#peacekeepersday

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Remarks by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, on International Day of UN Peacekeepers 2024.

Minister of Federal Affairs, the Honourable Losuba Ludoru Wongo; Excellencies, members of the diplomatic community. My fellow United Nations colleagues and peacekeepers. Distinguished guests. Ladies and gentlemen.

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the official commemoration of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

Every year, on this day - the 29th of May - we honour the more than two million women and men who have served as United Nations peacekeepers since the first mission was deployed in 1948.

Importantly, we also pay tribute to the 4374 peacekeepers who have given their lives since that time in the cause of peace across the world.

Today, we particularly remember 14 of our colleagues serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan who sadly passed away in the last year. We take the opportunity to again express our deep condolences to their families.

Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their legacy inspires us to continue all efforts in the pursuit of peace.   

For 76 years, United Nations peacekeepers have made a tangible impact on the communities they serve.

They have saved and changed lives in some of the world’s most fragile political and security situations and have helped many countries navigate the difficult path from war to peace.

Today, more than 76,000 civilian, military and police personnel are deployed in 11 peacekeeping missions.

The challenges they face are greater than ever.

But they persevere to protect civilians, prevent violence, support political settlements, and build sustainable peace.

Here in South Sudan, around 18,000 civilian and uniformed peacekeepers serve with courage and determination to implement our mandate.

They carry out a wide range of tasks.

Protecting civilians.

Deterring violence.

Facilitating the safe delivery of humanitarian aid.

Monitoring and investigating human rights violations and abuses.

Bringing communities together to reconcile and resolve conflict.

Supporting political processes and election preparations.

And helping to secure peace and progress.

Ladies and Gentlemen.

This year, the theme for the International Day of UN Peacekeepers is “Building Better Together”.

It promotes the importance of peacekeeping as a collective endeavour which can only succeed with the support of many partners.

This theme resonates strongly here in South Sudan where we rely on the support of the Government and people, as well as with regional and international peace partners, including the African Union (AU), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC).

These strong and enduring partnerships are more important than ever as we confront a growing catalogue of challenges across all fronts – economic, humanitarian, political and security.

UNMISS is doing its utmost to help overcome these challenges.  

We are intensifying efforts to bring political leaders together to build consensus and increase momentum in the implementation of the peace agreement.

This includes facilitating forums for leaders and representatives of political parties at the national and state levels as well as dedicated sessions for women and youth leaders to support more inclusive decision-making and governance processes.

We are also providing significant support to preparations for elections, including technical assistance and training for electoral bodies.

Another priority is to help build the capacity of South Sudan’s institutions and public services, including the justice sector to more effectively investigate, prosecute and adjudicate crimes, particularly sexual and gender-based violence.

This includes building 23 courts, prisons, police stations and training centres this year as well as helping to deploy mobile courts which bring justice to communities where it has been missing for far too long.

Further on the infrastructure front, we continue to maintain 80 kilometres of dikes and berms in Bentiu, protecting 300,000 people stranded on a tiny sliver of land surrounded by 4500 square kilometres of flood water.

Our engineers are also repairing 2000 kilometres of roads across Warrap, Western and Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei, Lakes and Upper Nile, which helps to promote economic activity and peacebuilding efforts among these communities.

In protecting civilians, we are taking a more mobile, agile and nimble approach, including establishing temporary bases in conflict hotspots, such as Koch, Maridi, Jamjang, Tambura and, most recently, in Abiemnhom.

Our presence and patrolling helps protect vulnerable communities, including displaced families, who are caught in the crossfire of intercommunal conflict. It provides a secure environment for humanitarian workers to reach those in need. And it enables feuding groups to safely come together to resolve their differences and grievances through dialogue rather than violence.

While progress is being made in the journey towards peace and stability, there is still much to be done.

Fresh momentum must be injected into the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement which remains the only route towards enduring peace.

Urgent action is also needed to meet the minimum political and technical preconditions required for peaceful and credible elections so that the people of South Sudan have the opportunity they deserve to choose their leaders and own their own future.

On this note, I’d like to reiterate the UN’s position on elections so there is no misunderstanding.

The United Nations supports the sovereign right of the Government and people of South Sudan to conduct their own elections.

Our role has been to provide technical and other assistance for electoral preparations and to support the establishment of the necessary preconditions, as agreed by the parties themselves, so that elections are free, fair, credible, and peaceful and do not become a driver of conflict.

This is in line with our core mandate from the UN Security Council to prevent a return to civil war in South Sudan.

