An Indian peacekeeper, Naik Dhananjay Kumar Singh, who served under the UN flag and tragically lost his life in the line of duty, is set to be honored posthumously with the prestigious Dag Hammarskjold medal.
This recognition is part of a solemn ceremony scheduled for May 30, coinciding with the UN’s commemoration of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.
Naik Dhananjay Kumar Singh served with distinction in the UN Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO). His sacrifice, along with over 60 other military, police, and civilian peacekeepers, will be remembered and acknowledged during the upcoming ceremony.
Bharat, being the second-largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping efforts, currently deploys over 6,000 military and police personnel across various UN operations worldwide. These include missions in Abyei, the Central African Republic, Cyprus, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lebanon, the Middle East, Somalia, South Sudan, and Western Sahara.
Sadly, nearly 180 Bharatiya peacekeepers have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving under the UN flag, the highest number among troop-contributing countries.
During the formal ceremonies at the United Nations Headquarters on May 30, Secretary-General António Guterres will lead tributes to all UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948. A wreath-laying ceremony at the Peacekeepers Memorial Site on the North Lawn will honor their memory.
In addition, the Dag Hammarskjöld Medals will be posthumously awarded to 64 peacekeepers, including Naik Dhananjay Kumar Singh, who gave their lives in service under the UN flag.
In his message marking Peacekeepers’ Day, Secretary-General Guterres emphasized the crucial role played by UN peacekeepers in upholding humanity’s highest ideals. Despite facing great personal risk, these brave individuals work tirelessly in some of the world’s most dangerous and unstable regions to protect civilians, uphold human rights, support elections, and strengthen institutions.
Their dedication has not gone unnoticed, with more than 4,300 peacekeepers having paid the ultimate price while serving under the UN banner.
Since its inception in 1948 with the deployment of military observers to the Middle East, UN Peacekeeping has grown significantly. Over two million peacekeepers from 125 countries have participated in 71 operations worldwide.
Presently, approximately 76,000 peacekeepers from diverse backgrounds serve in 11 conflict zones across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
The theme for the 2024 International Day of UN Peacekeepers, ‘Fit for the future, building better together’, underscores the ongoing evolution of UN Peacekeeping. While it has proven to be a vital tool in assisting host nations in transitioning from conflict to peace over the past 75 years, the Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace policy brief outlines a path for multilateral peace and security operations to remain effective in addressing future crises and conflicts.
Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix highlighted the unique global partnership that UN Peacekeeping represents.
With peacekeepers from over 120 countries making a tangible difference in some of the world’s most challenging environments, UN Peacekeeping continues to adapt and evolve to remain responsive, nimble, and fit-for-purpose.
The International Day of UN Peacekeepers, established by the UN General Assembly in 2002, serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by all men and women serving in peacekeeping missions. It honors their dedication to the cause of peace and pays tribute to those who have lost their lives in its pursuit.
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