NEW YORK: Deputy Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh has reiterated Nepal’s unwavering and principled commitment to the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter which he said was firmly embedded in the recently promulgated Constitution of Nepal.

During an address to the Leaders’ Summit on Peacekeeping on Tuesday, DPM Singh, who is leading the Nepali delegation to United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) 70th session, added that Nepal’s longstanding commitment to the UN peacekeeping since 1958 stands firm for the future as well.

While referring to Nepal's commitment to the protection of civilians as integral to all UN peacekeeping mandates, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that Nepal had adopted zero tolerance policy to sexual exploitation and abuse.

He also mentioned the crucial role of female peacekeepers in the protection of civilians, and hence an increase in their deployment.

The Summit is being co-hosted by the leaders of the United States, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Japan, Netherlands, Pakistan, Rwanda, Uruguay and the United Nations on the sidelines of the 70th session of the UNGA.