“The United Nations peacekeeping force is The beating heart of our commitment to a more peaceful world” Secretary General António Guterres say in his message for day.
He called for continued support for these men and women who help countries from war to peace.
Hope and help
“They also important to protect civilians caught up in the chaos of these deadly conflicts, offering hope and help in some of the most dangerous contexts imaginable,” he added.
Mr. Guterres noted that many people paid the ultimate price of more than 4,200 peacekeepers died while serving under the flag of the United Nations.
“We sympathize and stand in solidarity with their families, friends and colleagues, and will forever be inspired by them. selfless dedication to the cause of peace” he say.
Support and recognition
Today, more than 87,000 peacekeepers from 125 countries served in 12 UN operations in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
The Secretary-General said they face growing global tensions and divisions, stalled peace processes and more complex conflicts.
“Despite these obstacles and working with many partners, the peacekeeping force persevered,” he added.
“For those who live under the shadow of conflict, Our Green Helmets represent hope. As peacekeepers aid humanity, let’s always support and acknowledge them.”
‘Peace begins with me’
The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers was celebrated annually on May 29, in accordance with a United Nations General Assembly resolution adopted in 2002.
The day marks the beginning of the United Nations’ first peacekeeping mission, the United Nations Armistice Monitor (UNTSO), in Palestine in 1948.
The theme of the 75th anniversary of the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces is ‘Peace Begins With Me’, in recognition of the service and sacrifice of green hat soldiers, past and present. It also honors 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 United Nations Headquarters in New York, where the Secretary-General noted that peacekeepers “are increasingly working in places where there is no peace.” to preserve”.
The next day, the city hosts the event Interactive installation art in Times Square honors peacekeepers and all those who work together to build and maintain peace around the world, including community members and local influencers in places where UN missions operate.
Attack on AU peacekeepers condemned
In a related development, the United Nations Secretary-General strongly condemned the recent deadly attack on the African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia.
Al-Shabaab insurgents attacked the base of the African Union Transitional Mission to Somalia (ATMIS) in Buulo Maleer, Lower Shabelle region, on Friday, according to media reports.
The base is staffed by peacekeepers from Uganda.
“The Secretary-General sends his sincere condolences to the families of those killed and to the Government and people of Uganda. He wishes a speedy full recovery to the injured,” said UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric. know in a statement. statement in Monday.
He added, the Secretary-General pays tribute to all ATMIS soldiers and expresses his appreciation for their service in supporting peace and stability in Somalia.
The UN chief also reiterated the international call to support ATMIS and Somali security forces in the fight against violent extremism.
