP’s headquarters is and four field stations in the Indian- based in Srinagar, Indian-administered administered Kashmir to monitor the Kashmir, while in winter from ceasefire. Additionally, one field station November to April, the headquarters is located in Sialkot, Pakistan, along moves to Islamabad, Pakistan. In the Working Boundary. addition, a liaison office operates in New Delhi, India.

TAJIKISTAN

AFGHANISTAN Mintaka Pass Jammu and Khūnjerāb Darkot hūnje Pass K rāb Pass Kashmir Area

n Thūi Ān Ba u tū K kh Pass r Batūra r a Shim a Mu Glacier sh Y zt āl āgh A Chumar Khān Baltit R Pass t Hisp G ilgi ar Muz tāgh Hispar Glacier A Shandūr Rak apos Pass hi R Jammu an K Mt. Godwin Chogo ge Hun Lungma Austin () Ya z Biafo B 8611m rk Gilgit a a a H Glacier l n a Glacier t O d ra oro Dadarili m Bra Muztagh Indu o ldu Pass s s h R A a M S R st n a i Indus o g s h ac Pass r e S e r ge h h br u m R an en i M D g uztā Chilās E a gh A O r Siachen Nanga S S Glacier Astor A A Parbat I L M 8126m Skārdu T H M O PAKISTAN O R Bābūsar U Goma O N I and u Pass N L b NJ 980420 X R r M Sh T a ig A A A ar I N Kel A N D G us S S d S Ā h E n h y I in o ONTR L go K k F C O In O L du LIN E A s H s ā Kargil r R Y D A Tarbela Muzaffarābād Tithwāl Wular Zoji La Drās N Reservoir Sopur Lake Pass G A E Domel J h J Bāramūla e hea a Z Leh Tarbela m m Ā Dam Uri N M S Chakothi Srīnagar Kashmir K Hajī Pīr Ā O R Pass P Karu ī Campbellpore Rāwala Kot r M O Pūnch P Vale of U Islāmābād Anantnāg U a Kashmir N n N T Mendhar j A Rāwalpindi Kotli a Banihāl I ch l Pass N n T S ū R C P Rājauri a n hen Mangla g e āb Reservoir A New Nāushahra Mangla Dam Mīrpur Riāsi I Munawwarwāli Jhelum Tāwi N Bhimbar Chhamb Udhampur Akhnūr NW 605550 X S International boundary Jammu INDIA Provincial boundary b Gujrāt nā he National capital C Sāmba Major city Siālkot Town or village Kathua Major road Line of Control as promulgated in i the 1972 Lesser road av Gujrānwāla R Dotted line represents approximately the Line of Control Airport in Jammu and Kashmir agreed upon by India and Pakistan. The final status of Jammu and Kashmir has not been agreed 0 25 50 75 km upon by the parties. The boundaries and names shown on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations. 0 25 50 mi Lahore Amritsar

Map No. 3953 Rev. 4 UNITED NATIONS Department of Field Support December 2011 Cartographic Section 1951 1971 1972 UNCIP was replaced by UNMOGIP Hostilities broke out again between In July, India and Pakistan signed under Security Council Resolution India and Pakistan at the end of the an agreement defining a Line of 91. UNMOGIP’s functions were to year. When a ceasefire came into Control in Jammu and Kashmir, observe and report, investigate effect on December 17, a number of which, with minor deviations, complaints of ceasefire violations positions on both sides of the 1949 followed the same course as the and submit its finding to each party ceasefire line had changed hands. ceasefire line established by the and to the Secretary-General. The Security Council on December Karachi Agreement in 1949. India 21 adopted resolution 307, by which took the unilateral position that the it demanded that a durable ceasefire mandate of UNMOGIP had lapsed. in all areas of conflict remain in effect until all armed forces had withdrawn to their respective territories and to positions which fully respected the ceasefire line in Jammu and Kashmir supervised by UNMOGIP.

Present Given the disagreement between the two parties over UNMOGIP’s mandate and functions, the Secretary-General’s position has been that UNMOGIP could be terminated only by a decision of the Security Council. In the absence of such an agreement, UNMOGIP has been maintained with the same arrangements as established following the December 1971 ceasefire.

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 5 ABOUT UNMOGIP UNMOGIP leadership

Major General Per Lodin Davorko Jokic Chief Military Observer-Head of Mission Deputy Chief Military Observer

Major General Per Lodin of Sweden joined the United Colonel Davorko Jokic from Republic of Croatia was Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan appointed as UNMOGIP’s Deputy Chief Military Observer (UNMOGIP) as Chief Military Observer and Head of on November 1, 2015. Mission on July 3, 2016. This is his second UN peacekeeping mission. Prior to With a distinguished military career in the Swedish Army this he served in UN Mission in Liberia (2012-2013) as beginning in 1978, Major General Lodin has worked on Deputy Chief of Joint Operations Centre. important national and international assignments. He most recently served as the Director of Procurement and He joined Croatian Armed Forces in 1991 and has a Logistics at the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration degree in Political Science from University of Zagreb. (2014-2016). He was the Director of Strategic Planning and Development (2008-2014) and Head of Strategies, He graduated at Command and General Staff College, R&D and Business Development (2007-2008) in the Fort Leavenworth, USA in 2003 and has held a number same organization. of national and international professional appointments. He has served the Senior Military Adviser in Croatian Major General Lodin has also served as a Commanding mission to NATO in Brussels (2003-2007). He later in the NATO-led international peacekeeping force worked at International Security Assistance Force HQ in in Kosovo (2006-07). Prior to this, he was the Deputy Kabul (2008-2009). Chief of Staff in the Swedish Armed Forces (2005-06). Colonel Davorko Jokic’s last appointment in Croatian Major General Lodin is a member of the Royal Swedish Armed Forces was chief of Tactics Department in Croatian Academy of Military Sciences. He holds a diploma from Military Academy. the Graduate Institute of International Studies based in Geneva and attended the United Nations Senior Mission Leaders course in 2015.

