The first United Nations Peacekeeping mission began in May of 1948. Since then, more than 2 million personnel have helped monitor and transition communities from war to peace. Peacekeepers come from a wide range of member states and cultural backgrounds, but share a commitment to restoring world peace and security. While the duties and areas of responsibility of Peacekeepers have expanded greatly in the last 76 years, UN Peacekeeping continues to be guided by three principles: consent of the parties, impartiality, and non-use of force except in self-defense and defense of the mandate.
29 May is the International Day of UN Peacekeepers. UN Secretary-General António Guterres will lay a wreath at the Peacekeepers Memorial on Thursday, 30 May in honour of the more than 3,500 Peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.