And it is why we are working intensively with the parties and regional peace partners in support of the shared prize of elections.

Ladies and gentlemen.

On this special day, I would like to end my remarks by thanking our dedicated peacekeepers for their immense contribution to peace.  

Our national staff, who strive every day to build a brighter future for their communities and country.

Our international colleagues, including more than 400 UN Volunteers, who work far from home and their families in difficult conditions to support this country on its path to peace.

I’d like to make special mention of the more than 2000 women peacekeepers serving with UNMISS, whose contribution improves the effectiveness of the Mission and makes a tangible difference to the lives of those they serve.  

Lastly, to the people of South Sudan, we thank you for your support, your resilience, and your determination to overcome all obstacles and enjoy the better future that you so deserve.

You are our partner in peace.

Thank you.  

Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General

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Peace is not the absence of conflict but the abity to cope with it. #PeaceKeepersDay. (at Kalayaan Stage, Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat)

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Promoting the importance of partnerships for peace.

Almost 18,000 United Nations peacekeepers work in partnership with the Government and communities across South Sudan to help the world newest nation navigate the difficult path from war to peace. Their contribution was recognized during ceremonies held in Juba and other locations around the country on the 76th International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. Photo by Isaac Billy/UNMISS

CENTRAL EQUATORIA: Almost 18,000 United Nations peacekeepers work in partnership with the Government and communities across South Sudan to help the world newest nation navigate the difficult path from war to peace.

Their contribution was recognized during ceremonies held in Juba and other locations around the country on the 76th International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

“The challenges peacekeepers face are greater than ever. But they persevere to protect civilians, prevent violence, support political settlements, and build sustainable peace in South Sudan,” said Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

During the ceremony, tribute was paid to the more than two million women and men who have served as UN peacekeepers since the first mission was deployed to the Middle East in 1948. The more than 4300 peacekeepers who have given their lives since that time in the cause of peace across the world were also remembered, including 14 UNMISS personnel who passed away in the last year.

“We take the opportunity to express our deep condolences to their families,” said Mr. Haysom. “Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their legacy inspires us to continue all efforts in the pursuit of peace.”  

UNMISS carries out a vast array of activities to build peace and progress in South Sudan. It protects civilians through robust peacekeeping patrols, establishing temporary bases in conflict hotspots, facilitating the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, and engaging in intensive efforts to bring communities together to reconcile and create mutual trust.  

The mission is also improving vital infrastructure, including repairing 2000 kilometres of roads, maintaining 80 kilometres of dykes and berms protecting 300,000 flood-stricken people in Bentiu, and constructing new schools, health care centres, water points, police stations, courts and other facilities.

Speaking at the event, South Sudan’s Minister of Federal Affairs acknowledged the tangible impact of this work on communities across the country.

 “As you commit yourselves to building better together, the Government of the Republic of South Sudan, under the leadership of the President, his Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit, supports your endeavour and is always ready to continue working with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and other international agencies present in the country to advance the wellbeing and safety of the people of South Sudan,” said  Honourable Losuba Ludoro Wongo.

The theme of this year’s event in South Sudan is “Building Better Together”. It promotes the importance of peacekeeping as a collective endeavour which can only succeed with the support of many partners, including the Government and communities, civil society, women, and youth groups, as well as regional organizations such as the African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission.

“While progress is being made in the journey towards peace and stability, there is still much to be done. Fresh momentum must be injected into the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, which remains the only route towards enduring peace,” said Mr. Haysom.

“Urgent action is also needed to meet the minimum political and technical preconditions required for peaceful and credible elections so that the people of South Sudan have the opportunity they deserve to choose their leaders and own their own future.”

UNMISS and peace partners are providing technical assistance and other support to the Government as it prepares for elections.

“The UN supports the sovereign right of the Government and people of South Sudan to conduct their own elections,” said Mr. Haysom. “Our role has been to provide technical and other assistance for electoral preparations and to support the establishment of the necessary preconditions, as agreed by the parties themselves, so that elections are free, fair, credible, and most importantly peaceful and do not become a driver of conflict. This is in line with our core mandate from the UN Security Council to prevent a return to civil war in South Sudan.”

The Minister of Federal Affairs also addressed the issue of upcoming elections in his remarks.

“As you know, we are preparing for elections. His Excellency, the President, has established a high-level inter-party committee to look into all the necessary conditions in order to usher the people of South Sudan for a free, fair and credible election, and we credit the support that the United Nations always renders in this situation,” said Honorable Losuba Ludoru Wongo.