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Nester Odaga-Jalomayo Syed Capua Chief of Mission Support Chief Security Officer

Nester Odaga-Jalomayo of Uganda joined the United Nations Syed Capua of Bangladesh joined UNMOGIP in late 2010. Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) on 6 His professional career spans nearly 30 years which July, 2014 as the Chief of Mission Support (CMS). Prior to this, includes services in the Bangladesh Army and the United he served in similar capacity at the United Nations Integrated Nations. This is his second assignment as the Chief Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone from December 2012 to Security Officer of a UN Peacekeeping Mission. He served June 2014. in a similar capacity in United Nations Observer Mission in Georgia (2003-2007). He brings with him 16 years’ experience at the United Nations. Before joining the UN, he worked for 19 years as a Foreign Mr. Capua started his career in the Bangladesh Army Service Officer for his government. in 1984 where he held various positions. Shortly after completing the Infantry Officers’ Advance Course in 1992 Mr. Odaga-Jalomayo started his career in the UN as a Budget in the US Army Infantry School at Fort Benning, Mr. Capua Officer in UN Headquarters in New York in 1999 before going was appointed Instructor in both Weapon and Tactics to serve as a Chief Budget Officer in Freetown, Sierra Leone wings in the prestigious Bangladesh School of Infantry (2000-2005) and Port-au-Prince, Haïti (2006-2007). He was and Tactics. later appointed the Chief of Administrative Services for the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (2007-2012) He was the Senior Operations Officer during his secondment from the Bangladesh Army to the UN Guards Mr. Odaga-Jalomayo holds a Master degree in Policy Analysis Contingent in Iraq in 1999. and Financial Management from Columbia University, New York, Diploma in International Trade and Finance from the Institute Mr. Capua started his UN career in Iraq in January 2001. of Social Studies, the Hague, the Netherlands, Advanced Professional Training in Development Diplomacy from the Being a student of political science, Mr. Capua takes a German Foundation for International Development (DSE), Berlin, great deal of interest in international relations, politics Germany and a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Political Science and and economic developments. His research and analysis Philosophy from Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. In in this area is an integral part of his professional work. addition, he has received extensive professional training from reputed international institutions as well as from the UN.

Currently, he is pursuing a PhD in Leadership and Governance at the Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi, Kenya. UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 7 ABOUT UNMOGIP Troop contributors to UNMOGIP

9 7 6

Croatia South Korea Finland

6 6 3

Philippines Sweden Switzerland

3 2 2

Thailand Chile Uruguay

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73o 74o 75o 76o 77o 78o

Mintaka 37o AFGHANISTAN Pass 37o

--- - UNMOGIP Darkot Khunjerab Pass Pass DEPLOYMENT - Thui- An Pass Batura- Glacier UN HQ / Rear HQ Chumar Khan- Baltit UN field station Pass

Shandur- Hispar Glacier Pass 36o 36o Jammu Chogo Mt. Godwin CHINA Lungma Austin (K2) Gilgit Biafo 8611m Glacier Glacier Dadarili Baltoro Glacier Pass Sia La - Chilas Bilafond La Siachen Nanga Astor Glacier Parbat -- 8126m Skardu PAKISTAN Goma Babusar-- 35o Pass and 35o NJ 980420 X Kel

NTR CO O F L LINE O

- s a r Kargil D Tarbela Muzaffarabad- Tithwal- Wular Zoji La - Reservoir Sopur Lake Pass Domel J h Jhe ---- e am Baramulla a m Z - Leh Tarbela A Dam Uri Srinagar- N Chakothi Kashmir S o o 34 K - 34 Haji-- Pir A - R Rawalakot Pass P - - - i- Karu Campbellpore Islamabad r M - O Titrinot P Vale of Anantnag Islamabad -- - Poonch U a Kashmir N Mendhar n T Rawalpindi- Kotli j - A a- Banihal I

ch l Pass N - n u R S P Rajouri C a n hen - Mangla g e ab Reservoir Naushahra- - Mangla Dam New Mirpur- Riasi 33o Munawwarwali- 33o - Jhelum Tawi Bhimber Chhamb Udhampur Akhnur- NW 605550 X International boundary Jammu INDIA - b Provincial boundary - na Gujrat he C - National capital Sialkot- Samba City, town or village Major road Kathua Line of Control as promulgated in the Lesser road 1972 SIMLA Agreement

-- vi Airport Gujranwala Ra Dotted line represents approximately the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir agreed upon by India and Pakistan. 32o The final status of Jammu and Kashmir has not been agreed 32o 0 25 50 75 km upon by the parties. The boundaries and names shown on this map do not imply 0 25 50 mi official endorsement or acceptance by the United Nations.

