UN chief remembers fallen peacekeepers

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday paid tribute to peacekeepers serving under the UN flag and those who have died in the line of duty.

"The memory of our fallen Blue Helmets reminds us of the tragic human cost of conflict.

"Each loss underscores the urgent need to prevent violence, protect the most vulnerable, and spare no effort to end these deadly conflicts," Guterrres said after laying a wreath at the Peacekeepers Memorial Site on the grounds of UN Headquarters in New York.

He said the world is going through a difficult time, with the international community deeply divided, and UN peacekeepers are "more important than ever."

"Peacekeepers are often engaged in countries or areas where there is no peace to keep.

"Despite direct attacks by armed groups, harsh operating environments and the emergence of new weapons of war, including digital technology and artificial intelligence, our peacekeepers persevere. And we must support them," he added.

Guterres also presented the 2023 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award to Major Radhika Sen, an Indian peacekeeper who served in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix said it is an occasion to pay tribute to the sacrifice of 4,600 peacekeepers who gave their life serving under the UN flag since 1948.

More than 76,000 women and men from 121 countries are currently deployed in 11 operations worldwide. Last year, 61 peacekeepers from 33 countries died in service, according to the UN data.