International Day of UN Peacekeepers honors 75 years of work and sacrifice
“The peacekeepers of the United Nations are the beating heart of our commitment to a more peaceful world“said Secretary-General António Guterres in his message for the Day.
He called for further support for these men and women, who help countries to transition from war to peace.
Hope and help
“They are still important to the safety of civilians caught in the chaos of these deadly conflicts, providing a life of hope and help in some of the most dangerous situations imaginable,” he added.
Mr. Guterres noted that many have paid the highest price as more than 4,200 peacekeepers have lost their lives working under the UN flag.
“We stand in sympathy and solidarity with their families, friends and colleagues, and will forever be supported by them selfless devotion for peace,” he said.
Support and recognition
Today, more than 87,000 peacekeepers from 125 countries works in 12 UN missions located in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
They face rising global tensions and divisions, stalled peace processes, and more complex conflicts, the Secretary-General said.
“Despite these obstacles, and working with potential partners, the peacekeepers are staying,” he added
“To the people living under the shadow of conflict, Our team of Blue Helmets represent hope. As peacekeepers support people, let us always support and recognize them.”
‘Peace begins with me’
The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is commemorated annually on June 29, in accordance with the resolution of the UN General Assembly adopted in 2002.
The day marks the beginning of the first UN peacekeeping mission, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), in Palestine in 1948.
The theme of the 75th anniversary of UN Peacekeeping is ‘Peace begins with me’, which recognizes the work and sacrifice of the blue helmets, past and present. It also pays tribute to the resilience of the communities they serve, who continue to strive for peace despite many obstacles.
The annual ceremony marking the Day was held on Thursday at the UN Headquarters in New York, where the Secretary-General noted that defenders “are increasingly working in places where there is no peace to preserve.”
The following day, the city hosted an interactive art installation in Times Square celebrating peacekeepers and all those who work together to build and maintain peace around the world, with community members and local activists in places where UN missions work.
