International Day of United Nations (UN) Peacekeepers is annually observed across the globe on 29th May to pay tribute to the UN Peacekeepers, the uniformed and civilian personnel, who protect civilians, actively prevent conflict, reduce violence, strengthen security and empower national authorities to assume these responsibilities.
- 2023 marks the 75th anniversary of UN Peacekeeping, which began in 1948 when the UN Security Council (UNSC) authorized the deployment of UN military observers to the Middle East.
The theme of the 75th anniversary of UN Peacekeeping/International Day of UN Peacekeepers is ‘Peace begins with me’.
Background:
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/57/129 in 2002 and proclaimed the 29th May of every year as the “International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers”.
- The first-ever International Day of UN Peacekeepers was observed on 29th May 2003.
Why May 29?
The date marks the start of the first UN peacekeeping mission, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), in Palestine in 1948.
UN Peacekeeping:
i.UN peacekeepers, including soldiers, police officers, and civilian personnel, are often referred to as Blue Berets or Blue Helmets
ii.Since 1948, more than 2 million peacekeepers have served in 71 missions, helping countries navigate the difficult path from war to peace.
iii.At present, more than 87,000 peacekeepers from 125 countries serve in 12 operations in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
iv.Since 1948, around 3,900 military, police and civilian personnel have lost their lives in the service of peace.
Awards:
UN Dag Hammarskjöld Medal:
In 1997, the UNSC adopted resolution 1121 and established the UN Dag Hammarskjöld Medal as a posthumous award to members of peacekeeping operations who lost their lives during service with a peacekeeping operation under the operational control and authority of the United Nations.
Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for Exceptional Courage:
In 2014, the UNSC adopted resolution 2154 and created “the Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for Exceptional Courage” to recognise military, police, civilian UN personnel and associated personnel who demonstrate exceptional courage during extreme danger.
Indian Army celebrates 75th anniversary of UN Peacekeeping:
On the occasion of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers 2023, the 75th anniversary of UN Peacekeeping, the Indian Army paid homage to the fallen comrades at the National War Memorial, New Delhi
- Chief of the Army Staff, Vice Chief of Army Staff and representatives from the Navy and Air Force, Ministry of External Affairs and the UN paid homage during the event.
India & UN Peacekeeping:
i.India is one of the largest contributors of troops to UN Peacekeeping. So far, India has contributed more than 2,75,000 troops to peacekeeping missions.
159 Indian Army soldiers have sacrificed their lives to ensure peace across the globe.
ii.To fulfil the need for women peacekeepers in conflict areas under UN mandate, India has deployed Female Engagement Teams (FETs) in MONUSCO( United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo) and UNISFA (United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei). This is the 2nd largest women contingent after Liberia.
