For 75 years, UN peacekeepers have saved and changed lives in the world’s most fragile political and security situations. They are ordinary people striving to achieve extraordinary outcomes in difficult and often dangerous conditions.
Peacekeepers help prevent conflict, protect civilians, advance political solutions, promote human rights, and support democratic processes. They also help build the capacity of state institutions and services and ensure that women and youth can participate in and lead peace processes.
Today, around 87,000 women and men work in environments that are more complex and hazardous than ever, amid rising global tensions and more complex conflict. More than 4,100 peacekeepers have given their lives while serving under the UN flag. While UN Peacekeeping is a unique tool of multilateralism and international solidarity, the pursuit of peace is not a solitary journey. Each of us has a role to play in building and sustaining peace.
This exhibit tells the story of United Nations peacekeeping and reminds us that Peace Begins With Me, you, and all of us.
Peacekeeping Begins
United Nations Peacekeeping began in 1948 when the Security Council authorized the deployment of military observers to the Middle East. The role of the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) was to monitor the Armistice Agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbours. Since then, more than 2 million uniformed and civilian personnel have served in 71 peacekeeping operations around the world, contributing to the cause of international security, peace and progress for all peoples.
Yugoslav peacekeepers serving with the UN Emergency Force (UNEF) helped provide a buffer between Egyptian and Israeli forces and impartial supervision of a ceasefire. Photo/UN (Egypt, 1957)
Military observers serving with the UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) on duty at Observation Post Mike, Suez Canal Sector. Photo/UN (Suez Canal, 1967)
A Ghanaian police officer serving with the UN Operation in the Congo (ONUC) stands guard on a street in Leopoldville, now known as Kinshasa. Photo/UN (Congo, 1960)
United Nations Police
In 1960, police officers were deployed to a peacekeeping mission for the first time to serve with the UN Operation in the Congo (ONUC). Today, up to 9,000 UN Police officers from at least 90 countries protect vulnerable communities, strengthen the security sector and rule of law, and build the foundations for inclusive, effective, and accountable police services.
A Chinese police officer helps build strong relationships with local communities while serving with the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL). Photo/Albert González Farran (Liberia, 2019)
Graduates from the Haitian Police Academy appreciate the training provided by their UN Police instructor from the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). Photo/Marco Dormino (Haiti, 2009)
A Tanzanian police officer serving with the African Union-UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) helps protect women in the Zam Zam displacement camp. Photo/Albert González Farran (Sudan, 2014)
Civilians in Action
More than 14,000 civilians serve in diverse roles in UN peacekeeping operations, including leading field missions, supporting political and peace processes, promoting and protecting human rights, helping strengthen the rule of law, and communicating with communities affected by conflict.
A Human Rights Officer serving with the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) speaks with community members in Menaka. Photo/Marco Dormino (Mali, 2018)
Election materials are delivered by UN personnel, with the support of the National Police Force of Timor-Leste, ahead of presidential elections. Photo/Martine Perret (Timor-Leste, 2012)
A UN photographer captures life from inside an armored personnel carrier on patrol with the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). Photo/MONUSCO (D.R. Congo, 2019)
Military Action
Known as Blue Helmets, UN military personnel are often deployed in the most remote and dangerous locations where they overcome huge challenges to help prevent violence, protect civilians, facilitate the safe delivery of humanitarian aid, and build peace.
Today, around 70,000 military personnel from national armies around the world serve in 12 UN peacekeeping missions.
Indian peacekeepers serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) patrol the Blue Line alongside Lebanese Armed Forces near Kafar Chouba. Photo/Pasqual Gorriz (Lebanon, 2020)
Bangladesh, one of the largest contributors to UN Peacekeeping, deployed women pilots for the first time to serve with the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). Photo/MONUSCO (D.R. Congo, 2017)
UN Peacekeepers pay tribute to colleagues who have paid the ultimate price by giving their lives in the cause of peace under the UN flag. Photo/Harandane Dicko (Mali, 2018)
UN Mine Action
Since 1997, the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) has helped reduce the threat of explosive hazards in conflict zones. Today, UNMAS works in 21 operations to destroy explosive devices and remnants of war to protect communities, enable the delivery of humanitarian aid and ensure the safe passage of peacekeepers. UNMAS also assists victims, provides risk education, and advocates for a world free of mines.
A deminer checks for explosive ordinances in Nicosia, Cyprus. Photo/UNFICYP (Cyprus, 2011)
UNMAS personnel provide mine risk awareness training at the Um Serdiba Arabic Basic School in Southern Kordofan. Photo/Johann Hattingh (Sudan, 2017)
Two battle area clearance operators help keep communities safe from explosive remnants of war in Mehaires, Western Sahara. Photo/Martine Perret (Western Sahara, 2010)
Political & Peace Processes
Securing political solutions and sustainable peace is a top priority. Peacekeeping missions help create safe spaces for dialogue, facilitate reconciliation and peacebuilding, and support free, fair, and inclusive democratic processes, including elections.
