New Delhi: Every year on May 29, International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is celebrated to honour those who have served and continue to serve in UN peacekeeping operations dedicatedly and courageously, dedication, striving to make this world a better place to live in. The United Nations chose the date May 29 for the celebration of this occasion as it was on that day in 1948 that the first UN peacekeeping mission started its operation in Palestine. In this article, we will learn about the importance of celebrating this day.
Who are the peacekeepers of the United Nations?
The UN peacekeepers come from different sections of society from the member nations to work for the global organisation and make every effort to maintain or restore security and world peace. They are enstrusted with the responsibility to protect the most vulnerable sections and help countries in transition from conflict to peace.
Military, police personnel and civilians work together as peacekeepers and their roles are evolving in an age when conflicts across the world are steadily rising. Earlier, they simply used to monitor ceasefires. But now the peacekeepers have to protect civilians, disarm ex-combatants, protect human rights, ensure implementation of the rule of law, and support fair democratic elections among others.
Since May 29, 1948, 3,900 military, police and civilian personnel have lost their lives while working as peacekeepers. On this day, solemn events are organised to honour fallen peacekeepers and the Secretary-General presides over a wreath-laying ceremony at the UN Headquarters in New York in honour of all the fallen peacekeepers who are awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal posthumously.
International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers: Why is the day important?
Since 1948, the UN peacekeepers have strived to save and change lives in places which are torn by conflicts, wars and political upheavals, with over two million uniformed and civilian personnel engaging in this mission today. Over 70,000 peacekeepers are serving in 11 missions today and over the years, the personnel have evolved as per the transforming political scenario and nature of conflicts. The International Day pays homage to peacekeepers’s service and sacrifice and their resilience and also honours those who have lost their lives serving for peace in this service.
The UN peacekeepers come from different sections of society from the member nations to work for the global organisation and make every effort to maintain or restore security and world peace. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
