Guterres claims the “essential” work of the ‘blue helmets’ 75 years after the first mission

May 29. (EUROPE PRESS) –

The Secretary General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has defended this Monday the “essential” work and the “extraordinary” contribution of the ‘blue helmets’, 75 years after the start of this type of mission and coinciding with the International Staff Day of UN Peace.

More than two million people have participated in one of the 71 missions launched by the UN since 1978, with a view to “helping countries navigate the difficult path from war to peace”, as Guterres pointed out in a message public. During this time, more than 4,200 ‘blue helmets’ have lost their lives.

The United Nations currently has 12 operations involving some 87,000 troops from 125 countries. “They are key in protecting civilians caught in the chaos of deadly conflict, providing a lifeline of hope and helping in some of the most dangerous contexts imaginable,” added the Secretary General.

Despite the “obstacles”, he added, “the peacekeepers persevere”. For this reason, he has called to support and recognize the work they do. For this symbolic anniversary, the UN wanted to value the work of these missions with the motto ‘Peace begins with me’.