Statement by Ms. Gwyn Lewis UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers 2023

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations describes peacekeepers as “ordinary people striving to achieve extraordinary outcomes in difficult and often dangerous conditions”. Since 1948, UN peacekeepers have saved and changed lives in the world’s most fragile political and security situations.

“Peace begins with me” is this year’s theme for International Day of UN Peacekeepers. It recognizes the service and sacrifice of uniformed and civilian peacekeepers, past and present, and celebrates the resilience of the communities they serve. It also reflects the myriad achievements of Peacekeepers. United Nations Peacekeeping remains one of the most effective tools to respond to some of today’s most difficult peace and security challenges, from protecting civilians and supporting the delivery of humanitarian assistance to advancing political solutions, promoting human rights and securing a sustainable peace.

Peacekeepers who come home bring with them the learning and experience of how to uphold United Nations principles and values. But peacekeeping cannot do the walk alone. Peace begins with each of us, and we all play a role in preventing violence and working towards a better future. Even when a country is not in conflict, bridges must be built with civil society, indigenous communities, minorities, religious groups and refugees to create an inclusive society and build peace. Linkages and dialogue with others are essential to prevent further polarization and promote a greater understanding of our common humanity.

Bangladesh is one of the largest contributors to peacekeeping operations. Since 1988, 188,558 Bangladeshi peacekeepers have participated in 63 UN missions in 40 countries, and 7,436 uniformed personnel are currently serving in 13 countries. I would like to take this opportunity to express once again the UN’s appreciation to Bangladesh for the country’s steadfast and remarkable contribution to peacekeeping operations over the years. I also would like to pay my deepest condolences to the grieving families of the 167 peacekeepers from Bangladesh who have been killed and express my heartfelt sympathy to the 259 who have suffered injuries in the line of duty since 1989. In only the last year, Bangladesh lost six dedicated peacekeepers, Messrs Sainik Md. Sharif Hossain; Sainik Md Jahangir Alam; Sainik Md Jasim; Lance Corporal Kafil Majumder and Sergeant Md Manjur Rahman from Bangladesh Army, and Constable Md Moniruzzaman from Bangladesh Police. Their legacy should inspire us all to commit to making the world a safer and more peaceful place for all.

Currently 572 Bangladeshi women are deployed in peacekeeping missions compared to 519 last year, and so far, 2,728 female peacekeepers have served successfully with the United Nations. Bangladesh has pledged to increase rates of female troop participation in line with the 2019 National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security and the United Nations stands ready to help Bangladesh meet its commitments to ensure more diversity.

As we mark the 75th anniversary of UN Peacekeeping, we salute the dedication of military, police and civilian peacekeepers, from Bangladesh and others, who have served the cause of peace.

The Statement Published in the newspapers:

Daily Bangladesh Pratidin, Daily Jugantor, Daily Ittefaq, Daily Amader Shomoy, Daily Janakantha, Daily Sangbad, Daily Kalbela, Daily Bhorer Kagoj, Daily Desh Rupantor, Daily Shomoyer Alo, Daily Ajker Darpon, Daily Jaijaidin, Daily Shndhani Barta, The Financial Express, Daily Sun, The Daily Observer, Dhaka Tribune, Bangladesh Post, The Asian Age