Latest news with #DagHammarskjold
Morocco World
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
UN Honors Fallen Moroccan Peacekeeper at Annual Memorial Ceremony
Rabat — United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has posthumously honored Corporal Karim Temara, a member of Morocco's Royal Armed Forces, who died in 2024 while serving in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as part of a UN peacekeeping mission. The tribute took place during the UN's annual memorial ceremony held Thursday, May 29, at the organization's headquarters in New York, commemorating civilian and uniformed personnel who lost their lives in peacekeeping operations. The event was attended by Morocco's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Omar Hilale, and Colonel Najim Assid, Military Adviser to Morocco's Permanent Mission. Corporal Temara was serving with the Moroccan contingent deployed to the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) when he died from accidental electrocution. In recognition of his sacrifice, the Secretary-General awarded him the 'Dag Hammarskjold' Medal – an accolade named after the UN's second secretary general, and given posthumously to UN military personnel or civilians who gave their life while serving UN's peacekeeping missions. Temara was not the only Moroccan peacekeeper to lose his life in the line of duty recently; on May 13, another member of Morocco's contingent tragically died in a fatal road accident in North Kivu, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, which also left four fellow Moroccan peacekeepers injured. This year's ceremony also paid homage to the more than 4,400 UN peacekeepers who have died in service since 1948, including 57 military, police, and civilian personnel who died in 2024 alone. 'We pay tribute to these brave women and men who died — far from home and their loved ones — while serving the most noble cause of humanity: peace,' said Guterres in his address. 'Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.' Guterres noted that over the decades, more than two million individuals have served in 71 peacekeeping missions across four continents. The secretary-general expressed deep gratitude to all member states for their ongoing support and contributions. Ambassador Hilale offered condolences on behalf of Morocco to the families of fallen peacekeepers and the global peacekeeping community. He praised the courage and dedication of those who died defending peace, security, and the shared values and principles of the United Nations. The official ceremony was preceded by a military parade, during which three officers of the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces were honored by Jean-Pierre Lacroix, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, and Atul Khare, Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support — emphasizing the UN's deep appreciation for Morocco's steadfast and significant contributions to global peacekeeping initiatives. Morocco currently ranks among the top ten contributors of uniformed personnel to United Nations peacekeeping missions, with 1,714 Moroccan troops deployed in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). These deployments play a vital role in sustaining the UN's peacekeeping presence amid persistent political instability, armed conflict, and complex humanitarian crises in both countries.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Pakistani blue berets honoured
The United Nations honoured 57 military, police, and civilian peacekeepers from 32 countries, including two from Pakistan, who paid the ultimate price for the cause of peace last year serving the missions around the world, at an impressive ceremony Thursday that marked the annual International Day of UN Peacekeepers. Among the posthumous awardees of Dag Hammarskjold medals are: Sepoy Muhammad Tarique and Havildar Ahsan Ullah Khan who both served with UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA). UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who presided over the ceremony in the Trusteeship Council Chamber at UN Headquarters in New York, gave away the awards for the fallen peacekeeper which were received by ambassadors of the countries they hailed from. The awards for the civilians, who lost their lives in line of their duty, were received on behalf of their families by the UN Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support, Atul Khare. Pakistan's UN Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, accompanied by the Mission's Military Adviser Col. Umar Shafique, attended the ceremony and accepted the awards, along with other heads of missions and their military attaches. The UN chief also presented awards to the 2024 Military Gender Advocate of the Year, Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme from Ghana and the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year award to Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone. Both of them also serve with the United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA). The first UN peacekeeping operation was established in 1948 and today more than 68,000 civilian, military, and police personnel are posted at 11 missions in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Pakistan is the 5th largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping, the UN's flagship activity.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
Two Indian peacekeepers honoured posthumously for sacrifice in line of duty on International Peacekeepers Day
