In late 2021, the M23 group of rebels, who had been inactive for many years, relaunched their attacks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). They claim they did this to demand the return of their refugees and fight to protect ethnic minorities from discrimination initiated by the DRC government. Conflicts raged for four years, and in January of this year, they captured Goma.
As a result of this takeover, 13 United Nations (UN) Peacekeepers were violently killed. The fallen heroes were from Malawi, South Africa and Uruguay. Less than a month later, a Tunisian peacekeeper was also killed in an isolated attack near the village of Zobassinda in the Central African Republic.
After 10 years of attempting to help stabilize the volatile country of Mali, UN Peacekeepers withdrew their mission in 2023 with 310 total losses of life.
Did you hear about any of these tragedies? There was coverage, as you can see from our links above, but the stories were barely mentioned in the mainstream media. That is a tragedy in and of itself, with over 4,200 peacekeepers—whose work reaches all of us in some way, shape or form—lost in the line of duty since the program’s inception in 1948.
On this International Day of UN Peacekeepers, we honour the 2 million who have served, and shed light on the details of their heroic actions across the globe.
The Basics
Worldwide, there are nearly 75,000 UN Peacekeepers currently in the field, assigned to one of 11 active operations across Africa, Asia and Europe. These officers come from 120 countries, and are made up of military, police and civilian personnel. Peacekeepers include men, women and transgender individuals of various backgrounds.
Peacekeepers are responsible for everything from monitoring ceasefires to assisting with contentious elections, helping to rebuild war-torn areas and providing security to civilians. New recruits are discovered through various networks, and job opportunities are regularly posted on their international career website.
Tools of Their Trade
In addition to significant physical and psychological training to become an official peacekeeper, those on the job must be skilled in using a variety of sophisticated equipment. Here are just a few of the items they use to help keep us safe:
Excavators. Through the use of excavators and other heavy construction equipment, engineers in the field are able to build dykes to protect communities from severe flooding. They also help prepare fields to restore farming in conflict or climate impacted areas, and aid in the rebuilding of other structures that keep rural areas operational when vulnerable to conflict.
Mine Detectors. Leftover weaponry that was never detonated remains a danger in areas of Angola, Cambodia, South Sudan, Syria and over 60 other countries. In 20 of those nations, peacekeepers in the UN Mine Action Service are currently deployed. They put on blast suits and use detectors with electromagnetic waves to determine where forgotten mines are located, then secure the area by clearing them. It’s incredibly dangerous work, but since the 1990s, 55 million landmines have been destroyed and 30 countries have become mine-free, which enabled their citizens to safely rebuild their infrastructures.
Radios. Though it’s not a new technology, radios remain one of the most reliable and trusted tools for peacekeepers worldwide. They allow information to be shared with large groups of people in a simple, inclusive way. Three peacekeeping missions even have their own radio stations to keep the public educated and informed about potential threats. Unlike Internet connections, which depend on electricity and a variety of other factors to work efficiently, radio frequencies are nearly infallible and radio receivers are relatively inexpensive to operate.
Satellites. Imaging from satellites has helped peacekeepers identify active conflict zones and determine threats to their teams for two decades. They can also use the technology to monitor illegal activity and assist in natural disaster preparedness and responses during climate events.
Transportation. Aside from land vehicles, one of the most common ways peacekeepers monitor and respond to conflict areas is in helicopters. The design and size of this method of air travel more easily traverses difficult landscapes, and has the ability to enter rural areas inaccessible by land or water to deliver lifesaving assistance. The fleet currently consists of 81 helicopters, which are branded brightly to signal humanitarian efforts versus military vehicles when entering dangerous territory.
Honouring Those Lost
In remembrance of the sacrifice of those who have given their lives in service as peacekeepers, many pay their respects at the UN Peacekeepers Memorial in New York City. There is also a ceremony to present the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.
Some events may be viewed on the livestream at UN Web TV; check the schedule on their website for live updates.
How to Help
The day-to-day activities of the Peacekeepers may seem far away to those of us who don’t live near the areas of conflict in which they serve, but as abstract as their duties may feel, we can each help them achieve their (and our) collective end goal.
The United Nations began its global “Peace Begins With Me” campaign to re-enforce the truth of how conflicts can be prevented and dissolved by everyday citizens. Whether it be through the power of the vote in free elections, the creation of art to righteously protest injustice or the empowerment of women through education, to balance gender equality, each of us can meaningfully contribute to the promotion of peace in our world. Visit the website linked above for suggested ways to take action and whenever possible, please amplify the good work of these heroes.
From Day One, a core commitment of The White Feather Foundation was to give a voice to those unable to be heard. Now more than ever, a great harmony can be found if we unite together in voice, for the Purpose of Peace….
I am so grateful for all of those that bravely serve helping others in their own unique way.
The figures above are so sobering and humbling. Those doing this work are truly remarkable. Fabulous article 🙏