The United Nations has awarded the Nepali peacekeeping mission in South Sudan for its life-saving assistance demonstrated in the war-torn country for around a year.

In a statement on Tuesday, the UN said the award for “nimble and robust protection” was given to Nepali security personnel for the unparalleled action they showed in June, when a humanitarian convoy they were protecting came under attack from an armed group in the south of the country. Though fellow peacekeeper Ashraf Siddhiqui from Bangladesh was killed, the troop was able to deter the attackers and save the lives of others.

David Shearer, head of the United Nations Peace Keeping Mission in South Sudan, said, “The medal you have been awarded is a symbol of what you have been able to achieve on behalf of the UN for the people of South Sudan.”

“You have served the people of South Sudan so that they can get through this conflict... I hope that you wear these medals with the pride in which we have given them to you.”

The commander of the Nepali contingent said that his countrymen and women were committed to continuing their quest for global peace despite the risks, according to the statement.

“While deployed, Nepali peacekeepers have never shied away from taking action even at the risk of their own lives when it comes to mandate implementation,” Brig Gen Nain Raj Dahal was quoted as saying. He said that 63 peacekeepers were killed and 66 disabled while being deployed in different countries as blue helmets. “This is indicative of Nepal’s strong resolve to continue its participation in maintaining peace across the globe,” he added.

Nepal’s reserve force battalion in South Sudan protects civilians by patrolling across the country, facilitates safe delivery of humanitarian aid and provides a secure environment for displaced people living in UN protection camps.