The Celebration of United Nations Peacekeepers Day in Monrovia

Peacekeepers Day,
28 May 2016

The Celebration of United Nations Peacekeepers Day in Monrovia

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General Farid Zarif and Liberia’s Defence Minister Brownie J. Samukai today laid wreaths in honour of peacekeepers that lost their lives while serving in Liberia at a ceremony to mark the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers at the Monrovia headquarters of the United Nations Mission in Liberia. To date, 238 peacekeepers have lost their lives since the deployment of UNMIL in 2003.

“When we look at how far Liberia has come, we can only feel proud of its accomplishment, as well as our own contribution. Today, the Liberia National Police boasts a 5000-strong capacity, 16 percent of them are women. BIN is another monumental sign of accomplishment of Liberia, with strong forces spread throughout the country,” said SRSG Zarif. 

“Eleven years ago, in a society where hunger was ravaging, hope was reborn by the presence of the UN. All of our security services represented here reflects leadership from troops that are serving in our country. The sacrifice they have made should not, and will not go in vain. It is a sacrifice that we hold dearly,” said Minister Samukai.

The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is celebrated in honour of UN peacekeepers that have died in the cause of peace, and to pay tribute to all former and current men and women in UN peacekeeping operations for their professionalism, dedication and courage. This year’s theme is “Honouring our Heroes.”