On 16 September, MINURSO observed Mexico’s national day by raising the Mexican flag at the Mission HQ in Laayoune.

This Day commemorates the speech of resistance, “the Cry of Dolores,”  delivered  by Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla,  a Catholic priest and leader of the resistance in 1810, demanding the end of colonial rule.

Mexico’s first major contribution to UN peacekeeping was in 1992, when it deployed more than 100 police to the UN Observer Mission in El Salvador (ONUSAL). Currently, 20 military and police officers are deployed in UN peacekeeping operations, including four UNMOs in MINURSO.

The green color in Mexican flag represents hope and victory, the white stands for unity, and the red pays tribute to the national heroes who have fought and died for Mexico over the years.

Feliz Dia Nacional Mexico!