Statement by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers

As we commemorate the International Day of UN Peacekeepers and the 75th anniversary of UN Peacekeeping, we are grateful to the 90,000 peacekeepers currently serving in 12 UN peacekeeping missions worldwide, as well as to the countries who sent them.

During my career, I have seen firsthand the vital work of UN peacekeeping operations and the obstacles they face. UN peacekeepers serve in some of the most austere and dangerous places on earth. We honor the memories of the over 4,200 military, police, and civilians who gave their lives under the UN flag.

Peacekeepers today are facing unprecedented threats, including direct attacks and the malicious spread of disinformation targeted to disrupt their missions.

The United States remains committed to ensuring UN peacekeepers have what they need to be safe, secure, and successful in carrying out their missions. We are the largest financial contributor to UN peace operations and the largest provider of peacekeeping capacity-building support.

For peacekeeping missions to succeed, peacekeepers must be able to engage with and support the local population – including women and girls who are among the most impacted by conflict. The Women, Peace, and Security Agenda has a vital role in UN peacekeeping operations, and we must ensure that women’s perspectives are integrated across peace operations functions.

We are proud to be the first country with a Women, Peace, and Security strategy that cuts across our entire government. Countries that have partnered with the United States for peacekeeping capacity-building assistance make up 63 percent of the military women deployed to UN peacekeeping operations.

The United States is a steadfast supporter of UN Peacekeeping. Thank you to all UN peacekeepers – past and present.  We appreciate your sacrifice and service to advance the cause of peace worldwide.

Original source can be found here.