The United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) is one of the largest United Nations Peacekeeping Missions currently in operation. With close to

15,000 troops deployed in the fi eld, UNMIL, since Oc-tober 2003, has been working with the international community and the National Transitional Government of Liberia to bring lasting peace to this war-torn na-tion.

On 28 March 2005, UNMIL organized a series of events to mark the International Day of United Nations Peace-keepers, to honour and pay tribute to men and wom-en who have served and continue to serve in United Nations peacekeeping operations and to honour the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.

At the Mission’s Headquarters in Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, a fl ag-raising ceremony was held along with a military parade by the Nigerian, Pakistani and Ghanaian contingents. The ceremony was attended by senior govern-ment offi cials, members of the diplomatic corps, members of the UN country team and UNMIL military and civilian personnel.

Addressing the gathering after inspecting the guard of honour and raising the United Nations Flag, UNMIL Offi cer-in-Charge Abou Moussa said “Today is a day to honour those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace. It is also a day when each and every one of us should feel proud of what the United Nations peacekeepers have achieved throughout the world. Here in Liberia, we have overcome many challenges and we have successfully initiated the long and chal-lenging road to peace.” After delivering Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s statement, Mr. Moussa commended the mili-tary and civilian components of UNMIL for greatly improving the security situation throughout Liberia, for disarming over 100,000 combatants, for training a new police force and for assisting the government to conduct free and fair elections that will bring lasting peace to a nation that has experienced untold suffering during 14 years of civil war.

Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Jenkins K.Z.B. Scott, extended his appreciation to UNMIL and United Nation Member States for the peace prevalent in Liberia. “Realizing the dignity and benefi ts restored by the suspension of the armed confl ict, we avail ourselves of this opportunity to join you in paying tribute and honour to all the men and women who served and continue to serve in the United Nations peacekeeping operations in Liberia and other nations of the world,” the Deputy Foreign Minister said.

Mr. Abou Moussa together with the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Steinnar B. Bjornsson, Force Commander Lt.-General Joseph O. Owonibi and the Director of Administration Ronnie Stokes, decorated 208 staff offi cers and military observers with UN Service Medals.

Media Coverage

Over 20 journalists covered the event while UNMIL Radio provided live coverage. UNMIL Radio also aired several special programmes throughout the day including a two-hour programme that discussed all aspects of peacekeeping and interviewed a number of UNMIL Peacekeepers from CIVPOL, military and civilian sections. UNMIL Radio also went out on the streets and talked to ordinary Liberians about the role and achievements of UN peacekeepers. Looking at peacekeeping from a global perspective, UNMIL Radio broadcast another programme during which they spoke with

International Day of UN PeacekeepersReport of Activities

United Nations Mission in Liberia

UNMIL celebrated the International Day of Peacekeepers in Monrovia led by Mr. Abou Moussa, Offi cer-in-Charge of UNMIL

fi ve other UN Missions in Africa and DPKO offi cials in New York.

Press kits that included the Secretary-General’s statement and the press release circulated by UNHQ were distributed to the journalists. Radio stations and over 10 local newspapers throughout the week featured articles on International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

Public Information also developed a Lens on Liberia on the celebrations. The Lens is a regular photo feature on major events that is distributed to media houses, government agencies, UNMIL sector headquarters, UN agencies and public institutions.

The UNMIL Civilian Police organized a soccer match between police offi cers and ex-combatants to mark the day and promote peace and reconciliation.

Activities in the Sectors

For the fi rst time since UNMIL deployed to Liberia, Public Information Offi cers in the sectors organized, in collabora-tion with the military, a number of activities to mark International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.

Sector II

At the Sector II headquarters in Tubmanburg, the Commander of the Pakistani Battalion III, Lt.-Col. Akhlaque Houssein, deliv-ered the Secretary-General’s message at a ceremony attended by close to 250 military and civilian staff and 200 community members. Speaking at the ceremony, the County Superintend-ent Hadga Washington said “We all appreciate UNMIL peace-keepers for brining peace and security to our country Liberia. Your performance and dedication will always be remembered.” Public Information in Sector II also gave interviews on Star Ra-dio, Radio Bomi, UNMIL Radio and the Tribute newspaper on the importance of celebrating this day at regional level.

Sector III

Sector III PIOs in collaboration with the Bangladeshi military in Gbarnga, Bong County, organized a fl ag-raising ceremony, a volleyball tournament and a cultural night to celebrate the contributions made by peacekeepers serving in UN missions throughout the world. Speaking at the fl ag-raising ceremo-ny, the Contingent Commander of the Bangladeshi Battalion, Brig.-Gen. Khandoker Kamaluzzaman, said one of the major contributions made by the United Nations to its Member States is the maintenance of world peace and order. Addressing both military and civilian peacekeepers, Brig.-Gen. Kamaluzza-man said “We have had different responsibilities...but they all converge to a common goal. We are all working together to achieve that objective. And I believe that we are doing it well and that is why the voter registration process has been successful.” Simultaneous fl ag-raising ceremonies were held in Grand Bassa and Nimba, the other two counties that fall within the administrative boundary of Sector III.

Sector IV

Civil authorities and residents joined the United Nations family in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, to observe the Inter-national Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. Led by the Grace Baptist Church Marching Band, the Zwedru City Mayor, heads of immigration, police, marketers and local footballers joined civilian and military peacekeepers in a parade through the principal streets of Zwedru. Peacekeepers, local residents and local authorities participated in basketball and football matches soon after. UNMIL presented transistor radios to each of the Liberian teams. The day ended with an indoor programme that included a reception and a photo exhibition at the Sector IV headquarters.

Celebrations were also carried out in Sector III by the Bangladeshi contingent

Celebrations were carried out in Sector II by the Pakistanicontingent

United Nations Mission in Liberia - Public Information Offi ce

UNMIL - United Nations Mission in Liberia Public Information Office

28 May 2005UNMIL/PIO/LL/40

UN Peacekeepers’ Day Observed

The International Day of UN Peacekeepers was observed today to pay tribute to those who have served and continue to serve in peacekeeping operations. It was also

a day to honour the memory of those who lost their lives in the cause of peace. At an impressive military parade in Liberia, 113 Staff Officers and 95 Military Observers were decorated with UN Medals. UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s message was read out. Speaking on the occasion, UNMIL Officer-in-Charge and Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General Abou Moussa said, “Each and every one of us should feel proud of what United Nations Peacekeepers have achieved throughout the world. Here in Liberia, we have overcome many challenges and we have successfully initiated the long and fragile road to peace.” The ceremony was attended, among others, by NTGL Deputy Foreign Minister Jenkins Scott, members of the diplomatic corps, Deputy SRSG Steinar Bjornsson, and the Force Commander Lt.-Gen. Joseph Owonibi.