United Nations in South Africa observes International Day of UN Peacekeepers

Pretoria – The United Nations in South Africa together with government representatives, members of the South African National Defence Force, led by its Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya, and bereaved family members of fallen South African UN peacekeepers, yesterday observed the International Day of UN Peacekeepers at a wreath-laying ceremony in Bloemfontein in Free State Province. This year’s theme is: “Peace Begins with Me” and seeks to demonstrate the powerful impact of UN peacekeeping and its partners on the lives of millions of people caught up in catastrophic conflicts.

Speaking at the commemorative event, the Resident Coordinator and head of the UN in South Africa, Nelson Muffuh, expressed his gratitude to South Africa for its commitment and contribution towards UN peacekeeping in Africa and around the world. In paying tribute to the fallen heroes, he said that “brave men and women from South Africa put their lives at risk daily in their efforts to bring peace and security in the countries in which they operate,” adding, “many other South African men and women have paid the ultimate price in the service for global peace including silencing the guns across Africa. And for their service and sacrifice, we shall forever be grateful to them, to their beloved families and to all South Africans.”

Currently, South Africa provides 1,189 personnel to UN peacekeeping, making it the 15th largest contributor among all UN Member States. It is also the 6th largest contributor of women peacekeepers, with 230 now serving in various missions. South Africa’s largest deployment is in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It also contributes police personnel to the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei, Sudan and the UN Mission in South Sudan. In recent decades, South Africa has also contributed to UN peace operations in Burundi, Ethiopia-Eritrea, Liberia, Nepal and to the United Nations–African Union Mission in Darfur, Sudan.

In his speech the Resident Coordinator said “peacekeeping remains as relevant as ever” while highlighting its positive impact in the world today. “Our peacekeepers, South Africans among them, protect civilians, help build national capacities and institutions, advance political solutions and development and build long-term peace,” said Mr. Muffuh, while also conveying the message of the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, in marking this year’s 75th anniversary of UN peacekeeping operations. Over the past 75 years, more than 2 million women and men from 125 countries have served in 72 peacekeeping missions.

For interviews and media enquiries, please contact Zeenat Abdool, UN South Africa - Associate Public Information Officer, at abdool@un.org or 0827788080.