73o 74o Lahore Amritsar 75o 76o 77o

Map No. 3828 Rev. 21 UNITED NATIONS Department of Field Support September 2015 (Colour) Geospatial Information Section (formerly Cartographic Section)

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 9 ARTICLE Working for peace

Colonel Davorko Jokic to the regional stability. UNMOGIP Headquarters directs Deputy Chief Military and controls the activities of field Observer UNMOGIP operates purely as stations and reports regularly to a UN military observer mission the UN Headquarters in New York. “To observe and report. We and works under an open- Observe For Peace And Together ended mandate of the UN The Security Council Resolution We Go!” This quote summarizes Security Council. It reports to 307 (1971), “calls for a durable the mission of UN Military the Secretary-General through ceasefire and cessation of Observer Group in India and the Department of Peacekeeping hostilities in all areas of conflict Pakistan (UNMOGIP). The UN has Operations. to be strictly observed and been continuously involved since remain in effect until withdrawals the beginning of the India and UNMOGIP’s task is to observe and will take place, as soon as Pakistan tensions in Jammu and report on developments pertaining practicable, of all armed forces Kashmir. It has greatly contributed to the strict observance of the to their respective territories and to the maintenance of peace and 17 December, 1971 ceasefire. to positions, which fully respect

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the Ceasefire Line in Jammu and In order to preserve its gains, part of the year, with frequent Kashmir supervised by the United the Mission continues to seek landslides and heavy snowfall Nations Military Observer Group guidance from the UN Secretary- in the winter. The region also in India and Pakistan.” General and the Department of has a history of devastating Peacekeeping Operations for the earthquakes. A durable peace between performance of UNMOGIP. India and Pakistan is still to be Since 1949, when the first achieved and incidents of alleged We value collaboration and group of UN Military Observers ceasefire violation continue to teamwork for the attainment of arrived in the area, a number of happen from time to time. In this our mandate and ensure that in staff members have lost their context, UNMOGIP’s mandate doing so we work in a fair and lives. These staff members are takes on added importance in neutral manner with both host commemorated and honoured the maintenance of peace and countries. yearly on the Peacekeepers Day security in the region. Special on 29 May. attention is focused on the Currently, there are 44 UN Mission’s objectives to ensure Military Observers serving in The resolution of the Jammu and their accomplishment. UNMOGIP. The Mission deploys Kashmir issue is in the hands of UN Military Observers in UN field India and Pakistan. I hope that one The Mission’s strategic objectives stations on both sides of the LoC day the two countries will bring are properly communicated and and Working Boundary. They durable peace to the Kashmiris disseminated through written and conduct observation posts, field and the region. verbal guidance to all military and trips, area and civilian personnel. Each member investigations of alleged ceasefire has a clear understanding of their violation complaints and Working responsibilities and purpose. All Boundary incidents as received. senior leaders actively participate The main challenge for UNMOGIP and contribute in the decision- is that we have unrestricted making and assessment of freedom of movement to the Mission’s effectiveness in implement our mandate only on implementing its mandate. one side of the LoC and Working Boundary. The Mission continuously improves in all aspects of its The terrain in UNMOGIP’s area of core responsibilities of observing, operations is rugged and UNMOs reporting and examining have to travel through vast and effectively the developments dispersed areas. It features four along the Line of Control (LoC) mountain peaks above 8,000 and Working Boundary, with meters and large patches of the view to seeking decrease in uninhabitable land. The climatic cross-LoC incidents. conditions are extreme for most

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 11 ARTICLE Facilitating the observers’ work

Nester Odaga-Jalomayo missions, its responsibility Nations Assistance Mission Chief of Mission Support expands to two countries, India in Afghanistan Liaison Office and Pakistan, with alternating by providing various support UNMOGIP is the second oldest headquarters, Islamabad and services. peacekeeping mission of the Srinagar, a Liaison Office in United Nations, tasked with New Delhi, four field stations on To carry out all these tasks, we monitoring and reporting on the Indian side and seven field have an excellent team consisting the ceasefire agreement of 17 stations on the Pakistani side of of 49 national (41 Pakistani and December 1971 between India the Line of Control and Working 8 Indian) and 25 international and Pakistan. Boundary – a total of 14 locations civilian staff members. in a difficult terrain with extreme Forty-four UN Military Observers weather conditions. The relocation of Jammu, Poonch (UNMOs) carry out the strenuous and Rajouri field stations as well task of monitoring more than We provide administrative as the Liaison Office in New Delhi 740-kilometre long Line of and logistical services to 44 to new premises is an important Control and Working Boundary in UNMOs, 70 drivers provided by development of the past one and the Jammu and Kashmir region. the Government of Pakistani a half years. Staff in Islamabad The role of Mission Support is to and 67 drivers provided by Headquarters worked closely with provide cost effective, efficient, the . The the Indian national staff to identify reliable and prompt logistical two governments also provide new facilities. The complexity of and administrative support and military guards (25 military the task was to propose facilities services to the work of UNMOs guards on the Pakistan side suitable from all angles, including who currently come from nine and 23 military guards and 11 security and communications. different countries. Although policemen on the Indian side). The relocation process was UNMOGIP is one of the small UNMOGIP also assists the United successfully completed in time.

