International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : Apr 29, 2022, 7:18

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers recognizes and honours the several peacemaking troops that carry out peacekeeping operations. The peacemaking troops and operations are the responsibility of the Security Council of the United Nations.

Who are the UN Peacekeepers?

The UN peacekeepers are forces that work under the authority of the UN. They include men, women, police officers, and military personnel who serve the UN and are involved in operations for maintaining international peace. The UN peacekeepers wear blue helmets and are deployed into conflict zones to observe peace. These UN peacekeepers are commemorated on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

Thousands of peacekeepers between the age of 18 and 29 are deployed to peacekeeping operations for the protection of civilians and to maintain peace.

History of the United Nations International Day of Peacekeepers

The United Nations General Assembly passed the resolution 57/129 and finalized 29th May for observing the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. The day recognizes and honours the contribution of the peacekeeping soldiers who have served the UN for more than 70 years through peacekeeping operations. The day also emphasizes the importance of peace and inclusiveness for achieving progress.

International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers Significance

The day honours and remembers the contribution of more than 4000 peacekeepers who sacrificed their lives while serving the United Nations. The UN peacekeepers play a crucial role in maintaining peace around the world. The day also raises awareness among people on the importance of maintaining peace and peacekeeping operations.

Important Exams
UPSC Exam	IBPS PO Exam
SSC Exam	Defence Exam
SSC CHSL Exam	SSC Steno Exam
RRB JE Exam	SSC CGL Exam
RRB NTPC Exam	IBPS Clerk Exam
IBPS SO Exam	UPPSC Exam

Facts About International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers

On the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, the peacekeepers and their contributions are remembered. Here are some more facts about peacekeepers.

There are more than a million men and women who have served the United Nations as peacekeepers.
There are 121 United Nations members that contribute to the peacekeeping operations.
The biggest peacekeeping operation conducted was MINUSMA in Mali, which involved 18,349 peacekeepers.
The smallest peacekeeping operation was the UNMOGIP between India and Pakistan, which involved 110 peacekeepers.
The Blue helmets donned by the peacekeepers were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988.
The second-largest troop contributor in the peacekeeping operations in France, with 610 French-speaking peacekeepers.
Currently, there are 74,780 peacekeepers engaged in 12 peacekeeping operations.

Themes Celebrated on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers

Year	Theme
2011	Law. Order. Peace
2012	Peacekeeping is a Global Partnership
2013	UN Peacekeeping: Adapting to New Challenges
2014	UN Peacekeeping: A Force for Peace. A Force for Change. A Force for the Future.
2015	UN70 and UN Peacekeeping: past, present, and future. The theme explored the peacekeeping efforts from the past to the future
2016	Honouring our Heroes
2017	Investing in Peace around the World
2018	UN Peacekeepers: 70 Years of Service and Sacrifice. Celebrated 70 years of peacekeepers and their dedication to the UN
2019	Protecting Civilians: Protecting Peace
2020	Women in Peacekeeping- Key to Peace
2021	Unravelling the power of youth and their contribution towards peacekeeping through the theme, The Road to a Lasting Peace: Leveraging the Power of Youth for Peace and Security

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers reminds the public of the importance and benefits of peace. The day also honours and commemorates the sacrifice of the millions of peacekeepers who serve the United Nations in peacekeeping operations. The day is important for realizing the efforts of peacekeepers in maintaining security and peace between countries.

More Current Affairs Topics
Kesariya Stupa	Karbi Anglong Agreement
Kaladan Multimodal Project	International Mother's Day
Miyawaki Method	Mission Purvodaya
Living Root Bridges	International Day for Abolition of Slavery
International Dance Day	National Dope Testing Laboratory

FAQs on International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers

Q 1. Under whose direction do the peacekeepers work, and how are they related to the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers?

The peacekeepers work under the direction of the United Nations Security Council. The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is observed on May 29 every year to honour peacekeepers who sacrificed their lives while serving the United Nations.

Q 2. When is the International Day of UN Peacekeepers observed?

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is observed on May 29 every year.

Q 3. What is the importance of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers?

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is important as it promotes peace and honours the millions of peacekeepers working with the UN.

Q 4. What resolution established the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers?

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers was passed under the resolution 57/129.

Q 5. What was the 2021 theme for the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers?

The 2021 theme for the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers was 'The Road to a Lasting Peace: Leveraging the Power of Youth for Peace and Security.'