In 1988, UN Peacekeeping was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize because "under extremely difficult conditions, its forces contributed to reducing tensions where an armistice had been negotiated but a peace treaty was yet to be established.”
An electoral officer serving with the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) assists voters during elections in Walikale. Photo/Sylvain Liechti (D.R. Congo, 2011)
UN Peacekeeping was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Photo/John Isaac (New York, 1988)
Signing of a peace agreement to resolve conflict between communities in Bangui, supported by the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). Photo/Igor Rugwiza (C.A.R., 2019)
Protection of Civilians
In 1999, the UN Security Council made Protection of Civilians a core responsibility of a peacekeeping mission for the first time. Since then, 14 peacekeeping operations have been deployed with this specific mandate. Civilian, military and police peacekeepers contribute to this effort by providing protection, creating safe environments for displaced people to return home, supporting conflict resolution and peace talks, and strengthening the capacity of host governments through rule of law and security sector reform.
Peacekeepers help protect civilians and their property south-west of Gao in Mali during Operation "FRELANA". Photo/Harandane Dicko (Mali, 2017)
In 2013, the UN opened its gates to civilians fleeing violence in South Sudan, and ultimately provided sanctuary to more than 200,000 displaced people in camps such as Bentiu. Photo/UNMISS (South Sudan, 2016)
Peacekeepers from the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) observe the Line of Control that separates the two countries near Bhimbar. Photo/Evan Schneider (Pakistan, 2005)
Child Protection
Children are disproportionately affected by war: killed and maimed, recruited and used as child soldiers, abducted, subjected to sexual violence, and denied access to humanitarian aid, healthcare and education.
Peacekeepers provide protection, ensure safe access to water, food, and medical care, help rebuild schools and medical facilities, and secure the release of child soldiers. By protecting children, who have often known nothing but war, peacekeepers can break the cycle of violence and lay the foundations for durable peace.
An Australian peacekeeper serving with the UN Mission In South Sudan (UNMISS) reads from a book she created to raise funds for children at the Exodus Academy in Juba. Photo/Isaac Billy (South Sudan, 2020)
Child Protection personnel serving with the African Union-UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) raise awareness about ending the recruitment and use of child soldiers in Sortony, North Darfur. Photo/Salah Mohammed (Sudan, 2019)
Children formerly associated with armed groups are transported to temporary transit centres where they will receive reintegration support in the Masisi territory, North Kivu. Photo/Jacob Cornelis Bastiaan De Lange (D.R. Congo, 2019)
Women, Peace and Security
Violent conflict has a devastating impact on women and girls and intensifies existing gender inequalities and discrimination. In 2000, Security Council Resolution 1325 recognized this impact as well as the important contribution of women to conflict prevention and resolution, peacekeeping, and peacebuilding.
By advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda, UN Peacekeeping works to protect women and girls from sexual and gender-based violence, promote their participation and leadership in political and peace processes and ensure that their voices, needs and priorities are included in all peacekeeping work.
The Women’s Peace Hut (Case de la Paix) brings together 76 women’s groups from diverse backgrounds and communities to prevent conflict and build peace in the volatile region of Gao in Mali. Photo/Kani Sissoko (Mali, 2021)
A gender officer with the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) provides training on gender violence in Bangui. Photo/Eskinder Debebe (C.A.R., 2017)
The UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) was the first mission to have women simultaneously leading its civilian, military and police components. Photo/Courtney Martin/HER Documentary (Cyprus, 2020)
Rule of Law and Security Sector Governance
Strong rule of law and security institutions are vital to stabilizing and securing sustainable peace in conflict-affected countries. UN Peacekeeping works to build the capacity of these institutions and services so that host countries can deliver justice and correctional services, ensure that all citizens are treated equally under the law, and that police and defense forces operate professionally and effectively.
International judges and a prosecutor appointed to the Special Criminal Court in the Central African Republic are sworn into office at the Court of Appeals in Bangui. Photo/MINUSCA (C.A.R., 2021)
Inmates at Haiti's main penitentiary are trained to read and write as part of a Quick Impact Project by the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). Photo/Logan Abassi (Haiti, 2011)
UN peacekeepers serving with the UN Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) collect weapons during the disarmament of militia groups. Photo/Basile Zoma (Côte d'Ivoire, 2007)
Alone, we cannot succeed.
As we mark the 75th anniversary of UN Peacekeeping, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our uniformed and civilian personnel, host countries, Member States, media, civil society partners, and community members working to change lives for the better.
Peace Begins With Me, you, and all of us.
This exhibit was launched in April 2023