Two Indian peacekeepers, who lost their lives while serving under the UN flag last year, were honoured posthumously by the United Nations on International Day of UN Peacekeepers. Brigadier General Amitabh Jha, who served with the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), and Havildar Sanjay Singh, who was deployed with the UN Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), were honoured with the Dag Hammarskjold medal at a solemn ceremony here on Thursday on the occasion of International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish received the Dag Hammarskjold Medal on behalf of the families of fallen Indian Peacekeepers from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at the solemn ceremony in the UN headquarters. 'The departed peacekeepers remind us of the sacrifices made for the greater and collective good of humanity. Blue Helmets continue to be the face of the United Nations in crises all over the world, bringing peace and reassurance to those most critically affected. UN Peacekeeping is true multilateralism in action,' the Permanent Mission of India to the UN said in a post on X. India also 'remembered late Brigadier Amitabh Jha (UNDOF), Havildar Sanjay Singh (MONUSCO) & Col (Retd.) Waibhav Anil Kale whom we lost last year.' India is the 4th largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping. It currently deploys more than 5,300 military and police personnel to the UN peace operations in Abyei, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lebanon, Somalia, South Sudan, and Western Sahara. Guterres laid a wreath to honour the more than 4,400 UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948. He then presided over the solemn ceremony at which the Dag Hammarskjöld Medals were awarded posthumously to 57 military, police, and civilian peacekeepers, who lost their lives serving under the UN flag last year. The Secretary-General also presented awards to the 2024 Military Gender Advocate of the Year Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme from Ghana and the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year award to Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone. Both of them serve with the United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA). Last year, Major Radhika Sen, who served with the United Nations Organization Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), received the prestigious '2023 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award' from Guterres. The theme for this year's International Day of UN Peacekeepers is the 'Future of Peacekeeping', which emphasises that the 'Pact for the Future' – adopted by world leaders in September last year – includes a commitment to adapt peacekeeping to the changing world, the release added. In his message for the Day, Guterres said that 'today, peacekeepers face increasingly complex situations in an increasingly complex world… Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations — and the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today's realities and tomorrow's challenges.' Honouring the service of the peacekeepers, Guterres said, 'We draw inspiration from their resilience, dedication and courage. And we remember all the brave women and men who made the ultimate sacrifice for peace. We will never forget them – and we will carry their work forward.' Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix said in his message that peacekeeping personnel are 'our most important capability. The sacrifices made by our peacekeepers call for more than remembrance; they demand action.' 'Throughout its history, peacekeeping has always adapted to ever-changing contexts to achieve results. The future of peacekeeping hinges on our collective commitment to continue to adapt and invest—so we can continue delivering hope and protection where it's needed most,' he added. The International Day of UN Peacekeepers was established by the UN General Assembly in 2002 to pay tribute to all men and women serving in peacekeeping, and to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace. In 1948, the decision was made to deploy military observers to the Middle East to supervise the implementation of Israel-Arab Armistice Agreements, in what became the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation. Since then, more than two million peacekeepers have served in 71 operations globally. Today, about 68,000 women and men serve as military, police and civilian personnel in 11 conflict zones across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East and 119 countries currently contribute uniformed personnel.
See - Sada Elbalad
4 days ago
- General
- See - Sada Elbalad
Int'l Day of UN Peacekeepers: 2 Egyptians Honoured Posthumously for Sacrifice
Ahmed Emam The United Nations Headquarters will observe the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on Thursday, 29 May 2025. In 1948, the historic decision was made to deploy military observers to the Middle East to supervise the implementation of Israel-Arab Armistice Agreements, in what became the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization. Since that time, more than two million peacekeepers have served in 71 operations around the world. Today, some 68,000 women and men serve as military, police and civilian personnel in 11 conflict zones across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. 119 countries currently contribute uniformed personnel. Egypt is the 13th largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping. It currently deploys more than 1,200 military and police personnel to the UN peace operations in Abyei, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and the Western Sahara. During ceremonies at United Nations Headquarters, Secretary-General, António Guterres, will lay a wreath to honour the more than 4,400 UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948. He will also preside over a ceremony in the Trusteeship Council Chamber, at which Dag Hammarskjöld Medals will be awarded posthumously to 57 military, police, and civilian peacekeepers, who lost their lives serving under the UN flag last year. Among the peacekeepers to be honoured posthumously with the Dag Hammarskjold medal are two from Egypt: WO Abdelkawy Mohamed Abdelkawy Sourour who served with the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO); and Mr. Moataz Ibrahim Abdelsalam Abdelhamid who served in a civilian capacity with the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). The Secretary-General will also present awards to the 2024 Military Gender Advocate of the Year, Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme from Ghana and the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year award to Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone. Both of them serve with the United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA). This year's theme for the Day is 'the Future of Peacekeeping'. The theme emphasizes that the 'Pact for the Future' – adopted last year at the United Nations – includes a commitment to adapt peacekeeping to our changing world, as expressed Member States' pledges presented to fill capability gaps and help adapt UN peacekeeping to emerging challenges and new realities at the recent Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin. In his message, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said: 'Today, peacekeepers face increasingly complex situations in an increasingly complex world... Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations -- and the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today's realities and tomorrow's challenges.' 'Today, we honour their service,' Mr. Guterres stated. 'We draw inspiration from their resilience, dedication and courage. And we remember all the brave women and men who made the ultimate sacrifice for peace. We will never forget them – and we will carry their work forward.' 'Our personnel are our most important capability. The sacrifices made by our peacekeepers call for more than remembrance; they demand action,' said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations. 'Throughout its history, peacekeeping has always adapted to ever-changing contexts to achieve results. The future of peacekeeping hinges on our collective commitment to continue to adapt and invest—so we can continue delivering hope and protection where it's needed most,' he added. The International Day of UN Peacekeepers was established by the UN General Assembly in 2002, to pay tribute to all men and women serving in peacekeeping, and to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Two Indian peacekeepers to be honoured posthumously on International Peacekeepers Day
Two Indian peacekeepers who lost their lives while serving under the UN flag last year will be honoured posthumously by the United Nations as it commemorates International Day of UN Peacekeepers this week. Brigadier General Amitabh Jha, who served with the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), and Havildar Sanjay Singh, who was deployed with the UN Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), will be honoured posthumously with the Dag Hammarskjold medal at a solemn ceremony here on May 29 on the occasion of International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, a statement said. India is the 4th largest contributor of uniformed personnel to UN Peacekeeping. It currently deploys more than 5,300 military and police personnel to the UN peace operations in Abyei, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lebanon, Somalia, South Sudan, and Western Sahara. During ceremonies at the world body's headquarters to mark Peacekeepers Day, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will lay a wreath to honour the more than 4,400 UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948. Guterres will also preside over a ceremony at which the Dag Hammarskjold Medals will be awarded posthumously to 57 military, police, and civilian peacekeepers who lost their lives serving under the UN flag last year. The Secretary-General will also present awards to the 2024 Military Gender Advocate of the Year, Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme from Ghana, and the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year award to Superintendent Zainab Gbla of Sierra Leone. Both of them serve with the United Nations Interim Security Force in Abyei (UNISFA). Last year, Major Radhika Sen, who served with the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), received the prestigious '2023 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award' from Guterres. The theme for this year's International Day of UN Peacekeepers is the 'Future of Peacekeeping', which emphasises that the 'Pact for the Future' – adopted by world leaders in September last year – includes a commitment to adapt peacekeeping to the changing world, the statement said. In his message for the Day, Guterres said that 'today, peacekeepers face increasingly complex situations in an increasingly complex world... Now more than ever, the world needs the United Nations -- and the United Nations needs peacekeeping that is fully equipped for today's realities and tomorrow's challenges.' Honouring the service of the peacekeepers, Guterres said: 'We draw inspiration from their resilience, dedication and courage. And we remember all the brave women and men who made the ultimate sacrifice for peace. We will never forget them – and we will carry their work forward.' Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix said in his message that peacekeeping personnel are 'our most important capability. The sacrifices made by our peacekeepers call for more than remembrance; they demand action.' 'Throughout its history, peacekeeping has always adapted to ever-changing contexts to achieve results. The future of peacekeeping hinges on our collective commitment to continue to adapt and invest — so we can continue delivering hope and protection where it's needed most,' he added. The International Day of UN Peacekeepers was established by the UN General Assembly in 2002 to pay tribute to all men and women serving in peacekeeping, and honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace. In 1948, the decision was made to deploy military observers to the Middle East to supervise the implementation of Israel-Arab Armistice Agreements, in what became the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation. Since then, more than two million peacekeepers have served in 71 operations around the world. Today, about 68,000 women and men serve as military, police and civilian personnel in 11 conflict zones across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, and 119 countries currently contribute uniformed personnel.