At the conclusion of the event, the Head of UNMISS thanked the people of South Sudan for their support, resilience, and determination to overcome the many obstacles they face to secure sustainable peace. He also paid tribute to peacekeepers who serve with dedication and courage to help secure the better future that South Sudan deserves.

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76th International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

 Almost 18,000 United Nations peacekeepers are working in partnership with the Government and people of South Sudan to help the world’s newest nation to navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace. Their contribution was recognized at official ceremonies in Juba and other locations around the country on the 76th International Day of UN Peacekeepers.

“The challenges peacekeepers face are greater than ever. But they persevere to protect civilians, prevent violence, support political settlements, and build sustainable peace in South Sudan,” said Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

He paid tribute to the 14 UNMISS peacekeepers who passed away in the last year.

“We take the opportunity to express our deep condolences to their families,” said Mr. Haysom. “Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their legacy inspires us to continue all efforts in the pursuit of peace.”  

UNMISS carries out a wide range of activities to build peace and progress in South Sudan. It protects civilians through robust peacekeeping patrols and establishing temporary bases in conflict hotspots, facilitates the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, and brings communities together to reconcile and build peace. UNMISS engineers are also building vital infrastructure, including repairing 2000 kilometers of roads, maintaining 80 kilometers of dikes and berms protecting 300,000 flood-stricken people in Bentiu, and constructing new schools, health care centers, water points, police stations, courts and other facilities.

Speaking at the event, South Sudan’s Minister of Federal Affairs acknowledged the tangible impact of this work.

“As you commit yourselves to building better together, the Government of the Republic of South Sudan, under the leadership of the President, his Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit, supports your endeavour and is always ready to continue working with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and other international agencies present in the country to advance the wellbeing and safety of the people of South Sudan,” said the Honorable Losuba Ludoro Wongo.  

Under the theme “Building Better Together”, the event promoted the importance of peacekeeping as a collective endeavour which can only succeed with the support of many partners. In this regard, UNMISS and peace partners are providing technical assistance and other support to the country as it prepares for elections.

“The UN supports the sovereign right of the Government and people of South Sudan to conduct their own elections,” said Mr. Haysom. “Our role has been to provide technical and other assistance for electoral preparations and to support the establishment of the necessary preconditions, as agreed by the parties themselves, so that elections are free, fair, credible, and most importantly peaceful and do not become a driver of conflict. This is in line with our core mandate from the UN Security Council to prevent a return to civil war in South Sudan.”

The Head of UNMISS thanked the people of South Sudan for their support, resilience, and determination to overcome the many obstacles they face to secure sustainable peace. He also paid tribute to peacekeepers who serve with dedication and courage to help secure the better future that South Sudan deserves.

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Almost 4,400 UN peacekeepers have lost their lives in missions around the world since 1948.

In 2002, 29 May was designated as the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers to honor the professionalism, dedication, and courage of the military and civilian peacekeepers serving in UN peacekeeping operations, and to remember those who lost their lives for the cause of peace. The date was chosen to commemorate the establishment of the first peacekeeping mission, the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), which has more than 50 observers.

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On Peacekeepers’ Day, UNIFIL pays tribute to peacekeepers’ sacrifices and urges steps towards a diplomatic solution.

UNIFIL today marked the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, an annual event to honour the commitment and sacrifice of women and men serving for peace around the world. 

On this day, UNIFIL normally hosts a gathering of peacekeepers; national, local, and religious officials; and members of the Lebanese Armed Forces and other security agencies at our Naqoura headquarters. The mission did not hold an event today due to the security situation and the ongoing exchanges of fire in the south. 

“UNIFIL peacekeepers from 49 countries are on the ground in our area of operations, focused on preventing escalation of the fighting and avoiding an all-out war,” said Head of Mission and Force Commander Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro. “I am proud of the men and women who continue to carry out their mandated tasks in such difficult conditions, amidst ongoing exchanges of fire.” 

Peacekeepers continue to perform their duties to help implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701. At the same time, they are also supporting communities and residents, ensuring humanitarian access to those most affected, providing shelter when civilians are caught in the crossfire and assisting communities in the South with medical, dental, veterinary, and educational assistance, and ensuring humanitarian access to the most affected.  