The writer (left) visiting Field Station Sialkot with his team. Field Station Rawalakot under renovation.

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Exterior view of Field Station Skardu.

On my arrival, I visited some Mission Support has faced some UNMOGIP field stations and noted challenges too during this time. the need for immediate renovations. The introduction of new automated Mission Support made it a priority to systems such as Umoja, Field improve the general infrastructures Support Suite and travel related and provide UNMOs with better living software required staff to diversify conditions. An additional washroom and upgrade their skills. Likewise, was constructed at Kotli, while new requirements by host nations Skardu received a new fuel room. regarding visas and entry permits Plumbing was improved in all field have increased the workload of stations on the Pakistani side. New Mission Support but my team has air conditioners and water filtration risen to the challenge and I am systems were installed, generators proud of them. Field Station Bhimber under have been put on automated systems renovation. in all field stations, and flagpoles were built. These look like minor details in the overall work of UNMOGIP mean a lot to people working in the field and enhance staff efficiency.

Last but not the least, improvements have been made in logistics and communications, which are critical for the safety of UNMOs and for car- rying out their responsibilities requir- ing them to travel long distances.

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 13 INTERVIEW ‘We are the eyes of the international community’

Chief Military Observer and Head of Mission Maj Gen Per Lodin.

The conflict in Jammu and Kashmir deterioration of the situation along joined UNMOGIP as Head of Mission has lingered on for more than 69 the Line of Control between India and and Chief Military Observer in July years and shows no sign of abating. Pakistan. He called on all involved 2016. Tension simmered along the Line to prioritize the restoration of calm of Control and Working Boundary and stability in order to prevent any Since his arrival, he has visited all throughout 2016, flaring up from further escalation and loss of life. UN field stations on both sides of time to time. the Line of Control and Working UN Military Observer Group in India Boundary and met officials in In his latest statement on the issue, and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) has been Islamabad and New Delhi. He talked UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- present in the region for 67 years to to The Observer about UNMOGIP’s moon said on 24 November that monitor ceasefire between the two role in and its he was deeply concerned about the countries. Major General Per Lodin challenges.

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What has been UNMOGIP’s contribution to peace and security of the regions over the years? UNMOGIP has been here for quite a long time. The first military observers arrived on 24 January 1949 and we are still here. We observe, monitor, report and investigate complaints of alleged ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and incidents along the Working Boundary. I think that even if we are a few, we show the presence of the international community. This is important. I think it helps to maintain peace and security in the area. And then, of course, we shall remember that the two host countries, Pakistan and India, are regional and nuclear powers. It is a demanding situation.

You said your presence is important. So how does UNMOGIP’s reporting help in preventing the conflict from escalating?Let’s look at it in another way. If UNMOGIP was not present, who should then report about the situation -- positive or negative -- to the UN? We are the eyes of the international community along the Line of Control and the Working Boundary. Just the fact that our host nations and others know that we are there, it actually helps. And that is also the view of the Secretary-General, whose position is that UNMOGIP’s mandate can only be terminated by a decision of the Security Council and in absence of such decision, the Mission will be maintained with the same arrangements.

Does UNMOGIP’s reporting also help with the diplomatic efforts for peace between India and Pakistan? That is not up to me to comment on. Our mandate is to report to the Secretary-General and UN Headquarters (UNHQ) and to share information about the results of our investigations with the latter. Like all other peacekeeping missions, UNMOGIP is impartial. We only share information with the diplomatic community about our mandate and how we’re trying to fulfill this mandate and where we are based. The Secretary-General has repeatedly offered assurances to the two parties of the UN’s good offices and UNMOGIP’s objective is to maintain strong working relationships with the and India.

There is a lot of confusion in the region about UNMOGIP’s mandate in Jammu and Kashmir. Usually people say that the UN should be doing more to resolve this conflict. How would you explain your position in answer to these comments? First of all, I understand the sentiments of the local population on both sides of the Line of Control and Working Boundary. Unfortunately, there was civil unrest in Srinagar area in the Indian-administered Kashmir from July to November this year. During this time, the local people saw the UN flag and the UN coat of arms and asked why we were not more involved. We explained to them what our role is. We keep to our mandate that is to monitor and report on the situation along the Line of Control and the Working Boundary.

What do you report on if your movement usually is along the Line of Control and UN military observers are based in specific locations? UN military observers report on all observations based on primary sources related to the Mission’s mandate and to the UN Charter. In addition, we also report some media information to inform on the general situation that may impact the security along the Line of Control and Working Boundary.

What are the main challenges you face during the course of your work? The length of the Line of Control and Working Boundary is approximately 740 kilometres and the manpower in the Mission to handle this task is 44 Military Observers; however, we are between 35 to 40 observers at any given time. This is demanding. It means we have to focus our meagre resources only on monitoring and investigating complaints of alleged ceasefire violations in some field stations. The climate is challenging as it can be quite harsh and cold, especially in the Northern Areas. Also there are a lot of landslides in this mountainous region and this area of the world has had major earthquakes in the past. Finally, travelling is another challenge because of traffic accidents.

