Brian Jeffrey
Minister of Defense Phan Van Giang introduced a proposal to the National Assembly that broadens eligibility for Vietnam’s UN peacekeeping forces, allowing civilian officials and public sector employees to participate.
On May 14, in the afternoon session, General Phan Van Giang, the Defense Minister, presented a draft law concerning Vietnam’s involvement in United Nations Peacekeeping Forces. This proposed law aims to expand the range of personnel involved in peacekeeping to include civilians.
General Giang noted that Vietnam commenced its UN peacekeeping mission contributions in June 2014. To date, the nation has sent nearly 1,100 members, including military leaders, professional service members, and 13 police officers, to various missions, such as UNMISS in South Sudan, MINUSCA in the Central African Republic, UNISFA in the Abyei region, EUTM-RCA for the EU Training Mission in the Central African Republic, and to the UN Headquarters itself.
Vietnamese representatives have consistently excelled, receiving accolades from UN officials, mission leaders, host country governments, and the global community.
This draft law specifies guiding principles, intended participants, deployment methods and areas, force development, resource distribution, benefits and rights, international cooperation in peacekeeping, and the duties of different agencies and entities.
Eligible participants encompass military leaders, professional military personnel, defense workers, non-commissioned officers, enlisted members, and units within the Ministry of National Defense, in addition to police officers, technical experts, soldiers, and teams from the Ministry of Public Security.
Significantly, the proposal also opens the door for state officials, civil servants, and public employees to join, representing a substantial increase in civilian participation.
The drafting committee noted that through various high-level discussions, UN leaders have urged Vietnam to broaden the composition, scope, and geographical reach of its peacekeeping contributions, suggesting positions of leadership and expertise for both field missions and civilian roles within the UN Secretariat.
The introduction of civilian members is projected to provide numerous advantages for Vietnam by enabling the country to access a wider talent base for peacekeeping roles, specifically in leadership and policy-making capacities. This initiative aims to bolster Vietnam’s international influence and reputation.
A new section in the draft law addresses prohibited actions for peacekeeping personnel. Although Vietnamese peacekeepers are recognized for their strong discipline, accountability, and patriotism, the legislation aims to establish formal regulations to protect national security, social stability, and Vietnam’s global standing.
Furthermore, the proposed law outlines new benefits and preferential policies for peacekeepers, including specialized procurement procedures for goods and equipment necessary for their deployment. It also details provisions for international collaboration in training, professional exchanges, and joint exercises.
The National Assembly’s Committee on National Defense, Security and Foreign Affairs, upon reviewing the proposal, endorsed the inclusion of civilian officials, deeming it both practical and aligned with UN standards.
Some committee members also suggested a general provision to differentiate between “direct” and “indirect” peacekeeping personnel to ensure benefits and policies are appropriately tailored for each group.
The committee urged the drafting agency to refine the law meticulously to enhance clarity, practicality, and ease of enforcement.
