Mr. Guterres first laid a wreath on the Peacekeepers Memorial Corridor on the United Nations Headquarters in New York to commemorate the greater than 4,300 “blue helmets” who sacrificed their lives within the United Nations’ practically 80-year historical past.
Later, throughout a ceremony within the Trusteeship Council Chamber, he referred to as for a minute’s silence to recollect these army, police, civilian and state staff who’ve paid the last word worth.
“The reminiscence of our fallen blue helmets reminds us of the tragic human price of battle,” he mentioned.
“Every loss highlights the pressing want to stop violence, defend probably the most susceptible and spare no effort to finish these lethal conflicts.”
“We’ll always remember them”
Final 12 months, 61 peacekeepers from 33 nations died in service.
The household acquired the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, named after the second United Nations secretary-general, who died in a aircraft crash in what’s now Zambia in September 1961.
“We prolong our deepest sympathies to the households and buddies of the victims,” Mr. Guterres mentioned. “We’ll always remember them.”
The Secretary-Basic of the United Nations identified that the world goes by means of a troublesome and harmful interval, and the worldwide group is deeply divided. United Nations peacekeepers are extra vital than ever.
Assist United Nations peacekeepers
Presently, greater than 76,000 men and women from 121 nations are deployed in 11 operations all over the world.
“Peacekeepers typically go to nations or areas the place peace can’t be maintained,” he mentioned.
“Regardless of direct assaults from armed teams, hostile working environments and the emergence of recent weapons of struggle, together with digital know-how and synthetic intelligence, our peacekeepers persevere. We should assist them.
Gender Advocate Award
Mr. Guterres additionally introduced the 2023 United Nations Army Gender Equality Advocate of the 12 months Award to Main Radhika Sen, an Indian peacekeeper who served within the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Main Sen was deployed in japanese Democratic Republic of the Congo with MONUSCO, the United Nations peacekeeping mission within the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as Commander of the Engagement Platoon of the Indian Contingent.
Take heed to our interview with Main Mori:
She led her troops on quite a few patrols in the course of the escalating battle in North Kivu.
Main Mori helped create group networks that present girls with a secure platform to share concepts and considerations in order that United Nations missions can higher meet their wants.
The Secretary-Basic referred to as Main Sen a “true chief and function mannequin”, including that “her service is a real honor to your entire United Nations”.
The wreath-laying and ceremony commemorated the Worldwide Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, which is held on Could 29 yearly.