Today, during a ceremony held at its Headquarters in Laayoune, MINURSO observed a minute of silence in memory of fallen peacekeepers. The ceremony was held on the occasion of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, marked every year on 29 May. Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG) and Head of Mission Alexander Ivanko, alongside MINURSO's Force Commander Major General Fakhrul Ahsan, oversaw the military parade, which was attended by both military and civilian UN personnel.
The Special Representative delivered remarks on the occasion, paying tribute to the work done by peacekeepers across the world, often in some of the world's most challenging contexts. The SRSG also highlighted that this year’s theme for UN Peacekeepers Day, Invest in Peace, seeks to advocate for sustained commitment to peacekeeping, despite the world's difficult financial environment. UN peacekeeping is not only a cost-effective tool of peace, but also a lifesaving tool. The Force Commander also delivered an address, stressing the key role of peacekeepers in preserving peace and security and thanking MINURSO personnel, including the Unarmed Military Observers under his command, for their contribution to conflict prevention and de-escalation through their daily patrolling and monitoring duties.
