UN highlights 'Women in peacekeeping' on International peacekeepers day

Pakistan has contributed to UN's peacekeeping operations with over 200,000 troops in 46 missions across 28 countries

May 29 marks the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. Over the years, Pakistan has contributed to the UN's peacekeeping operations with over 200,000 troops in 46 missions across 28 countries.

At least 157 Pakistani service members have also been killed during these operations but Islamabad remains committed to helping the UN in building peace and restoring stability in turbulent regions.

Globally, at least 3,900 peacekeepers from different UN member nations have lost their lives while serving in different conflict zones across the world since 1948.

The International Day of UN Peacekeepers is commemorated to pay tribute to the peacekeepers who include both uniformed and civilian personnel.

This year, the UN has chosen to highlight its female peacekeepers with the theme, 'Women in peacekeeping: a key to peace'. The theme has been chosen in light of the 20th anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also appreciated the role Pakistan's women peacekeepers from time to time.

Women peacekeepers are essential for our work in conflict situations.

They make @UNPeacekeeping activities more effective & forge strong relationships with the communities they protect.

I’m grateful for their service and contributions to lasting peace.
pic.twitter.com/3mIMv2N8o5

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) March 14, 2020

Pakistan is among the top contributors to @UNPeacekeeping.

It was inspiring to meet some of the brave women and men who are #ServingForPeace around the world. Thank you for your service and sacrifice!https://t.co/ybi2GACkDe pic.twitter.com/r0VQNV1hkD

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) February 17, 2020

Pakistan is one of the most consistent and reliable contributors to @unpeacekeeping efforts around the world.

I am travelling to Pakistan, where I plan to express my gratitude to the people #ServingForPeace. pic.twitter.com/81PuuIZ9kw

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) February 15, 2020

In recent years, Pakistan has increased its female representation in peacekeeping missions and was the first country to deploy female engagement teams. Currently, there are 30 Pakistani female officers serving in two such teams, with another team to be deployed in Congo by June 20.

Besides the UN secretary general, the European Union Delegation to Pakistan also commemorated the role of Pakistani peacekeepers on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers.

Today we pay tribute to all the women and men who served as UN 🇺🇳 Peacekeepers. Pakistan🇵🇰 is one of the largest contributors in UN peacekeeping missions and can be particularly proud of the active and important role of #womeninpeacekeeping #UNPeacekeepersDay #PKDay pic.twitter.com/hiICX24XEG

— EUPakistan (@EUPakistan) May 29, 2020

Since the first UN peacekeeping mission established in 1948, over a million people have served under the UN flag in 72 missions. Today, the UN peacekeeping operations have over 95,000 people deployed, including military, police and civilian personnel in 13 operations.

This year, the UN peacekeepers have been involved with the response to the coronavirus pandemic in the areas in which they are deployed.

Pakistan joined the UN peacekeepers in 1960 and currently has troops deployed in Congo, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Darfur, the Abyei area, Somalia, Western Sahara, Mali, and Cyprus, serving under the UN flag.

Pakistan remains one of the biggest contributors of troops to the UN's peacekeeping efforts and remains committed to the UN Charter, its initiatives and the forum at large. The country has been appreciated by UN leaders for the same as well over the years.