The New Zealand Defence Force currently contributes to United Nations missions in Timor-Leste, Afghanistan, Sudan, Middle East, Iraq and Korea, and marked International UN Peacekeepers Day on Saturday 29 May.
Peace honoured
“Peacekeeping is an indispensable part of the UN’s work for a more stable and secure world. While our contribution on a world scale is small, our people do make a significant contribution,” said the Commander of Joint Forces New Zealand, Air Vice-Marshal Peter Stockwell.
“Our people have a versatile skill set, and are highly regarded for what they do. Also, working with defence force personnel from around the world provides invaluable experiences.”
The Secretary General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon, has also paid tribute to the more than 122,000 military, police and civilian personnel who serve with distinction in UN operations across the world, as part of International UN Peacekeepers Day. He also acknowledged the sacrifices of 121 men and women who lost their lives while serving under the UN flag last year.
The International Day of UN Peacekeepers was established in 2002 as a day to pay 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, and to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.