David Shearer proposed for UN peacekeeping role
Andrew Little
Leader of the Opposition
MEDIA STATEMENT
8 December 2016
David Shearer proposed for UN peacekeeping role
Mt Albert MP David Shearer is being proposed for a demanding and exciting role heading the United Nations peacekeeping force in South Sudan, says Labour Leader Andrew Little.
“David has kept me fully informed about this opportunity and we are very excited for him.”
The position is the Special Representative and head of UNMISS (United Nations Mission in South Sudan) which is regarded as the most challenging of peacekeeping operations currently.
UNMISS is the UN’s third largest peacekeeping mission with 17,000 uniformed and almost 2,000 civilian personnel. It is charged with building peace and stability in what is the youngest country in the world.
“Should he be confirmed, David will be the only New Zealander in charge of a UN peacekeeping mission. This is a very exciting opportunity for him to make a difference and help bring peace to a country of nine million people torn apart by civil war.
“We fully understand his reasons. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take up a senior position at the United Nations which reports directly to the Secretary General.”
ends