Reflection on UNV Electoral Assistance Operations in Cambodia

Hasegawa: “As the 1993 election neared in Cambodia, armed conflict increased. Tragically, we lost one of our own: Atsuhito Nakata, a UN Volunteer from Japan, was ambushed and murdered while fulfilling his duty. The loss of Atsuhito devastated the organization, and many discussions took place in Geneva to decide whether we should continue with deployment in Cambodia. Understandably, nearly 20 percent of UN Volunteers deployed at that time decided to terminate their assignments. Despite the incredibly difficult circumstances, the rest insisted on continuing their efforts to support the peace process. After weeks of discussion and painstaking consideration of the security measures, elections were held, and we successfully helped build the transitional administration in Cambodia.”