On International Day of UN Peacekeepers, the United States of America salutes the nearly 120,000 military, police and civilian peacekeepers in 15 missions worldwide who share the burden of keeping global community safe and secure.
On her statement at DC, Permanent Representative to the United Nations stressed that since 1948, UN peacekeepers have saved lives, stabilized communities, headed off conflicts, and helped bring democracy to dozens of countries, often at grave risk.
She says at the United Nations, an institution forged in the aftermath of history’s most destructive war, the United States recognizes the clear link between regional stability and truly global threats.
“The UN Charter calls upon nations “to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security”-an imperative that grows more urgent as the world grows more connected.” -Ms. Rice
Today, illicit weapons flows, global pandemics, and terrorist networks can take root wherever nations fail to provide basic security for their citizens, she stated.
She stresses that the world needs UN Peacekeeping to succeed, which is why the United States remains committed to improving its efficiency and effectiveness.
“As President Obama has said, “The belief that peace is desirable is rarely enough to achieve it.” -Ms Rice
The US honors thousands of UN peacekeepers who have sacrificed, including many who have given their lives, to create the conditions for democracy and dignity to flourish.
United States is committed to make UN peacekeeping more effective.
On February this year, Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C-34) 2012 Substantive Session Mr. DeLaurentis said the United States is an ardent supporter of efforts to bolster the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping.
The United States continues its commitment to direct training and support for deployments.
The United States has directly trained over 120,000 peacekeeping troops since 2005, and have supported the training of 35,000 more through partner countries.
The United States has facilitated the deployment of more than 109,000 peacekeepers from 30 countries to 19 peacekeeping operations around the world.
The United States also has sustained its commitment to meet its obligations under the UN peacekeeping assessed budget, annually about $2 billion.
The United States has made a substantial commitment of $23 million over the last two U.S. fiscal years to help enhance the operational capacity of police peacekeepers and to contribute to the development of UN doctrine, policy, and training on international policing.
Increasing the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping is one of the highest priorities for the United States at the United Nations.
On 2009, the U.S. made assessed contributions of $2.6 billion to the UN peacekeeping budget and gave more than $3.6 billion in humanitarian and development assistance to eight countries where UN peacekeepers serve.
In addition, the United States has contributed more than $4 million on 2010 to the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
On 2010, U.S. support for police training and development totals $22 million.
International Day of UN Peacekeepers was established in 2002 by a General Assembly resolution designating 29 May – the date in 1948 when the first UN peacekeeping mission began operations – to pay tribute to all men and women who have served and continue to serve in UN peacekeeping operations for their high level of professionalism, dedication and courage, and to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.