What would be your final message with regard to UNMOGIP’s role as the eyes of the international community? We make a difference!

Thank you very much for your time and for sharing your views.

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 15 PROFILE A female observer navigates gendered spaces

Major Dokyoung Koo with the local people in Lamnian village near the Line of Control in the Pakistan- administered Kashmir.

There were many firsts when Affairs Officer when she was “I was the Officer in Charge of my Major Dokyoung Koo from South selected to join UNMOGIP. “It field station. When I went out in Korea joined UN Military Observer was an honour for me because the field, sometimes local people Group in India and Pakistan I opened the door for officers did not talk to me, shake hands (UNMOGIP). This was her first junior to me to apply for such with me or even acknowledge peacekeeping mission, her first deployments,” she said. She my presence,” she said. She had experience of working in the received eight weeks of training to depend on her driver or male field and the first time someone before her assignment. colleagues on such occasions. from her department was chosen Women are a minority in the South for such an assignment. She is In the field, she mainly conducted Korean armed forced and she among the five female Military investigations, field trips, is used to dealing with different Observers currently serving at observation posts and area perceptions of gender roles in her UNMOGIP. reconnaissance. It was a pleasant own country; however, this was break from the uniformity of an entirely different experience. Major Dokyoung Koo had been her previous position in her serving in the Republic of Korea country, but did not come without If at first it was difficult, Major Army for 12 years as a Public challenges. Koo soon found out that being a

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is showing our presence to the public. Being a female officer helped me with this.”

Major Koo found a community within the Mission where people with different backgrounds are used to working together and Giving security briefing as Officer in Charge before starting a field task. extend this approach to working with women. Robin Johansson from Sweden joined female officer could also be used not allowed to study or work UNMOGIP in October and served as a strength in a culture that in Pakistan. Talking to several under Major Koo in Domel for a practices gender segregation. It women made her realize that month. gave her access to spaces where they want to participate in social her male colleagues could not activities and are eager to get He said having a female officer as enter and it attracted attention more education. “As a female a supervisor works well, because of the local people, which she officer, I can inspire some women it is very clear to UN staff that used to assert her presence as I meet to have more challenges in respect is held for the position a woman and a representative of their lives,” she said. regardless of nationality, race the UN. or gender. “Major Koo has very It helps with Mission activities good training skills. She involved Once, the local unit of the Pakistan too. Her former Officer in Charge us in different tasks at the field Army in Domel invited the UN Lieutenant Commander Robert station. I think it is very important Military Observers of the field Carlsson told The Observer that because we play the role of Officer station including herself to the it is very useful to have female in Charge at the field stations at Independence Day celebrations. officers in the Mission. “I would some point,” he said. She and the other members of try to send one female officer her team had to split during the with each patrol. We see that Currently, Major Koo is working lunch because eating area was women here appreciate very at the UNMOGIP headquarters as divided by gender. Sitting in the much talking to female officers a Military Information Officer and female section, she met a local and it gives us a better view of will soon be posted to field station teacher who invited her to visit the area,” he said. Rajouri in the Indian-administered her school. Kashmir. Major Koo said though people Major Koo had a chance to see are reluctant to approach female how the local schools were run. officers due to cultural barriers, To her surprise, most of teachers but they are fascinated to see were women. This changed women in uniform. “One of our her perception that women are top priorities in field stations

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 17 PROFILE Reflections of a veteran peacekeeper

conscript in 1989 and soon after always fully achieve its purpose. went on his first peacekeeping Nonetheless, peacekeepers touch assignment with the United Nations the lives of the people they meet and Interim Force in Lebanon. After take home a wealth of knowledge coming back he continued to pursue and experience that also contributes a military career and a decade to their own societies, back home. later joined his second mission - The Sri Lankan Monitoring Mission, United Nations Truce Supervision where Lt Cdr Carlsson served twice, Organization - in the Middle East in became controversial and was 1999 as Captain. dissolved in 2008, while the civil His next international posting was war ended with the killing of Tamil Sri Lanka Monitoring Mission in leader Velupillai Prabhakaran in a 2004 to monitor the ceasefire Sri Lankan Army military operation between the Government of Sri in May 2009, an outcome contrary Lanka and the rebel Tamil Tigers to the purpose of his peacekeeping Lt Cdr Robert Carlsson at UNMOGIP during the Sri Lankan Civil War. “I efforts. HQ in Islamabad. was there for one year patrolling, UN Peacekeeping Mission in Sudan, monitoring and observing at the sea Sweden may not be the largest troop where he served next, had helped contributor to UN peacekeeping together with the Sri Lankan Navy Sudan hold a referendum in the missions, but it has a proud legacy and Tamil Tigers.” insurgency-hit southern parts of the of peacebuilding and peacekeeping Lt Cdr Carlsson went back to country in 2011 which led to the around the world. Lieutenant Sweden and attended Staff creation of South Sudan. However, Commander Robert Carlsson from College and rejoined the Sri Lanka two years after independence, Sweden is on his eighth stint as Monitoring Mission in 2005 as a fighting between forces loyal to a peacekeeper at the UN Military staff officer. Before joining UNMOGIP President Kiir and those loyal to his Observer Group in India and in March 2016, he served in three former deputy Riek Machar plunged Pakistan (UNMOGIP). more missions: UN Peacekeeping the country into conflict. “Of course Lt Cdr Carlsson, 48, is currently Mission in Sudan (2007), Temporary it’s sad to see that the good we had posted as Personnel and Manning International Presence in Hebron achieved was overtaken by greater Officer at UNMOGIP Headquarters (2010) and the United Nations events in the long run,” said Lt Cdr in Islamabad. Dressed in green Organization Stabilization Mission Carlsson. camouflage uniform of the Swedish in the Democratic Republic of the His current Mission, UNMOGIP, Armed Forces, he exuded calm Congo (2015). has been monitoring the ceasefire and humility while narrating his When peacekeepers join a mission, between India and Pakistan for peacekeeping experiences. they do so to contribute to a noble nearly seven decades. It is hard He joined the Swedish Navy as a cause. The work they do may not for peacekeepers working with the

