International Day of UN Peacekeepers - 29 May.

The International Day of UN Peacekeepers is observed annually on May 29th. It is a day dedicated to honoring the contributions and sacrifices of United Nations (UN) peacekeepers in maintaining peace and security around the world. The day also serves as a tribute to those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

For 75 years, United Nations peacekeepers have worked to save and change lives in the world’s most fragile political and security situations. Since 1948, more than two million uniformed and civilian personnel have helped countries to transition from war to peace.

Working alongside local communities, peacekeepers help advance political solutions, prevent conflict, protect civilians, strengthen human rights and the rule of law, and build sustainable peace.

The challenges faced by peacekeepers are greater than ever, with rising global tensions, more complex conflict, and a proliferation of misinformation and disinformation, which impedes their work and threatens their safety. Despite these obstacles, peacekeepers persevere, alongside many partners, in the collective pursuit of peace.

International Day of UN Peacekeepers - Theme

The theme of the 75th anniversary “Peace begins with me” recognizes the service and sacrifice of peacekeepers, past and present, including more than 4200 who have given their lives under the UN flag. It also pays tribute to the resilience of the communities that we serve, who continue to strive for peace despite many obstacles.

This campaign also calls on each of us to join the global movement for peace. Alone, we can never succeed. But, together, we can be a strong force for change.

International Day of UN Peacekeepers - History

The International Day of UN Peacekeepers has its origins in the United Nations General Assembly. In 2002, the General Assembly designated May 29th as the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers to honor the memory of peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the service of peace.

The choice of May 29th as the date for this observance was significant. It marks the anniversary of the creation of the first UN peacekeeping mission. On May 29, 1948, the UN Security Council authorized the establishment of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) to oversee the ceasefire in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This mission became the first-ever peacekeeping operation conducted by the United Nations.

Source:www.un.org                                                                                                                                                                                                 

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