U.N.: Peacekeepers Are ‘Beating Heart’ of Missions

UNITED NATIONS

Since 1948, more than 2 million uniformed and civilian personnel have served in United Nations field missions across the world. Their contributions were highlighted on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, observed on May 29, 2023.

“United Nations peacekeepers are the beating heart of our commitment to a more peaceful world,” Secretary-General António Guterres said in his message for the day. He called for continued support for the men and women who help countries transition from war to peace.

“They are also critical to the protection of civilians caught up in the chaos of these deadly conflicts, providing a lifeline of hope and help in some of the most dangerous contexts imaginable,” he added.

Guterres noted that many have paid the ultimate price, as more than 4,200 peacekeepers have lost their lives serving under the U.N. flag. “We stand in sympathy and solidarity with their families, friends and colleagues, and will forever be inspired by their selfless devotion to the cause of peace,” he said.

Today, more than 87,000 peacekeepers from 125 countries serve in 12 U.N. operations in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. They face rising global tensions and divides, stagnating peace processes, and more complex conflicts, Guterres said.

“Despite these obstacles, and working with a wide range of partners, peacekeepers persevere,” he said. “To people living under the shadow of conflict, our teams of Blue Helmets represent hope. As peacekeepers support humanity, let us always support and recognize them.”

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers has been commemorated annually on May 29, in line with a U.N. General Assembly resolution adopted in 2002. The date marks the start of the first U.N. peacekeeping mission, the U.N. Truce Supervision Organization in Palestine in 1948.

The theme of the 75th anniversary of U.N. Peacekeeping was “Peace begins with me,” which recognized the service and sacrifice of blue helmets, past and present. It also paid tribute to the resilience of the communities they serve, who continue to strive for peace despite many obstacles.