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In Lebanon (1990). In Sudan (2007). about their lives. You can feel that they done many more things than other appreciate our presence,” he said. people do. In Sri Lanka, the village leaders told “If I put it in the scale and look at Lt Cdr Carlsson they were grateful for everything I have seen and done, the the UN presence because whenever fantastic people I met, I don’t regret UN cars appeared, the situation my choices,” he said. calmed down. Once there was a dispute between the army and the His experiences abroad have also fishermen. The situation had heated informed his political views at home. up to the extent that there was In the wake of the migrant crisis in and the influx of refugees In Sri Lanka (2005). danger of fighting but when the UN personnel showed up, the two sides from Syria and other countries into Mission to see people on both sides started talking to each other. Sweden, many Swedish people have of the Line of Control and Working begun to think that their country Cultural diversity within the missions Boundary suffer due to ceasefire cannot take more responsibility for also taught him new things. “We are violations. the crisis. a little bit the same as officers but we The gratitude from people Lt Cdr are also very different in our thinking “I am still supporting this because I Carlsson meets during his field tasks because we come from different have seen how bad the situation can is what keeps him going. He and countries and we learn so much in be in many countries. And I know how his colleagues ask them all kinds the process of working together,” he good a life we have in Sweden,” he of questions, which many times are said. said. not mission-specific. They ask them Sometimes, Lt Cdr Carlsson feels he Lt Cdr Carlsson plans to return home about their lives and dreams. has missed part of the childhood of and resume his job in the Swedish “They feel important that somebody is his daughters while serving abroad Armed Forces after the end of his actually listening to them or interested but then recalls he has seen and assignment in March 2017.

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 19 NEWS Capt Sandra Katic recognized for service

Captain Sandra Kati receiving medal from Maj Gen Per Lodin.

Captain Sandra Kati of Croatia was help and hospitality of the people she 35 UNMOs from nine countries. The recognized for completing 21 months met in the field. first parade was held on 6 April. of service with UNMOGIP at the Medal Parade held on November 10 in Before joining UNMOGIP, Captain UNMOs are eligible to receive a medal Islamabad. She is entitled to affix the Kati served as an engineering officer after three months of service with the numeral 4 to her UNMOGIP ribbon. in the Croatian Army’s Engineering Mission. The second time recipients . Croatia has been sending can affix numeral 2 to the UNMOGIP Captain Kati first arrived at UNMOGIP Military Observers to UNMOGIP since ribbon. Since Captain Kati is serving in 2012 and completed her tour of 2002 and has progressively increased the Mission for a second time, this was duty in 2013. She rejoined the Mission their number, which currently stands her fourth medal. on January 31, 2016. During her time at nine. From December 2005 to here, she has served at all the UN field December 2007 Major General The UNMOGIP ribbon bears a wide stations on both sides of the Line of Dragutin Repinc, a Croatian, served central band in various shades of green Control and Working Boundary. as the Chief Military Observer-Head of to represent the Himalayan Range and Mission of UNMOGIP. the Kashmir Valley, flanked by narrow “I’m very proud to be here the second white stripes representing the snow- time and honoured to be recognized for Twice a year, UN Military Observers capped mountains. Two equal bars of my service,” she said after receiving the (UNMOs) gather at the Headquarters in UN blue appear at either end of the medal. Islamabad for a conference and a Medal ribbon. Parade. In the second Medal Parade She said her work as a Military Observer held on 10 November, the Chief Military See pictures of the medal parades held was challenging but also rewarding. Observer and Head of Mission Major on 6 April and 10 November on pages She was touched by the willingness to General Per Lodin awarded medals to 29-31.

