International Day of U.N. Peacekeepers

The Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations will hold its 2025 substantive session from February 17 - March 14.

Watch the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C-34) - 2025 substantive session, 282nd plenary meeting!

The Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations was established by General Assembly resolution 2006 (XIX) of 18 February 1965 to conduct a comprehensive review of all issues relating to peacekeeping. It reports to the General Assembly on its work through the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) and is comprised of 155 Member States, mostly past or current contributors to peacekeeping operations.

General debate (continued)

The Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations will hold its 2025 substantive session from February 17 - March.

Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C-34) - 2025 substantive session, 281st plenary meeting

The Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations will hold its 2025 substantive session from February 17 - March 14.

Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C-34) - 2025 substantive session, 280th plenary meeting

This French-language seminar will look into the state of play of the contribution of French-speaking troop- and police-contributing countries to peace operations, and discuss future prospects for their involvement in this multilateral tool.

(Panel 2) The challenges of francophonie in peacekeeping – Observatory Boutros-Ghali for peacekeeping

This French-language seminar will look into the state of play of the contribution of French-speaking troop- and police-contributing countries to peace operations, and discuss future prospects for their involvement in this multilateral tool.

Watch the (Opening & Panel 1) The challenges of francophonie in peacekeeping – Observatory Boutros-Ghali for peacekeeping!

The High-Level Advancing the Women, Peace and Security Agenda in UN Peacekeeping side event will bring together stakeholders to foster reflections on lessons from the recent release of a Joint Effectiveness of Peace Operations Network, Training For Peace and Stimson Centre Report on the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) in implementing the WPS mandate.

Watch Advancing Women, Peace and Security in UN Peacekeeping: Lessons from the DRC!

The United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, visits Lebanon this week.

Geopolitical tensions, the climate crisis, global mistrust and the dark side of technology, which Secretary-General António Guterres has called the "looming threats of the 21st century", are affecting the well-being and livelihoods of communities worldwide and the planet itself. National and United Nations Police are on the frontlines of averting and addressing these transnational threats.

The United Nations Police contribute to the Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) initiative and A4P+ priorities by building and supporting or, where mandated, acting as a substitute or partial substitute for host-State police capacity to prevent and detect crime, protect life and property, and maintain public order and safety in adherence to the rule of law and international human rights law.

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Objectives:

A common vision and concrete commitments to further equipping the United Nations Police - UNPOL to effectively contribute to A4P and A4P+ priorities. Awareness of interlinkages between national and United Nations policing to increase global security.

Collective appreciation of the role of national and United Nations policing in overcoming systemic challenges affecting peacekeeping.

Joint understanding of the needs of the United Nations Police, including related to safety and security, and concrete Member State and Secretariat commitments to meet demands.

A common roadmap to realize the Secretary-General's vision of "a transformed United Nations police that is people-centred, modern, agile, mobile and flexible, specialized, rights-based and norm-driven", and that is also innovative, data-driven and tech-enabled.

United Nations Headquarters

UN Web TV

Watch (Part 2) United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS 2024)!

Geopolitical tensions, the climate crisis, global mistrust and the dark side of technology, which Secretary-General António Guterres has called the "looming threats of the 21st century", are affecting the well-being and livelihoods of communities worldwide and the planet itself. National and United Nations Police are on the frontlines of averting and addressing these transnational threats.

The United Nations Police contribute to the Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) initiative and A4P+ priorities by building and supporting or, where mandated, acting as a substitute or partial substitute for host-State police capacity to prevent and detect crime, protect life and property, and maintain public order and safety in adherence to the rule of law and international human rights law.

---

Objectives:

A common vision and concrete commitments to further equipping the United Nations Police to effectively contribute to A4P and A4P+ priorities. Awareness of interlinkages between national and United Nations policing to increase global security.

Collective appreciation of the role of national and United Nations policing in overcoming systemic challenges affecting peacekeeping.

Joint understanding of the needs of the United Nations Police, including related to safety and security, and concrete Member State and Secretariat commitments to meet demands.

A common roadmap to realize the Secretary-General's vision of "a transformed United Nations police that is people-centred, modern, agile, mobile and flexible, specialized, rights-based and norm-driven", and that is also innovative, data-driven and tech-enabled.

Related Sites and Documents

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Programme 

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to preside over a wreath laying ceremony at the Peacekeepers' Memorial site in the North Lawn.  

