United Nations celebrates International Day of Peacekeepers

For 75 years, United Nations peacekeepers have served in peacekeeping operations in conflict-affected areas in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Soldiers wearing the iconic blue beret have helped create the conditions for lasting peace in conflict-torn countries.

united nations commemorate international peacekeeping day picture 1 — This year's commemoration honors "outstanding military and civilian personnel" who have dedicated their lives to peace. Photo: AP

Vietnam's mark on the journey of peacekeeping
During its 10-year journey of participating in the United Nations peacekeeping force, Vietnam has not only fulfilled its mission well, but also spread to international friends the image of a responsible, friendly, humane and peace-loving Vietnam.
In June 2014, the first two officers of the Vietnam People's Army were sent to serve as liaison officers at the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Since then, Vietnam has sent 804 officers and professional soldiers to serve individually and in units at the United Nations Headquarters, the South Sudan Mission, the Central African Republic, the Abyei Region, and the European Union Training Mission in the Central African Republic.
Currently, Vietnam is ranked 39th out of 117 countries sending troops and police with a regular deployment of 274 people in Field Missions, including 36 female soldiers.
The 10-year journey marks Vietnam's strong growth in participating in United Nations peacekeeping activities, contributing to the noble humanitarian mission of creating sustainable peace for the world, thereby receiving attention and high appreciation from the international community and media.
( according to Communist Party Electronic Newspaper )

Tribute to the fallen soldiers

Lawyer Nicholas Haysom, head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), said he marked the day by remembering peacekeepers who died in the line of duty.

"Sadly, some of our colleagues paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. Their legacy lives on and inspires us," said Mr Hayson.

As Africa's youngest country, South Sudan has the highest number of UN troops with 14,200 soldiers, police and civilian workers, as well as a small number of experts, officers and volunteers.

Peacekeeping forces have a role in protecting civilians, Mr. Haysom said. However, to ensure a safe future, comprehensive political solutions must still be found.

“Peacekeepers can never replace the political role of the parties to win the conflict,” Mr. Haysom stressed.

“We have seen the brutal struggle in South Sudan, especially in the villages. We have seen the vital role that UNMISS and UN partners have played in alleviating those hardships.”

'Join hands to build a better future'

This year's commemoration also paid tribute to "outstanding military and civilian personnel" by highlighting their work. Warrant Officer Hwongi Rwang, a Nigerian military observer at UNMISS in the South Sudanese capital Juba, pointed to the important role he and his colleagues played on the battlefield.

"We are the eyes of the mission because we go on patrol. We go to the scene, observe, monitor whatever we see there. The force commander is not there, so we are like his eyes," he said.

Mr. Rwang's main task is to monitor and evaluate post-conflict agreements such as ceasefires to ensure that fighting between factions stops for a specific period of time, especially to facilitate peace talks.

Meanwhile, Major Apoinero Kanyanda from Rwanda, UNMISS Director of Operations, prepares operational strategies and plans as well as allocates equipment, personnel and resources.

"What makes me happy is that I and my country contribute to bringing peace and stability to the country and its people," Mr. Kanyanda expressed, emphasizing that he would be very happy if peace existed forever in South Sudan, avoiding the incidents that happened in Rwanda, where nearly 1 million Tutsis and moderate Hutus were systematically murdered in 1994.