The United Nations today honoured more than 50,000 peacekeepers worldwide, including over 4,000 Bangladeshis, while paying tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of global peace.
Marking the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, observed annually on May 29, the UN recognised the dedication, courage and sacrifice of peacekeepers serving in some of the world’s most volatile conflict zones.
In a statement, the UN office in Bangladesh said the work of peacekeepers highlights the urgent need for greater investment in peace and stability worldwide.
“Their work underscores the urgency of investing in peace,” the UN office in Bangladesh said.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a message marking the day, said more than 50,000 UN peacekeepers are currently deployed across the globe to protect civilians and support peace efforts.
“Far from home, in some of the world’s most dangerous settings, they de-escalate tensions between hostile parties, oversee aid delivery, support elections, and create space for political solutions to grow,” he said.
Guterres paid tribute to peacekeepers past and present and honoured the memory of nearly 4,500 peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948, including 59 who died last year.
“No one should die serving the cause of peace,” he said, stressing that attacks on peacekeepers constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law and calling on member states to uphold their obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel.
The Secretary-General described peacekeeping as a proven and cost-effective instrument for restoring stability and hope at a time of rising global tensions, while emphasising the need for sustained political commitment and reliable financial support.
This year’s theme, “Invest in Peace,” calls for decisive action to ensure peacekeepers are equipped with the resources necessary to fulfil their mandates effectively.
“An investment in peacekeeping is an investment in a safer future. Let us always support the people who help make peace possible,” Guterres said.
The UN noted that peacekeepers routinely face significant risks while carrying out their duties and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening measures aimed at enhancing their safety and operational effectiveness.
As part of the observance, Guterres is scheduled to lay a wreath at the Peacekeepers Memorial at UN Headquarters on June 5 in honour of fallen peacekeepers.
He will also preside over a ceremony to award the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal posthumously to personnel who lost their lives in service. The event will also feature the presentation of the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award and the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year Award.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix is expected to address a briefing at UN Headquarters on the occasion.
MSH
