International Day of UN Peacekeepers 2023: Date, History, Facts about United Nations

Annually, on May 29, the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is observed. It is an opportunity to recognise the invaluable contributions of the organization’s uniformed and civilian personnel. This day commemorates the over 4,000 peacekeepers who have died while serving under the United Nations flag since 1948. Officially established by the United Nations General Assembly, the day commemorates the 1948 naming of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (U.N.T.S.O.) as the first U.N. peacekeeping mission. It was the same year that U.N.T.S.O. operations began in Palestine.

The background of International Day of UN Peacekeepers

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is observed annually on May 29 throughout the globe. It is essential to recognise the valiant men and women who have risked their lives to preserve peace over the past seven decades. Peacekeeping operations of the United Nations are distinguished by their ability to deploy troops and police from all over the globe to conflict-ridden regions. The changing nature of these operations is dictated by the exigencies of resolving the pertinent crises. Human rights are safeguarded through the utilisation of a variety of methods and strategies. Numerous youthful peacekeepers are deployed throughout the globe. Youth organisations play a significant role in ensuring that missions carry out their mandated activities.

The Security Council deployed a limited number of U.N. military observers to the Middle East on May 29, 1948, the same date that the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (U.N.T.O.) was established. Their mission was to observe the armistice between Israel and its Arab neighbours. Since then, there have been approximately 72 successful U.N. peacekeeping operations that have saved millions of lives across the globe.

On the holiday, the Secretary-General lays a wreath to honour the service and sacrifice of all peacekeepers who have died while serving under the United Nations flag, often in difficult and hazardous circumstances. Typically, United Nations offices, including those of the Member States and non-governmental organisations, host a variety of events. The 2022 theme is “People, Peace, and Progress.” The Strength of Partnerships

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5 Interesting United Nations Facts

Over one million individuals have participated in UN peacekeeping operations.

121 member states of the United Nations contribute forces to peacekeeping operations.

France is the second-largest personnel contributor among the five permanent Security Council members.

With 18,349 personnel, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) is the largest peacekeeping operation.

With only 110 personnel, U.N.M.O.G.I.P. in India and Pakistan is the smallest peacekeeping operation.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF UN PEACEKEEPERS DATES