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UN chief calls for stronger political support for UN peacekeeping missions

Xinhua, May 29, 2015 Adjust font size:

On International Day of UN Peacekeepers, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for stronger political support from the member states which are responsible for authorizing, financing and contributing troops to UN peacekeeping missions.

"We need developed countries to resume their historically influential role as contributors of troops," said Ban in a message for 2015 observance of the day.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations. Over the past 70 years, the UN has established 71 peacekeeping operations. And more than 1 million people have served as peacekeepers.

At present, there are more than 107,000 uniformed peacekeepers from 122 troop or police contributing countries serving in 16 missions.

"Today UN peacekeeping is adapting to new global realities, including asymmetric threats in some of the world's most challenging environments," said Ban. "We have modernized our operations, introduced new technologies, broadened our base of contributors and strengthened our partnerships with regional organizations."

"We need better funding, training and equipment. Our troops and police must carry out ever more complex mandates while being held to the highest standards of conduct," he added.

The risks for UN peacekeeping operations continue to grow as peacekeepers are targeted by terrorist attacks more often than before. According to UN statistics, more than 3,300 peacekeepers have lost their lives while serving under the UN flag, including 126 last year.

In a resolution adopted on Dec. 11, 2002, the UN General Assembly designated May 29 as the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers at an official request of the Ukrainian Peacekeepers Association and the government of Ukraine to the UN General Assembly. The Day was first observed in 2003.

This year, the theme for the day is UN 70 and UN Peacekeeping: Past, Present, and Future. Endi