The road to lasting peace: UN Peacekeeping
29th May marks the 18th International Day of UN Peacekeepers which will remember over 4,000 peacekeepers who have fallen while serving on operations
On this day we pay tribute to the too often unsung heroes of Royal Navy, Britain Army, and Royal Air Force, past and present, who have donned the UN’s blue beret and supporting civilians.
They continue to protect civilians and support the creation of conditions for humanitarian efforts to succeed and pass on their expertise to others by helping train peacekeepers from across the globe.
For today’s UN Peacekeeper, the challenges and threats are even greater than ever. Like people all around the world, they are coping with COVID-19 while continuing to support and protect others.
Today we are proud that hundreds of our military personnel are upholding the UK’s commitment to peace and security, with personnel deployed to eight UN missions, from Cyprus to South Sudan, and from Goma to Gao.
Last year the UK Armed Forces completed their peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (Op TRENTON). After a successful four years of building hospitals, bridges and roads on behalf of the UN, the UK deployed a new task force to the UN Peacekeeping mission in Mali (Op NEWCOMBE). This is in addition to the UK’s troop commitments in Cyprus and Somalia.
The theme for this year is “The road to a lasting peace: Leveraging the power of youth for peace and security.”
Today, tens of thousands of young peacekeepers (between the ages of 18 and 29 years) are deployed around the world, playing a major role in helping the missions implement their mandated activities including the protection of civilians.
UN Peacekeeping was born in 1948 when the Security Council authorized the deployment of UN military observers to the Middle East to form the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO).
Since then, there have been more than 70 peacekeeping operations deployed by the UN. Twelve are ongoing. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of military personnel, as well as tens of thousands of UN police and other civilians from more than 120 countries have participated in UN peacekeeping operations.
United Nations Peacekeeping missions aim to help countries to navigate from conflict to peace by deploying troops, police and civilian peacekeepers from across the world to implement mandates set by the 15 Members of the UN Security Council, of which the UK is one of five permanent members.
Our peacekeepers operate in some of the most dangerous places on the planet, helping countries become a safer and more stable place to live.
On this day we take a minute to remember the 106 British Peacekeepers alongside their international counterparts who gave their lives in the pursuit of peace. Our thoughts go out to those they left behind.
To honour their commitment to bringing peace and security, wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph.
Because of their selfless acts, they have helped make the world a safer and more stable place.
Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.
