DHAKA, May 29, (V7N )— The United Nations today honoured more than 50,000 peacekeepers worldwide, including over 4,000 Bangladeshis, while paying tribute to those who died in service of global peace.
Marking the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, observed annually on May 29, the UN recognized the dedication, courage, and sacrifice of peacekeepers serving in some of the world’s most volatile conflict zones.
In a statement, the UN office in Bangladesh said the work of peacekeepers underscores the urgent need for greater investment in peace and stability.
“Their work underscores the urgency of investing in peace,” the UN office in Bangladesh said.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a message for the day, said more than 50,000 UN peacekeepers are currently deployed globally to protect civilians and support peace efforts.
“Far from home, in some of the world’s most dangerous settings, they de-escalate tensions between hostile parties, oversee aid delivery, support elections, and create space for political solutions to grow,” he said.
Guterres paid tribute to peacekeepers past and present and honored the memory of nearly 4,500 peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948, including 59 last year.
“No one should die serving the cause of peace,” he said, stressing that attacks on peacekeepers are grave violations of international humanitarian law. He called on member states to uphold obligations to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel.
The Secretary-General described peacekeeping as a proven and cost-effective tool for restoring stability and hope amid rising global tensions, while stressing the need for sustained political commitment and reliable financial support.
This year’s theme, “Invest in Peace,” calls for decisive action to ensure peacekeepers have the resources needed to carry out their mandates.
“An investment in peacekeeping is an investment in a safer future. Let us always support the people who help make peace possible,” Guterres said.
The UN noted that peacekeepers routinely face significant risks and reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening measures to enhance their safety and operational effectiveness.
As part of the observance, Guterres is scheduled to lay a wreath at the Peacekeepers Memorial at UN Headquarters on June 5 in honor of fallen peacekeepers.
He will also preside over a ceremony to posthumously award the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal to personnel who died in service. The event will include presentation of the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award and the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year Award.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix is expected to address a briefing at UN Headquarters on the occasion.
END/AJ/RH