Watch the Wreath Laying Ceremony - International Day of UN Peacekeepers 2024!

For 76 years, United Nations peacekeepers have worked to save and change lives in the world's most fragile political and security situations. Since 1948, more than two million uniformed and civilian personnel have helped countries to transition from war to peace. Today, more than 70,000 peacekeepers serve in 11 missions deployed in hotspots around the world.

Observed under the theme "Fit for the future, building better together," this year's International Day looks at the invaluable contributions military, police and civilian peacekeepers have made over the last seven decades. It encapsulates the spirit of progress and collective action towards creating a more equal, just and sustainable world.

Watch the Medal Ceremony - International Day of UN Peacekeepers 2024.

Trusteeship Council chamber at United Nations Headquarter.

Minister of Federal Affairs, the Honourable Losuba Ludoru Wongo; Excellencies, members of the diplomatic community. My fellow United Nations colleagues and peacekeepers. Distinguished guests. Ladies and gentlemen.

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the official commemoration of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

Every year, on this day - the 29th of May - we honour the more than two million women and men who have served as United Nations peacekeepers since the first mission was deployed in 1948.

Importantly, we also pay tribute to the 4374 peacekeepers who have given their lives since that time in the cause of peace across the world.

Today, we particularly remember 14 of our colleagues serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan who sadly passed away in the last year. We take the opportunity to again express our deep condolences to their families.

Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their legacy inspires us to continue all efforts in the pursuit of peace.   

For 76 years, United Nations peacekeepers have made a tangible impact on the communities they serve.

They have saved and changed lives in some of the world’s most fragile political and security situations and have helped many countries navigate the difficult path from war to peace.

Today, more than 76,000 civilian, military and police personnel are deployed in 11 peacekeeping missions.

The challenges they face are greater than ever.

But they persevere to protect civilians, prevent violence, support political settlements, and build sustainable peace.

Here in South Sudan, around 18,000 civilian and uniformed peacekeepers serve with courage and determination to implement our mandate.

They carry out a wide range of tasks.

Protecting civilians.

Deterring violence.

Facilitating the safe delivery of humanitarian aid.

Monitoring and investigating human rights violations and abuses.

Bringing communities together to reconcile and resolve conflict.

Supporting political processes and election preparations.

And helping to secure peace and progress.

Ladies and Gentlemen.

This year, the theme for the International Day of UN Peacekeepers is “Building Better Together”.

It promotes the importance of peacekeeping as a collective endeavour which can only succeed with the support of many partners.

This theme resonates strongly here in South Sudan where we rely on the support of the Government and people, as well as with regional and international peace partners, including the African Union (AU), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC).

These strong and enduring partnerships are more important than ever as we confront a growing catalogue of challenges across all fronts – economic, humanitarian, political and security.

UNMISS is doing its utmost to help overcome these challenges.  

We are intensifying efforts to bring political leaders together to build consensus and increase momentum in the implementation of the peace agreement.

This includes facilitating forums for leaders and representatives of political parties at the national and state levels as well as dedicated sessions for women and youth leaders to support more inclusive decision-making and governance processes.

We are also providing significant support to preparations for elections, including technical assistance and training for electoral bodies.

Another priority is to help build the capacity of South Sudan’s institutions and public services, including the justice sector to more effectively investigate, prosecute and adjudicate crimes, particularly sexual and gender-based violence.

This includes building 23 courts, prisons, police stations and training centres this year as well as helping to deploy mobile courts which bring justice to communities where it has been missing for far too long.

Further on the infrastructure front, we continue to maintain 80 kilometres of dikes and berms in Bentiu, protecting 300,000 people stranded on a tiny sliver of land surrounded by 4500 square kilometres of flood water.

Our engineers are also repairing 2000 kilometres of roads across Warrap, Western and Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei, Lakes and Upper Nile, which helps to promote economic activity and peacebuilding efforts among these communities.

In protecting civilians, we are taking a more mobile, agile and nimble approach, including establishing temporary bases in conflict hotspots, such as Koch, Maridi, Jamjang, Tambura and, most recently, in Abiemnhom.

Our presence and patrolling helps protect vulnerable communities, including displaced families, who are caught in the crossfire of intercommunal conflict. It provides a secure environment for humanitarian workers to reach those in need. And it enables feuding groups to safely come together to resolve their differences and grievances through dialogue rather than violence.

