Reception to Mark the 40th Anniversary of UNIFIL and Honour Peacekeepers in Lebanon
– As delivered –
Statement by H.E. Mr. Miroslav Lajčák, President of the 72nd Session of the UN General Assembly, at reception to Mark the 40th Anniversary of UNIFIL and Honour Peacekeepers in Lebanon
Good evening, everyone.
I want to start by thanking Ambassador Amal Mudallali, for hosting us all this evening.
It has been 40 years since the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon was deployed to Southern Lebanon.
This means that UNIFIL is one of this Organisation’s longest-running peace missions.
And, it has achieved a lot, in its four decades.
And to keep this numerical theme, I will mention four achievements, in particular.
First, stability.
When UNIFIL was first deployed, in 1978… stability was still a dream, for the people of southern Lebanon.
And, it has not been an easy road, since then.
Even more challenges were created in 2006.
Yet, the commitment of the men and women of UNIFIL did not waver.
And, their work – together with the cooperation of the Lebanese Armed Forces…and the resilience of the Lebanese people– has led to more than a decade of stability.
Secondly, I want to focus on UNIFIL’s role in development.
The Mission is under a Chapter Seven mandate, from the United Nations Security Council. But, it is far more than a military operation.
In fact, UNIFIL has played a key role in the development of the community around it.
Its Quick Impact Projects have had remarkable results.
They have helped to build the skills of local olive farmers
They have improved access to drinking water.
They have built roads to better connect villages.
They have worked to allow more children to access healthcare services.
And, in doing so, they have made a big difference, in the lives of the people of Southern Lebanon.
Thirdly, I will point to UNIFIL’s work to implement the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
The Mission delivers training for local elected women officials.
Along with civil society groups, it hosts an annual Open Day on Women, Peace and Security.
And, each UNIFIL battalion has a military gender task force.
These are the kind of innovations we need to see more of, throughout our peace operations.
UNIFIL personnel do not stay, locked within a compound.
Actually, they are out – talking and listening to local communities…..whether it is through a football match, or a townhall meeting.
And this is true, from its leadership, to its troops and civilian personnel.
And this is exactly what the United Nations is about.
And finally, I want to praise the Mission’s role in bringing the United Nations closer to people.
UNIFIL personnel do not stay, locked within a compound.
Actually, they are out – talking and listening to local communities…..whether it is through a football match, or a townhall meeting.
And this is true, from its leadership, to its troops and civilian personnel.
And this is exactly what the United Nations is about.
So, I am glad that we are all gathered here – to reflect on the difference UNIFIL has made… to the stability, development and everyday life…of the community it serves.
But, in doing so, we cannot ignore the role played by the Government and people of Lebanon.
And, while we pay tribute to those, serving, today ….we must also remember those who were deployed, but never came home.
UNIFIL has one of the highest fatality rates of any UN mission – with over 300 lives lost, since its first deployment.
This is a testament to the challenges it has faced – and the courage of the people serving under the United Nations’ blue flag.
So, I invite you all to join me, this evening, in paying tribute to the men and women of UNIFIL – and of Lebanon.
I Thank you very much.
