News story

International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers

Foreign Office Political Director, Geoffrey Adams, laid a wreath as part of a ceremony at the Cenotaph in London to commemorate those who have lost their lives whilst serving in UN peacekeeping missions around the world.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

To mark the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, Geoffrey Adams today laid a wreath as part of a ceremony at the Cenotaph to commemorate those who have lost their lives whilst serving in United Nations peacekeeping missions around the world. This event is supported by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Since 1948 over 2500 peacekeepers from 118 nations have been killed in the course of duty, including over 100 British personnel.

Most recently nearly 100 peacekeepers in the UN peacekeeping mission in Haiti lost their lives during the devastating earthquake in January. Two Britons were among those killed.

The UN currently has 15 missions with over 115,000 personnel deployed in the field.

The UK continues to support their essential efforts to achieve peace, security and stability. The UK, through a joint initiative with France, has been leading work in the UN Security Council for more effective UN Peacekeeping.

Published 20 May 2010