The African Union - United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) joined the UN worldwide in the commemoration of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. The day, which was marked in Darfur's five states, provided an opportunity to raise awareness about new developments in the field of peacekeeping while honouring those who lost their lives over the past year serving under the blue flag.
The programme in El Fasher, North Darfur, opened with a military and police parade and a solemn wreath-laying ceremony. It also included cultural activities by UNAMID's contingents and local groups.
Joint Special Representative (JSR) Mohamed Ibn Chambas used the occasion to convey a message by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon: "To meet emerging threats and rise to new challenges, United Nations peacekeeping is adapting its policies to better fulfil its mandates to bring lasting peace to war-torn countries."
"On this International Day, let us pay solemn tribute to those who have fallen, support the more than 111,000 serving soldiers and police from 116 countries, and continue adapting our operations to better help civilians who need protection and support," read Mr. Chambas.
The event was attended by North Darfur Governor Osman Kibir, representatives from the local community and non-governmental organizations, as well as UNAMID staff. Governor Kibir expressed his condolences "for those who lost their lives serving peace in Darfur."
Since the inception of UNAMID in December 2007, 44 peacekeepers have lost their lives in the line of duty. UNAMID's peacekeepers, totalling 24,441 military, police and civilians staff come from more than 130 nations. These peacekeepers continue to contribute to the peace and stability of Darfur.
