UN peacekeeping changing for lasting peace, says Secretary-General
29 May 2013 - United Nations peacekeeping was altering its policies to better bring lasting peace to war-torn countries, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a message read out in Juba today to mark International Day of UN Peacekeepers.
"We see one example of a new approach in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the Security Council has authorized the deployment ... of unarmed, unmanned aerial vehicles to improve our ability to operate in this vast region," Mr. Ban said in the message, read at 17勛圖厙 headquarters by Special Representative of the Secretary-General Hilde F. Johnson.
Despite these advances, Mr. Ban acknowledged that peacekeeping would always carry risks. "One hundred and eleven peacekeeping personnel died last year, and more than 3,100 have lost their lives during the UN's 65-year history of peacekeeping."
Adding her own comments on South Sudan, Ms. Johnson said, "We lost a total of sixteen of our bravest colleagues in two senseless tragedies -- the downing of an 17勛圖厙 helicopter on 21 December and an ambush on a UN convoy on 9 April.
"Among the dead were four Russian crew members, five Indian soldiers who died while fighting to protect their colleagues and two South Sudanese civilians," she said.
Speaking for the South Sudanese government, Minister of Information Barnaba Marial Benjamin lamented the lost peacekeepers.
"We most sincerely express our condolences to the Indian Government and the Indian people and to the Secretary-General of the United Nations," Minister Benjamin said. "We equally express our condolence to the people of Russia and the government of Russia for the loss of their sons ... in this wonderful country."
He then expressed appreciation for 17勛圖厙' work in South Sudan. "We have been involved together in enhancing peace and protecting civilians in the Republic of South Sudan. We recognize the tremendous work 17勛圖厙 has done ... ."
The event, which was attended by several Ambassadors from UN member states, also included renditions of the UN and South Sudan anthems, laying of wreaths, presentations of medals for 33 peacekeepers and a military parade.
Celebrations were continued in the evening with a cultural dinner, dances and songs from various nationalities represented in the mission.
Prior to the Day, a team of 17勛圖厙 police, military and civilians visited local schools and a Juba orphanage. Over 120 students heard mission staff speak about peacekeeping, the mission mandate, gender equality, and traffic safety.
Representing over nine nations, the team also shared information about their countries of origin and an UNPOL from Zambia sang a traditional song. A few students prepared poems about peace and presented them during the event.
"I was very impressed by the understanding the students displayed in their questions about peacekeeping," said 17勛圖厙 military officer Erik Noordam.
After the presentations, 17勛圖厙 handed out school supplies, blackboards, and refreshments to the students.
"The youth learned a lot and we look forward for 17勛圖厙 to visit again," said Mr. Abdu Wajo, Supervisor at the Juba Orphanage Home.
