São Paulo – Brazilian military personnel were awarded the United Nations (UN) medal at the Base Miguel de Cervantes, near Marjayoun, in Lebanon. The tribute ceremony acknowledged the contribution to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission and highlighted its importance for maintaining peace and security in the area.
The Brazilians, who are part of the Brazilian Army 16th Contingent, are involved with UNIFIL as part of the general staff of the Spanish Brigade in charge of the East area of operations in South Lebanon. They were awarded the decoration together with other contingents. According to information made public on the website of the Brazilian Army, Brazil has sent personnel to be part of the Spanish Brigade since 2014.
UNIFIL is a UN peacekeeping mission, and its Maritime Task Force prevents the unauthorized entry of arms or related materiel by sea into Lebanon. UNIFIL is composed of 10,000 peacekeepers from 48 country. Brazil has played a relevant role in UNIFIL operations in recent years and occupied leadership positions for several years.
According to information made public by the Army, the Brazilian contingent that is now part of the Spanish Brigade is assigned there from early May to November, when it will be replaced by the 17th Contingent, that is now in preparation phase in Spain.
The ceremony took place on October 12. The medal is an international decoration awarded by the UN to all civilian and military personnel that participate in peacekeeping operations and humanitarian endeavors serving a minimum of 90 days under UNIFIL mandate in Lebanon.
Translated by Guilherme Miranda