While progress is being made in the journey towards peace and stability, there is still much to be done.

Fresh momentum must be injected into the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement which remains the only route towards enduring peace.

Urgent action is also needed to meet the minimum political and technical preconditions required for peaceful and credible elections so that the people of South Sudan have the opportunity they deserve to choose their leaders and own their own future.

On this note, I’d like to reiterate the UN’s position on elections so there is no misunderstanding.

The United Nations supports the sovereign right of the Government and people of South Sudan to conduct their own elections.

Our role has been to provide technical and other assistance for electoral preparations and to support the establishment of the necessary preconditions, as agreed by the parties themselves, so that elections are free, fair, credible, and peaceful and do not become a driver of conflict.

This is in line with our core mandate from the UN Security Council to prevent a return to civil war in South Sudan.

And it is why we are working intensively with the parties and regional peace partners in support of the shared prize of elections.

Ladies and gentlemen.

On this special day, I would like to end my remarks by thanking our dedicated peacekeepers for their immense contribution to peace.  

Our national staff, who strive every day to build a brighter future for their communities and country.

Our international colleagues, including more than 400 UN Volunteers, who work far from home and their families in difficult conditions to support this country on its path to peace.

I’d like to make special mention of the more than 2000 women peacekeepers serving with UNMISS, whose contribution improves the effectiveness of the Mission and makes a tangible difference to the lives of those they serve.  

Lastly, to the people of South Sudan, we thank you for your support, your resilience, and your determination to overcome all obstacles and enjoy the better future that you so deserve.

You are our partner in peace.

Thank you.  

Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the Secretary-General

MONUSCO peacekeepers from Bangadlesh and Nepal launched a reconnaissance and offensive operation in Itur that included combat troops. Supported by intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance drones, the operation was lead by the military commander of the Bangadleshi contingent of the UN and aimed at identifying and destroying the checkpoints controlled by militiamen from Codeco. The operation was conducted in collabortion with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC). The Operation ‘Tiger Paw’, launched mid-May, neutralized the armed group members and freed the areas of Bayoo and Drodo, in Djugu, in Ituri, neutralizing at least eight checkpoints and liberating an important axe connecting several villages. Common FARDC – MONUSCO effort to free the area; The operation ‘Tiger Paw’ was meticulously planned with the involvement of the FARDC, local authorities and affected population.  On 21 May, FARDC members coordinated efforts with the peacekeepers and extended patrols were planned and carried out in the areas of Ivo Djugu, Lenga, Gali, Plateau Savo, Lida, Jippi and Pimbo. The village of Arr, known as the epicenter of insecurity in the areas, was subject to particular attention by the patrols. The aim was to map out the area before a robust intervention. The following day, four Congolese soldiers from the Masumbuko FARDC regiment joined the patrol and launched,from the Drodro base, an offensive to secure an axis including Drodro-Masumbuko-Uzi Hill-Tchoru village- and Pitso. The operation cleared the routes part of the axis of any presence of armed groups. The first illegal checkpoint was identified in the direction of Uzi hill, after a cordon and search operation had been carried out. It was subsequently destroyed. After clearing more than 1.5 km near Uzi hill, the patrol discovered and destroyed a second checkpoint and a third checkpoint manned by Codeco militiamen, who opened firebefore being shelled by mortar fire from the Blue Helmets. Having ascertained that there was no threat in the area, the patrol headed for the village of Tchoru, then on to Pitso, where it was joined by a Nepalese patrol. Between the villages of Tchoru and Pitso, the patrol destroyed five other unmanned Codeco checkpoints. The peacekeepers also organized a free medical campaign in the village of Tchoru, during which 120 patients, including 45 women and 45 children, received medical treatment. Medicines and medical kits were also handed over to the doctor in charge of the village health center.

Almost 18,000 United Nations peacekeepers work in partnership with the Government and communities across South Sudan to help the world newest nation navigate the difficult path from war to peace. Their contribution was recognized during ceremonies held in Juba and other locations around the country on the 76th International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. Photo by Isaac Billy/UNMISS

CENTRAL EQUATORIA: Almost 18,000 United Nations peacekeepers work in partnership with the Government and communities across South Sudan to help the world newest nation navigate the difficult path from war to peace.

