Formed Police Unit No.1 managed by Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security made its debut today [January 11], the first of its kind in the country set up to fulfill peacekeeping missions. 

Formed Police Unit No.1, the first of its kind in Vietnam, established on January 11. Photos: VNA

The law enforcement unit is tasked with ensuring safety and security for United Nations personnel and assets, civilians, and facilities where UN missions and agencies are deployed.

Deputy Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang said the first police peacekeeping unit was established to do more to uphold the fundamental UN Charter principles and regional and global peace and security. This represents a new step forward following the first success in dispatching working groups to UN peacekeeping missions.

He said the unit exemplifies the Party, the State, and the ministry's dedication to responsibly and actively collaborating to uphold peace, stability, and development in the area and around the globe.

The inauguration ceremony in Hanoi today marked the attendance of UN Coordinator Pauline Tamesis, representatives of foreign missions in Vietnam, and high-ranking police officers.

Speaking at the event, Commissioner Faisal Shahkar, UN Police Advisor and Director of Police Division, hailed the Government of Vietnam for its commitment to UN peacekeeping.

He said the establishment of this unit marks a significant turning point in history and demonstrates Vietnam’s expanding influence and contribution to regional and international peace and security. This highlights the professionalism and commitment of Vietnam’s police force and the nation’s readiness to impart its knowledge and experience to other nations in need.

He believed that, when it is put into action, the unit will adhere to the highest moral and performance standards and improve the lives of those it serves.

Commenting on Vietnam’s police who have recently joined UN peacekeeping operations, he said they are “performing very well”, believing that they will make more contributions in the future.

“The United Nations is grateful for your partnership and support, and we look forward to working with you in the future,” he said.

Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Nam, Commander of Vietnam’s Formed Police Unit No.1, pledges allegiance to the flag.

Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Nam, Commander of Vietnam’s Formed Police Unit No.1, said officers of the Vietnam People’s Police can operate independently in a global setting during the period of international integration. “We are constantly grateful for our nation’s traditions, which support efforts to uphold global peace and security. Our nation is always with us,” Nam said.

He said that after the unit is established, it will receive training in accordance with UN guidelines and be evaluated by UN specialists.

When it comes to choosing the right personnel, he stated that the unit's members need to be the best officers with strong professional and language proficiency as well as an understanding of international law.

According to Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Nam, peacekeeping police are involved in three categories namely Individual Officers, Special Police Teams, and Armed Police Teams.

So far, Vietnam has dispatched approximately 800 military and public security personnel, both in the form of individuals and units, to the UN headquarters, the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), and the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Vietnam currently places 45th out of 120 nations in the world for the number of military and police personnel deployed to field missions; of these, 274 personnel—36 of whom are women officers—are regularly deployed.

Vietnam's Formed Police Unit.