A solemn ceremony marking International UN Peacekeepers Day under the theme “Adapting to New Challenges” was held at the Headquarters of the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), bringing together senior officials of the Liberian Government, the United Nations family, members of the Diplomatic Corps, non-governmental organizations and other partners.
 

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Coordinator of United Nations Operations in Liberia Karin Landgren and the Vice President of the Republic of Liberia His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. each laid wreaths in memory of the fallen peacekeepers.

Vice President Boakai gave an account of the contributions of UN peacekeepers in restoring peace and stability to Liberia. “On a solemn occasion of this importance, I have never forgotten to call on all our citizens and foreigners alike to pause, reflect and gratefully acknowledge the peacekeepers’ crucial contribution to the maintenance of peace, security and stability that we enjoy in Liberia today. By their presence and selfless sacrifice, these peacekeepers have taught us that people everywhere have the right to live their lives in peace and justice, free from fear, free from threats of war, free from all form of domination.”
 

SRSG Karin Landgren delivered Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message commemorating the International Day of UN Peacekeepers. “[today] is an opportunity to raise awareness about new developments in the field while honoring those who lost their lives over the past year serving under the blue flag. United Nations peacekeeping is increasingly called on to deploy multi-dimensional operations to help countries transition from conflict to peace, with a significant focus on protecting civilians, including the most vulnerable among them: women and children.” The SG underlined the UN’s work in assisting in reform of national rule of law institutions “By strengthening the police, courts, and corrections, UN peacekeeping forges trust in local authorities. A fair and predictable rule of law system contributes, in turn, to stability and sustainable development long after our troops leave.”

The UN Secretary-General paid tribute to the 111 peacekeeping personnel who died last year and the more than 3,100 peacekeepers who lost their lives during the UN’s 65-year history of peacekeeping. “On this International Day, let us pay solemn tribute to those who have fallen, support the more than 111,000 serving soldiers and police from 116 countries, and continue adapting our operations to better help civilians who need protection and support.”

The program at the UN Headquarters in Monrovia also included a colorful parade by five different UNMIL military and police contingents, who were joined by representatives of the Armed Forced of Liberia (AFL) Liberian National Police (LNP) and Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization (BIN). Other sporting and outreach activities were held in Liberia with peacekeepers and local authorities, including interactive forums with school children.