20 UNMOGIP MAGAZINE NEWS UNMOGIP staff members learn about ethics

to report within the Mission, they could report to the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) in New York or at one of its regional offices through a hotline or email. “If it has to do with harassment or sexual harassment issues, they can also reach out to the Office of Human Resources Management in New York. But typically, Director of UN Ethics Office Ms Elia Yi Armstrong giving a presentation. unless it’s very serious, they usually send The United Nations expects its staff to business or other concern if the entity it back to the Head of Mission or Head of maintain the highest ethical standards has the opportunity to benefit from their Office,” said Ms. Armstrong. position with the United Nations. during their work. What are those It was the first visit from the Ethics Office standards? The director of the UN Ethics Another question she addressed was to UNMOGIP since it was established Office, Elia Yi Armstrong, gave a detailed about receiving gifts. Ethical standards 10 years ago to promote an ethical presentation on ethical principles at require that the staff members may organizational culture based on the UNMOGIP Headquarters in Islamabad on not accept gifts from any government shared values of integrity, accountability, 10 November. source. However, if refusal would cause transparency and respect. Ms. Armstrong She said most UN staff members are embarrassment for the Organization, hopes that the workshop will be followed honest people and they care about the they may receive it on behalf of the by more such trainings. The purpose is to high standards of ethics, but everybody Organization and then report and entrust make sure that all across the UN -- in all needs a reminder. “If they see some bad it to the Secretary-General. the field operations and Headquarters – there is one set of standards. behaviour and it’s not addressed, they Staff members may not accept any may think I can do this too,” she said. gift, remuneration or favour from any Ethics Office covers about 42,000 staff Opportunistic misconduct and corruption source having or seeking to have any members working with different offices can also happen in situations where type of contractual relationship with the of the UN secretariat. In order to expand there is no oversight and people are Organization. its outreach Ethics Office has developed working in risky environments. “Some Chief Transport Officer at UNMOGIP easy to understand broadcast and vendor may come to the office with a Patrick Frederick Mwanje, who has written materials. These resources are bribe and they might be tempted unless previously attended online trainings on also available on its website. they are reminded and shown that ethics, said that this presentation was “But we also encourage staff to come this has repercussions,” she told The very useful because it was interactive to us with specific questions about Observer. and discussed real life situations. “I themselves and their situation,” said UN staff members may face a question learnt that whistle blowers are protected. Ms. Armstrong. Advice and guidance like, “Can I own a business or have I also learnt where to report fraud and rendered by the Ethics Office is corruption,” he said. investments in business ventures?” Ms. confidential and is treated at all times as Armstrong explained a UN staff member If a staff member sees some misconduct, such. should not be actively associated they could report it to the Head of Mission. For more information, visit with holding a financial interest in any If it is very serious and they do not wish http://www.un.org/en/ethics/

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 21 STORIES OF PEACEKEEPERS Finding rapport with women I meet in the field

Orapim Pakdeesongkram Pakistani side of the Line of Control. The first time we went on a patrol to Flight Lieutenant Part of my job is to go for area Chinari, a small town in the area, reconnaissance, also known as area I tried to observe if there were any I am from Thailand and was serving recce. We contact local people and women around or not. We stopped by in the Royal Thai Air Force when I was ask them questions about the area a traditional clothes store. Its owner selected as a UN peacekeeper for and sometimes about their lives. was male, but inside was an old UN Military Observer Group in India woman, like my grandmother. She and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). Working When we go for area recce along the was there to buy something. At first as a female Military Observer Line of Control, I do not see many I just smiled at her. After I finished in a patriarchal society can be women. I believe they are mostly at talking to the owner, I went to her. challenging. But after spending four home. When I do have a chance to meet months with UNMOGIP, I feel that my them, I like to talk to them. My Officer in The moment I kneeled down to talk to experience will last a lifetime. Charge at Domel had said to me, “The her was a miracle for me. Her face fact that you are a woman will help you lit up and she smiled. She touched I have worked in two field stations so to contact effectively the female local my hands and face. It was just like far in Domel and Rawalakot on the population.” This encouraged me. my grandmother when she talked to

Meeting women at a vocational training centre in Dhirkot in the Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

22 UNMOGIP MAGAZINE STORIES OF PEACEKEEPERS

a new area and decided to go to the local hospital because I had never visited a hospital in the region. I met a brilliant female doctor who had deep understanding of social issues and world affairs. She told me that initially she wanted to be a journalist, writer and motivational speaker, which surprised me.

I asked her about women’s role in Pakistan. Her answer simply blew my mind. She said that her religion never taught that women should not have an important role in society but nowadays people mix religion with social values. It’s the social values that restrict women, not religion.

She also said that women have a crucial role in society, equally important as men’s role. Education Talking to a doctor at a local hospital. is very important for women to be a force for their country and a someone in my family. The woman head of the centre who has been role model for their children, she was very old and told me that she teaching there for almost 20 years. said. Through their own example, had been in the area since the women may teach their sons and conflict started. Before I left, she I also met a 22 years old student daughters that women are strong gave me her blessings. at the centre and asked her about and may play an active role in college. She told me that she society. This was a very special day During a field task, I noticed a attended evening classes and and this conversation gave me a vocational training centre for came to the centre during the day lot to think about from a different women in Dhirkot. During our with her mother who is a teacher. I perspective. following visit, I stopped by the really enjoyed my time with these centre where women learnt skills women and used this opportunity to I am grateful for an opportunity to like knitting, stitching, crochet, tell them about the Mission, why we meet all these women and through etc. Their work was incredible and, are here and what we do. my presence let them know that more importantly, they were really there is nothing women are unable happy to meet me. I talked to the On another day, I went for a recce in to do.

