More than 50 thousand UN peacekeepers risk their lives, the world is asked to act

JATENG PR – In the midst of global tensions that continue to heat up, the United Nations (UN) pays high tribute to the UN Peacekeeping Force. The troops, identified with the nickname “Blue Helmets”, continue to be the front guard in conflict areas.

The UN emphasizes that currently peacekeepers are serving in a very dangerous era. Conflicts between countries and armed groups are now increasingly complex, fragmented and protracted.

In response to this, the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, specifically called for greater political support. He also demanded a reliable commitment of financial support from all member countries.

This firm call was made to coincide with the commemoration of International UN Peacekeeping Day on May 29 2026. This commemoration also marks the anniversary of the first UN peacekeeping mission in 1948.

This year, the UN officially carries the theme “Investment for Peace”. This theme highlights the urgent need for political support and sustainable funding for mission effectiveness on the ground.

Currently, there are more than 50 thousand civilian, military and police personnel serving under the UN flag. They are spread widely across 11 peace missions in various parts of the world.

The tasks of these peace heroes are not easy and are very diverse. They must handle monitoring the ceasefire, clearing land mines, distributing humanitarian aid, and protecting civilians.

Proven Tools for Reducing Conflict

In his official message, Antonio Guterres called the UN Peacekeeping Force an instrument that has proven its capabilities. Their presence is considered very effective in stabilizing the armed conflict situation.

“The presence of UN Peacekeeping Forces is a proven and cost-effective way to restore stability and hope in society,” Guterres said in his official statement at UN Headquarters.

Guterres also paid deep tribute to the nearly 4,500 personnel who have died since 1948. Another heartbreaking tragedy occurred last year, when 59 personnel died while carrying out humanitarian duties.

The UN Secretary General emphasized that attacks on peacekeepers are serious violations. This absolutely violates the applicable principles of international humanitarian law.

The threat to the Blue Helmets now does not just involve armed physical attacks in vulnerable areas. They are also faced with cyber threats in the form of misuse of digital technology and the spread of misinformation in conflict areas.

UN Deputy Secretary General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, also emphasized the urgency of this funding. According to him, investing in peacekeepers is a form of direct investment in world stability.

Conferment of the UN’s Highest Award

As a real form of appreciation, the UN will hold a ceremony to award its highest award on June 5 2026. This award is called the Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for Extraordinary Courage.

The two personnel who will receive this prestigious award are Sergii Prykhodko from Ukraine and Sergeant Matias Reyes from Uruguay. The story of the bravery of these two men in the field of conflict has inspired many people.

Sergii Prykhodko is a civilian contractor at the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). In March 2025, he bravely volunteered to replace his colleague in a high-risk air evacuation.

Unfortunately, the helicopter he was traveling in was attacked by heavy gunfire even though the UN had previously received guarantees about the safety of the route. Sergii died during the mission, but his sacrifice saved the lives of the besieged troops.

Meanwhile, Sergeant Matias Reyes served with the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO). In January 2025, he witnessed firsthand fierce clashes between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group.

Amid the whistling of live bullets, Sergeant Reyes repeatedly broke through the danger zone to save 12 seriously injured Congolese soldiers. He evacuated them to the UN medical tent until all the victims’ lives were saved.

Smart Innovation and Women’s Leadership

The UN not only appreciates physical courage, but also strategic innovation in the field. The Military Gender Advocate of the Year award was given to Major Abhilasha Barak from India who served in Lebanon.

Major Barak was considered a great success in integrating a gender perspective into military and patrol operations. She led educational programs that successfully empowered more than 5,000 women in conflict recovery areas.

Amazingly, Major Barak introduced an innovative protection platform based on artificial intelligence (AI). This platform allows victims of gender-based violence to report cases confidentially and safely.

Additionally, the UN Female Police Officer of the Year award went to Inspector Stephanie Königs from Germany. He served as the mainstay Patrol Team Leader in the South Sudan crisis area.

Inspector Königs was recognized as outstanding for successfully introducing a structured patrol system and strengthening the UN’s early warning mechanisms. His leadership was successful in increasing local community confidence in the peace mission.

In the end, the unlimited dedication of these selected personnel proves a crucial thing for the world. Supporting the UN Peacekeeping Force is a mandatory step to ensure a much safer future for humanity.

Also read: Macron warns that military operations could damage the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah

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