Their contribution was recognized during ceremonies held in Juba and other locations around the country on the 76th International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

“The challenges peacekeepers face are greater than ever. But they persevere to protect civilians, prevent violence, support political settlements, and build sustainable peace in South Sudan,” said Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

During the ceremony, tribute was paid to the more than two million women and men who have served as UN peacekeepers since the first mission was deployed to the Middle East in 1948. The more than 4300 peacekeepers who have given their lives since that time in the cause of peace across the world were also remembered, including 14 UNMISS personnel who passed away in the last year.

“We take the opportunity to express our deep condolences to their families,” said Mr. Haysom. “Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their legacy inspires us to continue all efforts in the pursuit of peace.”  

UNMISS carries out a vast array of activities to build peace and progress in South Sudan. It protects civilians through robust peacekeeping patrols, establishing temporary bases in conflict hotspots, facilitating the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, and engaging in intensive efforts to bring communities together to reconcile and create mutual trust.  

The mission is also improving vital infrastructure, including repairing 2000 kilometres of roads, maintaining 80 kilometres of dykes and berms protecting 300,000 flood-stricken people in Bentiu, and constructing new schools, health care centres, water points, police stations, courts and other facilities.

Speaking at the event, South Sudan’s Minister of Federal Affairs acknowledged the tangible impact of this work on communities across the country.

 “As you commit yourselves to building better together, the Government of the Republic of South Sudan, under the leadership of the President, his Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit, supports your endeavour and is always ready to continue working with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and other international agencies present in the country to advance the wellbeing and safety of the people of South Sudan,” said  Honourable Losuba Ludoro Wongo.

The theme of this year’s event in South Sudan is “Building Better Together”. It promotes the importance of peacekeeping as a collective endeavour which can only succeed with the support of many partners, including the Government and communities, civil society, women, and youth groups, as well as regional organizations such as the African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission.

“While progress is being made in the journey towards peace and stability, there is still much to be done. Fresh momentum must be injected into the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement, which remains the only route towards enduring peace,” said Mr. Haysom.

“Urgent action is also needed to meet the minimum political and technical preconditions required for peaceful and credible elections so that the people of South Sudan have the opportunity they deserve to choose their leaders and own their own future.”

UNMISS and peace partners are providing technical assistance and other support to the Government as it prepares for elections.

“The UN supports the sovereign right of the Government and people of South Sudan to conduct their own elections,” said Mr. Haysom. “Our role has been to provide technical and other assistance for electoral preparations and to support the establishment of the necessary preconditions, as agreed by the parties themselves, so that elections are free, fair, credible, and most importantly peaceful and do not become a driver of conflict. This is in line with our core mandate from the UN Security Council to prevent a return to civil war in South Sudan.”

The Minister of Federal Affairs also addressed the issue of upcoming elections in his remarks.

“As you know, we are preparing for elections. His Excellency, the President, has established a high-level inter-party committee to look into all the necessary conditions in order to usher the people of South Sudan for a free, fair and credible election, and we credit the support that the United Nations always renders in this situation,” said Honorable Losuba Ludoru Wongo.

At the conclusion of the event, the Head of UNMISS thanked the people of South Sudan for their support, resilience, and determination to overcome the many obstacles they face to secure sustainable peace. He also paid tribute to peacekeepers who serve with dedication and courage to help secure the better future that South Sudan deserves.

 Almost 18,000 United Nations peacekeepers are working in partnership with the Government and people of South Sudan to help the world’s newest nation to navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace. Their contribution was recognized at official ceremonies in Juba and other locations around the country on the 76th International Day of UN Peacekeepers.

“The challenges peacekeepers face are greater than ever. But they persevere to protect civilians, prevent violence, support political settlements, and build sustainable peace in South Sudan,” said Nicholas Haysom, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

He paid tribute to the 14 UNMISS peacekeepers who passed away in the last year.

“We take the opportunity to express our deep condolences to their families,” said Mr. Haysom. “Their sacrifice will never be forgotten, and their legacy inspires us to continue all efforts in the pursuit of peace.”  

