SC/8107
                                                            OBV/425
                                                            PKO/111
                                                            1 June 2004

In Message for Day of UN Peacekeepers, Security Council President Pays Tribute to Those Who Have Served for Their Professionalism, Dedication, Courage

NEW YORK, 28 May (UN Headquarters) -- “Following is the text of the message from the President of the Security Council, Munir Akram (Pakistan), on the occasion of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers (29 May):

“Today, the international community is observing the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

“On this day, the Security Council has the honour to pay high tribute to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve in United Nations peacekeeping operations for their high level of professionalism, dedication and courage.  Every day the United Nations peacekeepers are helping to build and maintain peace, to relieve human suffering, and to promote sustainable development. The Security Council recalls in this regard the awarding of the 1988 Nobel Peace Prize to United Nations peacekeeping forces. Since 1948, up to one million soldiers, police officers and civilians from nearly 130 nations have served under the UN flag. Today, almost 100 countries contribute a total of more than 53,000 uniformed peacekeeping personnel.

“The Security Council also honours the memory of the more than 1,900 UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the cause of peace since 1948.  The Security Council recalls in this regard its Resolution 1121 (1997), which established the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal now bestowed on the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service in UN peacekeeping operations and for the noble cause of peace.  The Security Council will do its utmost to ensure safety and security of UN peacekeeping personnel.

“The Security Council believes that the important role played by the United Nations peacekeeping efforts around the world and the sacrifices made by individual peacekeepers deserve to be fully recognized and joins all Member States, organizations of the UN system, non-governmental organizations and individuals in observing the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.”

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