UN Secretary-General António Guterres has commended the active participation of young people in peacekeeping while praising the dedication of peacekeepers to global peace and security.
The UN chief stated this on Thursday during the ceremony commemorating the International Day of UN Peacekeepers that world peace would not be achieved without the dedication and sacrifice of peacekeepers.
Celebrated annually on May 29, Peacekeepers Day provides an opportunity to honor the invaluable contribution of uniformed and civilian personnel to the work of the organization and to honor those who have sacrificed their lives in this process.
The 2021 International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers focuses on youth, peace and security.
“From the Central African Republic (CAR) to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) via Lebanon, our peacekeepers work with young people to reduce violence and maintain peace, particularly through disarmament and demobilization programs. and reintegration and community violence reduction.
“And young peacekeepers bring new ideas, hope and energy to UN operations by effectively engaging with local people and helping to improve overall performance and performance. execution of mandates.
“We salute the dedication and bravery of all of our peacekeepers – women and men, young and slightly older – and we remain grateful for their service and sacrifice.
“They deserve our full support and we must continue to work together to do all we can to improve their safety and security and give them the tools to be successful,” said Guterres.
Previously, the Secretary-General laid a wreath at the Peacekeepers Memorial to pay tribute to the more than 4,000 women and men who, since 1948, have lost their lives while serving under the Blue Flag.
He said malicious acts, accidents and fatal illnesses, including COVID-19, have all taken their toll on uniformed peacekeepers and civilians over the past year.
Offering his condolences to their families and friends, the head of the United Nations said: “We are indebted to them forever.
“Their ultimate sacrifice will not be forgotten and they will always be in our hearts.”
After a moment of silence, the UN chief led the traditional Dag Hammarskjöld medal ceremony, posthumously awarding the 129 peacekeepers who lost their lives serving under the UN flag last year and in January.
He said the challenges and threats our peacekeepers face are immense and they work hard every day to protect some of the world’s most vulnerable.
Despite COVID-19, in all UN missions, peacekeepers not only continued to perform their essential duties, but they also aided national and community efforts to fight the virus.
“I’m proud of the job they’ve done,” Guterres said.
(NAN)
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