UNMISS carries out a wide range of activities to build peace and progress in South Sudan. It protects civilians through robust peacekeeping patrols and establishing temporary bases in conflict hotspots, facilitates the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, and brings communities together to reconcile and build peace. UNMISS engineers are also building vital infrastructure, including repairing 2000 kilometers of roads, maintaining 80 kilometers of dikes and berms protecting 300,000 flood-stricken people in Bentiu, and constructing new schools, health care centers, water points, police stations, courts and other facilities.

Speaking at the event, South Sudan’s Minister of Federal Affairs acknowledged the tangible impact of this work.

“As you commit yourselves to building better together, the Government of the Republic of South Sudan, under the leadership of the President, his Excellency Salva Kiir Mayardit, supports your endeavour and is always ready to continue working with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan and other international agencies present in the country to advance the wellbeing and safety of the people of South Sudan,” said the Honorable Losuba Ludoro Wongo.  

Under the theme “Building Better Together”, the event promoted the importance of peacekeeping as a collective endeavour which can only succeed with the support of many partners. In this regard, UNMISS and peace partners are providing technical assistance and other support to the country as it prepares for elections.

“The UN supports the sovereign right of the Government and people of South Sudan to conduct their own elections,” said Mr. Haysom. “Our role has been to provide technical and other assistance for electoral preparations and to support the establishment of the necessary preconditions, as agreed by the parties themselves, so that elections are free, fair, credible, and most importantly peaceful and do not become a driver of conflict. This is in line with our core mandate from the UN Security Council to prevent a return to civil war in South Sudan.”

The Head of UNMISS thanked the people of South Sudan for their support, resilience, and determination to overcome the many obstacles they face to secure sustainable peace. He also paid tribute to peacekeepers who serve with dedication and courage to help secure the better future that South Sudan deserves.

In 2002, 29 May was designated as the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers to honor the professionalism, dedication, and courage of the military and civilian peacekeepers serving in UN peacekeeping operations, and to remember those who lost their lives for the cause of peace. The date was chosen to commemorate the establishment of the first peacekeeping mission, the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), which has more than 50 observers.

UNIFIL today marked the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, an annual event to honour the commitment and sacrifice of women and men serving for peace around the world. 

On this day, UNIFIL normally hosts a gathering of peacekeepers; national, local, and religious officials; and members of the Lebanese Armed Forces and other security agencies at our Naqoura headquarters. The mission did not hold an event today due to the security situation and the ongoing exchanges of fire in the south. 

“UNIFIL peacekeepers from 49 countries are on the ground in our area of operations, focused on preventing escalation of the fighting and avoiding an all-out war,” said Head of Mission and Force Commander Lieutenant General Aroldo Lázaro. “I am proud of the men and women who continue to carry out their mandated tasks in such difficult conditions, amidst ongoing exchanges of fire.” 

Peacekeepers continue to perform their duties to help implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701. At the same time, they are also supporting communities and residents, ensuring humanitarian access to those most affected, providing shelter when civilians are caught in the crossfire and assisting communities in the South with medical, dental, veterinary, and educational assistance, and ensuring humanitarian access to the most affected.  

“The death and destruction we have seen on both sides of the Blue Line is heartbreaking,” said Lieutenant General Lázaro. “Too many lives have been lost and disrupted. Thousands of people remain displaced and have lost their homes and their livelihoods. As peacekeepers, we recommit each day to our work to restore stability. We urge all parties and all actors to cease their fire, recommit to Resolution 1701, and begin the work towards a diplomatic solution, which is the only way to bring a return of stability and resolve this situation.” 

Peacekeepers’ Day is a day to remember the sacrifices of the men and women serving for peace, UNIFIL’s Head of Mission and Force Commander noted. 

“As we mourn those who have fallen for the cause of peace – including Malaysian Sergeant Faridah Abd Rahman, who passed away just a few days ago – we are grateful for their contributions, which will not be forgotten,” said the UNIFIL head. 

Almost 4,400 UN peacekeepers have lost their lives in missions around the world since 1948. Over 330 of these men and women served with UNIFIL. 

In 2002, 29 May was designated as the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers to honor the professionalism, dedication, and courage of the military and civilian peacekeepers serving in UN peacekeeping operations, and to remember those who lost their lives for the cause of peace. The date was chosen to commemorate the establishment of the first peacekeeping mission, the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), which has more than 50 observers currently working with UNIFIL in south Lebanon.

Listen to "Salam from the south - Peacekeepers Day Amidst Adversity"