International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers
Media release
29 May 2010
Today, Saturday 29 May, we mark the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.
Today commemorates the 62nd anniversary of the first peacekeeping mission authorised by the United Nations Security Council to supervise the peace after the first Arab-Israeli War in 1948.
The maintenance of peace and security is the defining role of the United Nations.
Since inception, United Nations peacekeeping operations have brought hope to countries driven by conflict. They have saved lives, helped communities, and helped rebuild nations.
Australia has a long and very proud history of supporting United Nations peacekeeping operations.
Over 65,000 Australians have served in more than 50 United Nations peacekeeping operations in the Asia-Pacific region, Africa, Central America, Europe, and the Middle East.
They have come from all parts of our defence forces, federal, state and territory police forces, and other Australian government agencies.
There are currently around 3,500 Australian uniformed personnel serving in United Nations, United Nations-mandated and other multilateral operations around the world.
Australia is the 12th largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping budget and takes an active role in providing funding, personnel, and expertise.
Today we acknowledge the 124,000 uniformed and civilian men and women from almost 100 countries, serving in 15 United Nations peacekeeping operations.
We commemorate their important contribution and the sacrifices they have made in the pursuit of peace.
We particularly remember the more than 100 personnel killed earlier this year in the devastating Haiti earthquake, including the head of the UN Stabilization Mission Hedi Annabi, and his deputy Luiz Carlos da Costa. This was the largest single loss of life suffered in the history of UN peacekeeping.
We also honour the courage, sacrifice, service and valour of the 13 Australians who have lost their lives in peacekeeping operations around the world.
Media inquiries
- Minister's Office: (02) 6277 7500
- Departmental Media Liaison: (02) 6261 1555