United Nations Peacekeeping

United Nations Peacekeeping The United Nations Department of Peace Operations - Investing in peace around the world.

Since the first peacekeeping mission was established in 1948, over 1 million peacekeepers from 125 countries have served under the UN flag. Established and tasked by the UN Security Council, they have worked to protect populations, advance non-violent solutions to conflict, and build foundations for safe and stable societies. Over 4,100 peacekeepers have lost their lives serving for peace, working

to bring hope to some of the world’s most fragile and conflict-affected regions. While the path to peace remains complex and challenging, UN Peacekeepers continue to adapt, learn, and persevere, striving to create the conditions that make peace possible for future generations.

Sergeant Matias Reyes of  🇺🇾 is receiving UN Peacekeeping's highest award, the Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for Exceptiona...
06/02/2026

Sergeant Matias Reyes of 🇺🇾 is receiving UN Peacekeeping's highest award, the Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for Exceptional Courage.

Going above and beyond the call of duty, Sgt. Reyes risked his life to save the lives of 12 soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo🇨🇩.

While stationed in with the United Nations Mission in the DR Congo - Monusco, Sgt. Reyes witnessed fierce clashes between the Congolese Armed Forces and the Mouvement Du 23 Mars (M23). While helping to secure the entrance of the base, Sgt. Reyes repeatedly braved heavy fire and rescued wounded Congolese soldiers who were attempting to seek refuge at the peacekeepers base.

Despite the obvious risks, he helped carry 12 gravely wounded soldiers back to the temporary medical tent established by UN peacekeepers, saving their lives in the process.

Sgt. Reyes continues to serve under the blue flag🇺🇳 in the .

The Diagne Medal will be bestowed by United Nations Secretary-General AntĂłnio Guterres during the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers commemorations at the UN Headquarters in New York on 5 June.

This award was established in 2014 to recognize military, police and civilian personnel who demonstrate exceptional courage in the line of duty. The Medal has only been awarded three times previously.

Learn more: https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/press-releases/two-peacekeepers-to-be-honoured-with-un-peacekeepings-highest-award-diagne-medal-for-exceptional-courage

/ / Forces Armées de la RD Congo

Félicitations à la Commandante Abhilasha Barak, lauréate 2025 du Prix de la défense de l’égalité des genres dans les opé...
06/02/2026

Félicitations à la Commandante Abhilasha Barak, lauréate 2025 du Prix de la défense de l’égalité des genres dans les opérations militaires de maintien de la paix, et à l’Inspectrice Stephanie Königs, récipiendaire du Prix de la policière de l'année 2025 !

Au sein du bataillon indien 🇮🇳 ( ) de la Force intérimaire des United Nations au Liban (UNIFIL-PIO), la Commandante Barak veille à ce que les opérations de maintien de la paix prennent en compte les besoins des femmes et des communautés vulnérables. En seulement six mois, elle a dirigé 539 activités axées sur le genre, soutenant plus de 5 000 femmes et filles à travers des programmes d’éducation, de santé et de formation professionnelle. Elle a également lancé la « Lebanon Gender Initiative », une plateforme permettant de signaler en toute confidentialité les violences basées sur le genre et d’accéder à des services de soutien. Première femme pilote d’hélicoptère de combat de l’armée indienne, elle continue de faire tomber les barrières tout en faisant progresser l’agenda sur le terrain.

En tant que cheffe d’équipe de patrouille au sein de la composante police de la United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Stephanie Königs, originaire de l’Allemagne 🇩🇪, joue un rôle essentiel dans la protection des civils et le soutien aux communautés les plus vulnérables dans un environnement complexe et instable. Grâce à son calme, son professionnalisme et sa détermination, elle a contribué à maintenir l’accès des Casques bleus aux populations ayant besoin d’aide et de protection, même dans des périodes de fortes tensions. Elle a également renforcé les opérations sur le terrain en améliorant la coordination entre la police des Nations Unies et les forces militaires de maintien de la paix, contribuant ainsi à une meilleure réponse face aux crises et à une protection plus efficace des civils. Engagée pour l’égalité des genres dans les opérations de police, elle démontre chaque jour que le leadership se construit à travers la résilience, l’impact et le sens du devoir.

À l’occasion de la Journée internationale des Casques bleus des Nations Unies, le Secrétaire général leur remettra des distinctions lors d’une cérémonie le 5 juin 2026, au siège des Nations Unies à New York.

En apprendre plus : https://peacekeeping.un.org/fr/press-releases/international-day-of-un-peacekeepers-highlights-the-urgent-need-to-invest-in-peace

/ / United Nations Police - UNPOL / India at UN (Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, New York) / United Nations India

ASKING PEACEKEEPING: "What has peacekeeping achieved?"In honour of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers,...
06/01/2026

ASKING PEACEKEEPING: "What has peacekeeping achieved?"

In honour of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, we're answering your questions.

Since 1948, the UN has helped end conflicts and supported reconciliation in dozens of countries, including Cambodia, El Salvador, Mozambique, Namibia and Tajikistan.

Operations in Sierra Leone, Liberia, CĂ´te d'Ivoire and Timor-Leste have supported political transitions and helped fragile new institutions take root, giving countries a path out of conflict.

So, what does the success of a peacekeeping operation require?