“The death and destruction we have seen on both sides of the Blue Line is heartbreaking,” said Lieutenant General Lázaro. “Too many lives have been lost and disrupted. Thousands of people remain displaced and have lost their homes and their livelihoods. As peacekeepers, we recommit each day to our work to restore stability. We urge all parties and all actors to cease their fire, recommit to Resolution 1701, and begin the work towards a diplomatic solution, which is the only way to bring a return of stability and resolve this situation.” 

Peacekeepers’ Day is a day to remember the sacrifices of the men and women serving for peace, UNIFIL’s Head of Mission and Force Commander noted. 

“As we mourn those who have fallen for the cause of peace – including Malaysian Sergeant Faridah Abd Rahman, who passed away just a few days ago – we are grateful for their contributions, which will not be forgotten,” said the UNIFIL head. 

Almost 4,400 UN peacekeepers have lost their lives in missions around the world since 1948. Over 330 of these men and women served with UNIFIL. 

In 2002, 29 May was designated as the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers to honor the professionalism, dedication, and courage of the military and civilian peacekeepers serving in UN peacekeeping operations, and to remember those who lost their lives for the cause of peace. The date was chosen to commemorate the establishment of the first peacekeeping mission, the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), which has more than 50 observers currently working with UNIFIL in south Lebanon.

Listen to "Salam from the south - Peacekeepers Day Amidst Adversity"

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On this important day, and every day, let’s re-commit to supporting those who work for peace: UN peacekeepers.

Today we pay tribute to the more than 76,000 United Nations peacekeepers who embody humanity’s highest ideal: peace.

Hailing from over 120 countries, our Blue Helmets serve in 11 peace operations in conflict-affected areas in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Day in and day out, at great personal risk, these women and men bravely work in some of the most dangerous and unstable places on earth to protect civilians, uphold human rights, support elections and strengthen institutions.

They are part of a long tradition. For over 75 years, United Nations peacekeepers have supported communities rocked by conflict and upheaval across 71 missions.

More than 4,300 have paid the ultimate price while serving under the UN flag. We will never forget them.

In order for our peacekeepers to respond to the challenges of today and tomorrow, they need the world’s support.

September’s Summit of the Future will be a moment for countries to carry ideas forward through a New Agenda for Peace, which links peacekeeping with all efforts to prevent and end conflict.  

Achieving peace takes hard work.

On this important day, and every day, let’s re-commit to supporting those who work for peace: UN peacekeepers.

Statement on behalf the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2024; May 29th.

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Peace begins when we build better together, united in differences and diversity.

Each and every one of us can contribute towards creating a world that is more equitable, just and sustainable for all.

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United Nations peacekeepers are the beating heart of our commitment to a more peaceful world.

“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.

Mr. Guterres noted that many have paid the ultimate price as more than 4,200 peacekeepers have lost their lives serving under the UN 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.

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Support and recognition.

Today, more than 87,000 peacekeepers from 125 countries serve in 12 UN operations located in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

They face rising global tensions and divides, stagnating peace processes, and more complex conflicts, the Secretary-General said.

“Despite these obstacles, and working with a wide range of partners, peacekeepers persevere,” he added

“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

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UN Geneva Ceremony for International Day of UN Peacekeepers 2023.

On the International Day of UN Peacekeepers we pay tribute to our uniformed and civilian personnel. For 75 years, UN peacekeeping has made a tangible difference to the lives of millions of people caught up in catastrophic conflict. Their legacy inspires us all to take action in the knowledge that "peace begins with me".

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Remarks by the U.N. Secretary-General at the Medal Ceremonies - United Nations Peacekeepers Day 2023.

Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,

Moments ago, I laid a wreath at the Peacekeepers Memorial to honour the women and men who have sacrificed their lives while serving under the UN flag in support of the most important cause of all — peace.

We mourn their loss and share our deepest sympathies with their families, friends and colleagues.

We will never forget their contributions.

Please join me in a moment of silence in their memory.  

 [PAUSE FOR SILENCE]

Thank you.

 Every year, the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers provides an opportunity to honour the women and men who are pursuing peace on the front lines in some of the world's most dangerous places.

But this year is special, as we commemorate 75 years of UN Peacekeeping. 

What began as a bold experiment with the deployment of a small number of military observers to the Middle East in 1948 is now a flagship enterprise of our Organization.

Today, for civilians caught in the hell of conflict, our Blue Helmets are a beacon of hope and protection.

They support security, stability and the rule of law in host countries. 

They represent the beating heart of the United Nations' commitment to peace.

By bringing peacekeepers together from around the world, peacekeeping has also become an inspiring symbol of multilateralism in action.