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 23 STORIES OF PEACEKEEPERS Life at Field Station Poonch

Major Allan Reyes to Poonch is worth the experience The Brigade Commander of the Former Officer In Charge, since one can enjoy the company Indian Army unit near the UN UNFS Poonch of small monkeys and beautiful field station is very friendly and scenery. I pulled over a few times supportive. We appreciate his UN field station (UNFS) Poonch is to take pictures with the lovely collaboration and the provision of situated on the Indian side of the animals but with caution as these drivers for our movements. As a Line of Control. Poonch is one of are sometimes aggressive. gesture of kindness, he offered the relay stations of UNMOGIP with the UN Military Observers to use the primary task of monitoring and The relay duty in a field station his unit’s sports facilities. relaying all movements of UN Military is considered a tough job for a Observers during the conduct of UN Military Observer because Viewing the Line of Control operational and support tasks. he or she stays the whole day in from the UNFS Poonch at night front of the radio, monitoring and is an interesting sight due to Due to its strategic location and relaying messages to the UNMOGIP its beautiful perimeter lights. A good communication signals, UNFS Headquarters. small town is just a few minutes Poonch is considered one of the away from the field station most reliable relay stations. A message from Operations Control where I found most of the basic that all tasks are “C”, i.e. ‘Charlie’ or necessities. It takes a day to reach Poonch finished, signals the end of a tiring from Sialkot. After crossing the but challenging day. However, sitting To conclude, one’s assignment Working Boundary from Sialkot we all day long in the field station may with UNFS Poonch is a fulfilling stop at UNFS Jammu to change have some advantages. For one, experience, primarily because of vehicles. Our second stopover is you have more time watching news the unique and essential task. in Sanderbani. Then we stop for a on different channels such as CNN, The role of this field station is short break at UNFS Rajouri before BBC and Aljazeera that keeps you considered valuable because it’s reaching our final destination. The updated on current events in the difficult for other field stations to stretch of the road from Jammu region and the world. relay their locations every hour. Only one military observer is posted at Poonch and life here is challenging but I found fulfilment because I made a contribution to the Mission’s mandate.

This article was written before UNFS Poonch was relocated to new premises in August this year. Major Allan Reyes from Philippines With Indian Army drivers at field Amazing spectators on the road completed his tour of duty with station Poonch. from Jammu to Poonch. UNMOGIP in September 2016.

24 UNMOGIP MAGAZINE STORIES OF PEACEKEEPERS Images of peacekeeping Military Observers’ operational tasks include conducting investigations of alleged ceasefire violations, field trips, area reconnaissance and observation posts. Support tasks include receipt of petitions and Working Boundary crossing duties, among other things. Here are some pictures from 2016.

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 25 STORIES OF PEACEKEEPERS Images of peacekeeping

26 UNMOGIP MAGAZINE STORIES OF PEACEKEEPERS Images of peacekeeping

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 27 EVENTS UNMOGIP family

Chief Military Observer and Head of Mission Maj Gen Per Lodin and Deputy Chief Military Observer Col Davorko Jokic with Military Observers.

Chief Military Observer and Head of Mission Maj Gen Per Lodin, Deputy Chief Military Observer Col Davorko Jokic, Head of Mission Support Nester Odaga-Jalomayo and Chief Security Officer Syed Capua with civilian national and international staff in Islamabad.

28 UNMOGIP MAGAZINE EVENTS Medal Parade UNMOGIP organizes Medal Parade twice a year to award medals of service recognition to the Military Observers. This year Medal Parade was held on 6 April and 10 November at UNMOGIP Headquarters in Islamabad.

6 April The Chief Military Observer and Head of Mission Major General Delali Johnson Sakyi from July 2014 to June 2016 inspected the parade and awarded medals to the Military Observers.

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 29 EVENTS Medal Parade

10 November The Chief Military Observer and Head of Mission Major General Per Lodin since July 2016 awarded medals to the Military Observers in an elegant ceremony. The Medal Parade was attended by the diplomatic community, representatives of UN agencies, and civilian and military officials.

30 UNMOGIP MAGAZINE EVENTS Medal Parade

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 31 EVENTS International Day of UN Peacekeepers International Day of UN Peacekeepers honours the men and women who’ve served under the UN flag. Ceremonies were held at both headquarters in Srinagar and Islamabad to pay tribute to the Blue Helmets on 29 May.

Srinagar Islamabad

32 UNMOGIP MAGAZINE EVENTS UN Day 24 October United Nations Day marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter. Ceremonies were held in both headquarters in Srinagar and Islamabad on this occasion.

Srinagar

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 33 EVENTS UN Day 24 October The United Nations System in Pakistan held its main UN Day ceremony at UNMOGIP HQ in Islamabad. The event was attended by all UN agencies, foreign diplomats, military and government officials.

Islamabad

34 UNMOGIP MAGAZINE EVENTS UN Staff Day 25 October The UN family gathers on this day in celebration of the courage, commitment and sacrifice of the men and women who became international civil servants. A day-long event was held at UNMOGIP HQ in Islamabad for all UN staff and their families featuring sports competitions and other activities.

UNMOGIP MAGAZINE 35 United Nations This publication was developed by Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan