The United Nations will pay tribute to the brave men and women who served under the UN flag, on May 25 which is observed as the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. This year's commemoration also marks the 75th anniversary of UN Peacekeeping.

Three Indian peacekeepers will be recognized for their dedication and courage among the 103 military, police, and civilian peacekeepers who will be posthumously awarded the prestigious Dag Hammarskjöld Medal for their service and supreme sacrifice in the line of duty. Border Security Force personnel, Head Constables Shishupal Singh and Sanwala Ram Vishnoi served with the Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), while Shaber Taher Ali worked in a civilian capacity with the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).

The two Indian peacekeepers, Head Constables Singh and Vishnoi, tragically lost their lives on July 26, 2022, in the city of Butembo, when violence erupted during weeklong demonstrations and agitation by the locals against MONUSCO.

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, said, “Peacekeeping is a powerful example of how strong partnerships and collective political will can result in meaningful change. Working together with local communities and other partners, our personnel protect civilians, advance political solutions, and help end conflicts in the pursuit of sustainable peace. We appreciate the support of all stakeholders to ensure that UN Peacekeeping can continue to work as an effective multilateral tool for global peace and security.”

The Dag Hammarskjöld Medal will be presented to the families of the fallen peacekeepers in a solemn ceremony at the United Nations Headquarters on May 25. The Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, will lead the tributes by laying a wreath in honour of more than 4,200 UN peacekeepers who lost their lives since the inception of peacekeeping operations in 1948.

The theme for this year's observance, "Peace Begins with Me," acknowledges the vital role played by UN peacekeepers in collaboration with various partners, including the communities they serve, in achieving peace and progress.