Our more than 87,000 peacekeepers hail from 125 countries, and work across 12 operations.

Standing together, they face a daunting array of rising global tensions and divides.

Conflicts are becoming more complex.

Peace processes are stagnating. 

Terrorism, armed groups, gang violence, and transnational crime are poisoning communities, countries and entire regions.

And the digital world has become a frightening frontier of tension, division, hate and mis and disinformation.

Sadly, our peacekeepers are increasingly working in places where there is no peace to keep.

We must seriously reflect on the need for a new generation of peace-enforcement missions and counter-terrorism operations, led by our partners with a UN Security Council mandate under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, with guaranteed funding, namely through assessed contributions.

Despite all obstacles, our personnel persevere, risking their own lives in service of others.

Many have paid the ultimate price — with more than 4,200 killed in the cause of peace.

Sadly, 2022 added 103 more names to that honourable list.

Our fallen military, police and civilian personnel came from 39 different countries, with diverse backgrounds.

But all embodied our duty to peace.

I extend my deepest condolences and gratitude to their families, friends, colleagues and home countries represented here.

I pay tribute to their service and sacrifice, which inspire our work every day. 

And I commit to doing everything we can to support our peacekeepers in their mission, including improving their safety and security and the effectiveness of peacekeeping through the Action for Peacekeeping Plus strategy.

We thank Member States and all partners for their commitment to this effort. 

Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, we also mark the critical role that women play in bringing to life our commitment to peace.

Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security is one of the most far-reaching the Council has ever passed.

This landmark resolution reminds us that there can be no lasting peace without involving women at every step.

But even today, many negotiating teams and peace processes are totally dominated by men. 

It's up to all of us — governments, communities and local officials — to ensure that women play their full part, including as leaders, in building and maintaining peace.

Resolution 1325 reminds us that our women peacekeepers are not only supporting global peace and security.

They are leading the way.

By every measure, Captain Cecilia Erzuah of Ghana is one of those leaders.

Each year, we recognize the outstanding contribution of an individual military peacekeeper who goes above and beyond the call of duty to promote the principles of Resolution 1325. 

 Today, I proudly present the Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award to Captain Erzuah for her work in Abyei as the Commander of the Ghana Engagement Platoon since March 2022.

In Abyei, she saw first-hand the enormous toll of armed conflict on entire communities — especially women — and she spared no effort to ensure that their voices were heard and reflected.

The main function of the platoon she commands is to reach out to local communities to hear their concerns, explain the work of peacekeepers, and build trust. 

Her engagement with local leadership, women's groups and young people has been critical to the mission's success. 

She also hosted discussions on domestic violence and gender equality, which resulted in local women enlisting in Community Protection Committees that provide early warning on local security threats.

On every front, Captain Erzuah's work has set the standard for ensuring that the needs and concerns of women are reflected across our peacekeeping operations.

Dear friends,

As I've said many times before — and I will say many times again — the United Nations urgently needs more women peacekeepers and peacebuilders.

And so do the vulnerable people where our missions are deployed.  

It's high time to significantly increase their numbers across every aspect of our work.

I thank Captain Erzuah and all women peacekeepers for their service and leadership.

And I thank you for joining us as we honour all peacekeepers for their vital work in serving humanity and building peace around the world.

Thank you.

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The UN Security Council decided to create “the Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for Exceptional Courage” .

On 8 May 2014 the UN Security Council decided to create “the Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for Exceptional Courage” to be awarded to those military, police, civilian United Nations personnel and associated personnel who demonstrate exceptional courage, in the face of extreme danger, while fulfilling the mandate of their missions or their functions, in the service of humanity and the United Nations.

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Calling for refocusing peacekeeping with realistic expectations; making peacekeeping missions stronger and safer, and mobilizing greater support for political solutions and for well-structured, well-equipped, well-trained forces

The Secretary-General launched a new initiative, "Action for Peacekeeping (A4P),”.

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Youth need to be supported as agent of peace.

Young people are working to build a culture of peace while preventing and resolving disputes. UN Peacekeeping continues to recognize and support youth as active agents of peace. YOUNG PEOPLE ARE ESSENTIAL FOR PEACE.

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Honour of all peacekeepers who lost their lives while serving under the UN flag.

At the UN Headquarters in New York, the Secretary-General presides over a wreath-laying ceremony in honour of all peacekeepers who lost their lives while serving under the UN flag. In addition, the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal is awarded posthumously to the peacekeepers who have fallen while serving in the cause of peace, during the preceding year.