A Finnish civilian crisis management expert died on 21 March 2021 due to Covid-19 related complications. The deceased worked as a civilian crisis management expert deployed by Crisis Management Centre (CMC) Finland in the EU’s EUCAP Somalia operation, which contributes to the establishment and capacity building of maritime civilian law enforcement capability in Somalia, including Somaliland.
The expert was flown back to Finland last weekend. The coffin was received by the Director of CMC Finland, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Interior and the Director of the Unit for Security Policy and Crisis Management of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs to honour the memory of the expert. This is the first time a Finnish civilian crisis management expert has passed away during a tour of duty.
“CMC Finland is deeply saddened by the loss of the civilian crisis management expert and extends heartfelt condolences to their family. This is a very sad situation, also considering our working community and Finland’s participation in civilian crisis management operations”, confirms Kirsi Henriksson, Director of CMC Finland.
EUCAP Somalia employs some 110 international specialists, and currently eight seconded Finnish experts are deployed to the operation.
Finland has considered it important to continue its participation in international crisis management during the covid-19 pandemic. Due to the pandemic, fragile countries are in an even more difficult position and require the support of crisis management operations. The covid-19 has been taken very seriously in international civilian crisis management. All operations comply with specific operating methods and guidelines that aim to prevent the spread of infections.
CMC Finland is a centre of expertise in civilian crisis management in Finland. It trains and recruits Finnish experts for international civilian crisis management operations
Every year, some 120 Finnish experts are deployed to civilian crisis management operations of the EU, UN, OSCE, NATO or the European Council.
Participation in international crisis management operations is a key instrument for Finland’s foreign, security and defence policy, and it improves security in the host country and globally by supporting conflict resolution, post-conflict stabilisation, and the construction of safe and secure societies. Participation also improves security in Finland.
Further information: Kirsi Henriksson, Director, CMC Finland, tel. +358 50 514 3554