A successful operation must be guided by the core principles of consent, impartiality and non-use of force. It must be seen as legitimate and credible by the local population, and it must support national and local ownership of the peace process in the host country.

Success depends on clear and achievable mandates matched with adequate resources, unity within the Security Council and active support for UN operations, constructive engagement by neighbouring countries and regional actors, the full cooperation of the host country, and a genuine commitment by the parties to a political process.

Learn more about the impact of peacekeeping : https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/our-impact

What else would you like to know? Leave your question in the comments.

📸 Timor-Leste, 2012 (Martine Perret), UN Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), 2007 (Basile Zoma), UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) 2019 (Albert González Farran)

Congratulations to Inspector Stephanie Königs of Germany🇩🇪, the 2025 United Nations Woman Police Officer of the Year.Ser...
05/31/2026

Congratulations to Inspector Stephanie Königs of Germany🇩🇪, the 2025 United Nations Woman Police Officer of the Year.

Serving as a Patrol Team Leader with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) police component, Inspector Königs plays a key role in protecting civilians and supporting vulnerable communities in a complex and unstable environment.

“Operational policing means being the eyes, ears and face of United Nations Police. Leadership means protecting your team and serving the mandate, even under the most difficult conditions.”

Through her calm leadership, professionalism and determination, Inspector Königs helped maintain peacekeepers’ access to communities in need of protection and assistance, even during periods of heightened tensions.

She also strengthened field operations by improving coordination between UN Police and military peacekeepers, contributing to more effective crisis response and civilian protection efforts.

Committed to gender equality in policing, Inspector Königs demonstrates every day that leadership is built through resilience, impact and a strong sense of duty.

Learn more: https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/press-releases/united-nations-announces-2025-recipients-of-top-military-and-police

/ / / United Nations Police - UNPOL / German Consulate General New York

Congratulations to Major Abhilasha Barak of India🇮🇳, the 2025 Military Gender Advocate of the Year award winner.Serving ...
05/30/2026

Congratulations to Major Abhilasha Barak of India🇮🇳, the 2025 Military Gender Advocate of the Year award winner.

Serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL-PIO) as an Engagement Team Commander and Gender Focal Point, Major Barak leads mixed-gender military teams that work closely with local communities to build trust, gather community insights, identify protection risks, and support women and children who are often harder to reach in conflict settings.

In just six months, she led 539 gender-focused field activities, the highest in the mission, supporting more than 5,000 women and girls through education, health and vocational training programmes promoting empowerment and recovery. She also launched “The Lebanon Gender Initiative”, an AI-driven platform enabling confidential reporting of gender-based violence and access to support services.

As the first woman combat helicopter pilot of the Indian Army, Major Barak continues to break barriers while advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda on the ground.

“Dreams don’t have a gender."

Learn more: https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/press-releases/united-nations-announces-2025-recipients-of-top-military-and-police

/ / / India at UN (Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, New York)

05/29/2026

On the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, Secretary-General António Guterres honours the men and women serving in some of the world’s most dangerous environments and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for peace.

They protect civilians, de-escalate tensions, oversee aid delivery, support elections, and more. Their mission has never been more necessary.

An investment in UN Peacekeeping is an investment in a safer future.

05/29/2026

On the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, Lieutenant General Cheryl Pearce, Acting UN Military Adviser, led a ceremony at UN Headquarters 🇺🇳 in New York to honor the service and sacrifice of UN peacekeepers, past and present, and those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.

Chaque année, le 29 mai, est commémorée la Journée internationale des Casques bleus des Nations Unies. Cette Journée vis...
05/29/2026

Chaque année, le 29 mai, est commémorée la Journée internationale des Casques bleus des Nations Unies.

Cette Journée vise à honorer la mémoire des près de 4 500 Casques bleus qui ont perdu la vie au service de la cause de la paix et à rendre hommage à tous ceux, hommes et femmes, qui ont servi et continuent de servir dans les opérations de maintien de la paix de l’ONU pour leur professionnalisme, leur dévouement et leur courage.

Depuis 1948, plus de deux millions de Casques bleus, hommes et femmes, ont servi sous le drapeau de l’ONU. Leur service et leur sacrifice sont l’une des expressions les plus concrètes de la détermination de la Charte des Nations Unies à « préserver les générations futures du fléau de la guerre ».

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Today is the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, a reminder that investing in peace is a shared responsibi...
05/29/2026

Today is the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, a reminder that investing in peace is a shared responsibility.

When peace breaks down, people everywhere feel the consequences. Without continued investment, progress and stability can be lost.

Peace does not happen by accident. It requires political will, sustained financing, and collective commitment.

Now is the time to , not war. Everywhere. For everyone.

05/28/2026

Every day, more than 50,000 civilian, military, and police peacekeepers serve under the United Nations flag 🇺🇳 in some of the world’s most complex environments, where conflicts are increasingly fragmented and protracted.

Peacekeeping is a global partnership, with Member States contributing personnel, political support, and resources. This partnership must remain strong for the communities we serve.

On the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, marked annually on May 29, we honour peacekeepers, past and present, for their service and sacrifice.

Now is the time to .

/ United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) / United Nations Mission in the DR Congo - Monusco / MINUSCA / United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei / UNIFIL-PIO / UNFICYP / UNMIK - United Nations Mission in Kosovo / UNDOF / / /

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