The Head of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), Ellen Margrethe Loj on Wednesday reiterated that the rule of law continues to be a strong challenge facing Liberia.

Madam Loj continued that this challenge is reflected in the continuous incidents of mob violence, rape, armed robbery and land disputes, which pose potential threats to sustained peace and security in Liberia.

Speaking at the Indian Formed Police Unit Medal Parade at the Samuel Kanyan Doe Sports Complex in Paynesville, outside Monrovia, the Madam Loj said as the UN Mission embarks on the second phase of its draw-down, the United Nation Police will receive more support.

Madam Loj who is also the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Liberia assured Liberians that the strength of the police will be increased with more newly Formed Police Units to enable the Mission meets the challenge of sustaining peace and security in Liberia.

"I am confident as you have so consistently demonstrated that you are able to continue to give the Mission strong support in helping to stabilize this country", she said as she addressed the officers and added "I also welcome the offer of the Indian Government to boost its support to our efforts and send yet another newly formed police unit to Liberia."

The Mission boss praised the Indian Police for the outstanding work they have accomplished in securing peace and stability in Monrovia since their arrival on 30 January 2007. She said during the course of 2008, the India Police team has made an exceptional contribution to the Mission, even in the most stressful of circumstances.

According to her, peacekeeping is not without its drawbacks and sacrifices. And as such, the Indian Police has made the ultimate sacrifice, especially at the time, one of its members, Constable Bharti Nagoriya lost her life in the service of peacekeeping.

The Special Representative of the Secretary General pointed out that the arrival of the India Formed Police Unit has had a major, not only in Liberia, but in other countries as well and that the Police has been one of the Mission's most visible and valuable assets that have demonstrated the kind of discipline and professionalism in a way that could only make India proud. "UNMIL is proud to be the beneficiaries of your committed service," she added.

Shortly before awarding the United Nations medals to the officers, including 124 females, she also extended thanks to the Government of India and the female officers for their commitment towards peace in Liberia.

Since their arrival in Liberia, the Indian Female Police has been assigned in several places in Monrovia and its environs, particularly at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where the President of Liberia has her office.

The Indian Police has also provided support to the Liberian National Police and at the same time given help in protecting the Mission's staff and property.

The Indian Female Police has on numerous occasions made some differences not only to UNMIL but to a cross-section of Liberians, especially women and children.

The presence of the Female police also demonstrated that women can play and have an increasingly crucial role in the establishment of rule of law in post-conflict countries.

The presence of the Indian Female Police in the country has inspired several women to form part of the Liberia National Police.