On Peacekeepers' Day, UNIFIL emphasizes commitment to peace, despite continued tensions

In honor of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, UNIFIL hosted a ceremony at its Naqoura headquarters attended by members of the Lebanese Army, security services, local political and religious authorities, ambassadors, and U.N. officials.

“The situation along the Blue Line remains tense and unpredictable, with repeated violations and a high risk of miscalculation," Head of Mission and Force Commander Lieutenant-General Aroldo Lázaro warned. "Through our liaison and coordination mechanisms, we offer a channel for dialogue and de-escalation helping to build the foundation for a possible solution," he said.

Emphasizing the need for a political process, the UNIFIL head noted that "the path to peace in southern Lebanon is political."

"We must all work to create the right conditions for a long-term, sustainable solution," he urged.

"One important step in recent months has been the significant deployment of more LAF (Lebanese Army) soldiers to the south,” the UNIFIL chief emphasized. “Their presence as the sole providers of state authority and security must be preserved and for that, help from international partners needs to be maintained,” he added.

During the ceremony, Lieutenant General Lázaro and Lebanese Army Commander representative Brigadier General Nicola Tabet laid wreaths in tribute to fallen peacekeepers. Over 4,400 U.N. peacekeepers have lost their lives on missions around the world since 1948, including more than 330 since UNIFIL was established in 1978.

“Today, with solemn respect and deep gratitude, their legacy is etched into the foundation of this mission, and their commitment continues to inspire all of us who wear the blue helmet,” said Lieutenant General Lázaro.

“As we commemorate the 77th anniversary of U.N. peacekeeping, may we also renew our shared commitment to a more peaceful future, for south Lebanon, for the region, and for all the conflicts where the United Nations tries to bring peace,” the UNIFIL head concluded.

In 2002, 29 May was designated as the International Day of U.N. Peacekeepers to pay tribute to the "professionalism, dedication, and courage of the military and civilian peacekeepers serving in U.N. peacekeeping operations, and to remember those who lost their lives for the cause of peace," a UNIFIL statement said.

The date was chosen to commemorate the establishment of the first peacekeeping mission, the U.N. Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), whose Observer Group Lebanon members currently work alongside UNIFIL for peace and stability in south Lebanon.