Peacekeepers are serving in a dangerous era of mounting global tensions and tight resources. UN chief António Guterres is now calling for greater political backing and reliable financial support for ‘blue helmets’ who put themselves in harm’s way.
More than 50,000 civilian, military and police personnel currently serve under the UN flag across 11 missions, tackling challenges ranging from ceasefire monitoring and humanitarian assistance to landmine clearance and civilian protection.
They are operating in increasingly fragmented conflicts shaped by emerging threats, including the misuse of digital technologies and the spread of misinformation.
This year’s observance of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers – which falls on 29 May, the anniversary of the first UN peacekeeping mission in 1948 – is centred on the theme “Invest in Peace,” highlighting the urgent need for sustained political and financial support for peacekeeping.
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Proven tool for peace
In a message marking the Day, Secretary-General António Guterres described UN peacekeeping as a proven and cost-effective tool for stabilising conflict situations, protecting civilians and supporting political solutions.
He paid tribute to the nearly 4,500 peacekeepers who have died since 1948, including 59 over the past year, stressing that attacks against them constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law.
Mr. Guterres emphasised that peacekeeping requires reliable backing from the international community, warning that reduced resources risk undermining its effectiveness at a time when conflicts are becoming increasingly complex and protracted.
“United Nations peacekeepers continue to protect civilians, prevent violence from escalating and keep hope alive in some of the world’s most difficult environments,” said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations. He added that investing in peacekeeping is ultimately an investment in stability and the possibility of lasting peace.
MONUSCO UN peacekeepers from MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) receive a briefing on an Ebola response mission.