New Delhi: UN Chief Ban Ki moon on Friday applauded India's women peacekeeping unit in the Formed Police Unit (FPU) in Liberia for their outstanding contribution in combatting sexual exploitation and abuse.

The Secretary-General commended the women as an inspiration for all as the first-ever all-female police unit deployed ended its operations after nine years.

"Through their unwavering performance, professionalism and discipline, including during the Ebola epidemic, these brave women gained the respect of both the Government and the Liberian people," the Secretary General's spokesman said in a statement.

Ban Ki-moon said, "Through their work, they managed criminality, deterred sexual and gender-based violence and helped rebuild safety and confidence among the population." The 125 women and supporting personnel are returning to their homeland this weekend.

According to the statement, Ban hailed the Formed Police Unit (FPU) for making such environment for Liberia where it can fully assume its security responsibilities as mandated by the Security Council by June 30, 2016.

Ban also stated that the United Nations effort in diminishing sexual abuse and exploitation is a direct consequence of the FPU's step in deploying more female uniformed personnel.The Secretary-General thanked all the women for being the models for gender equality and an inspiration for all Liberians, as well as current and future generations of female police officers.

Ban Ki-moon also paid tribute to the outstanding contribution of the Indian government in support of the United Nations peace operations.(Inputs from Agencies)