Wednesday, 23 May 2007
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF UN PEACEKEEPERS 2007

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is commemorated each year on 29 May. The day was established in 2002, through General Assembly resolution 57/129, to pay tribute to the professionalism, dedication and courage demonstrated by all the men and women who have served and continue to serve in UN peacekeeping operations, and to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace. Click here to read the resolution.

The last year has seen a huge expansion in UN peacekeeping. In 2006, for the first time, over 100,000 UN peacekeepers were deployed worldwide, and 115 countries now contribute uniformed personnel, illustrating strong demand around the world for a central role for the UN in conflict resolution. Click here to download a fact sheet on UN peacekeeping produced by the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations.

The day was commemorated at UN Headquarters in New York , where several ceremonies were held, as well as in peacekeeping missions and UN offices around the world. Click here for further information about the day and events held in different UN member states.

In his message to mark the day, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said "as we mourn those we have lost, we pay tribute to the professionalism, dedication and courage of those who are carrying on the proud legacy of our fallen comrades in 18 peace operations on four continents." Click here to read the Secretary-General's statement in full.

On Wednesday, 23 May, the Westminster branch of UNA-UK held a one-day conference to commemorate the International Day of UN Peacekeepers. Below is a photo from the event. Click here to find out more.

UNA-UK's Peace & Security Programme Officer leads the procession of diplomats and military dignitaries to the Cenotaph on Whitehall © WD Say