UN Peacekeeper’s Day

“The United Nations is our one great hope for a peaceful and free world.” – Ralph J. Bunche

Have you ever wondered what happens after a war?

Does anyone stay behind to support communities as they get back on their feet? To maintain peace and freedom? To protect civilians?

Rest assured, there’s a dedicated group of people—called peacekeepers—whose job it is to do all of those things, and more.

Peacekeepers are part of the Department of Peace Operations run by the United Nations (UN). They can be police officers, soldiers, or civilian employees.

In the words of the UN, peacekeepers go to post-conflict countries to “create conditions for lasting peace.” They monitor communities to ensure peace and safety, protect civilians, promote human rights, and empower women.

Since 1948, over one million people have served in 72 peacekeeping missions to save lives and help communities. Today, there are over 110,000 members involved in 13 worldwide missions.

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers happens every year on May 29. This date marks the anniversary of the first UN peacekeeping mission in 1948.

On this day, we celebrate the important work of peacekeepers. We also take time to remember the 3,900 peacekeepers who have lost their lives on missions through the years. The ceremony, which is held at the UN headquarters in New York, will be virtual this year.

The theme of the 2020 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is “Women in peacekeeping: A key to peace.” It’s all about recognizing women’s work in peacekeeping
and to encourage more women to join. Presently, women make up only 4.7% of peacekeeping military troops and 10.8% of police units. The UN wants to double the number of women in peacekeeping.

Women peacekeepers have a unique advantage: They’re able to access and connect with communities—especially women—better than male peacekeepers can. This allows them to protect civilians and support human rights more effectively in those communities.

UN peacekeepers risk their safety every day to improve the lives of others. On May 29, remember to honour them for everything they do!

UN Peacekeepers Comprehension

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