2023-05-02 14:56:27
A new photo exhibit on UN peace operations opened Monday at the Organization’s Headquarters in New York, honoring the service and sacrifice of peacekeepers on the occasion of its 75th anniversary.
“For 75 years, United Nations peacekeeping operations have helped end conflicts, protect civilians, advance political solutions and ensure lasting peace,” said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Secretary-General United Nations Deputy for Peace Operations. “Peacekeepers are ordinary people working in difficult and dangerous conditions to achieve extraordinary results for the communities they serve,” he said. “The results of their efforts to help countries navigate the difficult path from war to peace can be found in countries like Liberia, Namibia, Cambodia, Sierra Leone and Timor-Leste.”
The impact of peacekeeping
As part of a year-long global campaign, the exhibit’s theme ‘Peace Begins With Me’ seeks to show the significant impact of UN peacekeeping and its partners on the lives of million people caught up in catastrophic conflict.
Featuring a selection of photos of peacekeepers in action from the very first deployment of military observers to the Middle East in 1948, to the current 12 missions, the images document the complex and diverse work carried out by peacekeeping personnel in some of the most precarious political and security situations in the world.
From UN protection of civilian camps that saved tens of thousands of lives in South Sudan to elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and critical demining efforts in Cyprus, photos capture the much-needed support soldiers of peace, police and civilians working for peace operations provide communities in need.
“We are not alone in our efforts,” said the UN peacekeeping chief. “Many partners are working alongside us in a collective effort for peace, including local communities, women and youth, civil society, humanitarians, host governments, troop and police contributing countries and member states. “. “We thank them for their support throughout the history of peacekeeping and urge them to continue this commitment as the challenges we face are greater than ever,” added Mr. Lacroix.
Since 1948, more than two million peacekeepers from 125 countries have served in 71 different operations. In 2023, more than 87,000 women and men are working to build peace in trouble spots in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. More than 4,200 peacekeepers gave their lives selflessly, serving under the UN flag.
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