International Day of UN Peacekeepers: History, significance, all you need to know

Peacekeeping operations of the United Nations have provided a crucial contribution in limiting crises in many parts of the world.

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Thousands of UN troops are still stationed across the world to safeguard civilian lives and carry out their designated missions. Approximately 4,000 UN peacekeepers have died since 1948.

Every year on May 29, the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, we have the chance to honour those troops who have given their lives to defend others.

“The Road to a Lasting Peace: Leveraging the Power of Youth for Peace and Security” is this year’s theme.

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Concerns in the midst of  COVID-19 pandemic

With the rampant COVID outbreak, UN peacekeepers’ jobs have gotten increasingly more difficult, putting their lives in jeopardy.

They must not only deal with the pandemic’s issues but also protect people’s lives in the places where they are stationed.

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India’s involvement in UN peacekeeping 

With over 5,500 military and police personnel participating in UN peacekeeping missions throughout the world, India is the fifth-largest contributor.

Abyei, Cyprus, Congo, Lebanon, the Middle East, Somalia, South Sudan, and Western Sahara are among the countries where Indian troops are stationed.

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The United Nations’ first peacekeeping operation

When the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctioned the deployment of UN peacekeepers to supervise a truce involving Israel and its Arab neighbours in 1948, the UN formed the first peacekeeping operation.

Since then, UN peacekeeping efforts have protected thousands and influenced the lives of millions of people.

Over one million soldiers have participated in 72 UN peacekeeping missions across the world, including women. 89,000 military, police, and civilian troops are now serving in 12 peacekeeping operations across the world.

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Message from the UN Secretary-General

In his greeting for the day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that peacekeeping by the United Nations strives to safeguard peace in some of the world’s most hazardous areas. 

“Today and every day, we salute the dedication and bravery of our peacekeepers in helping societies turn away from war and towards a safer, more stable future,” he said.