RSCE Pays Respect to UN Peacekeepers

By Elysee Niyigena, Communications Officer, RSCE

Since 1948, more than 4,200 UN peacekeepers have lost their lives in pursuit of peace. More than 2 million uniformed and civilian personnel have served in 71 peacekeeping operations around the globe, contributing to the cause of international security, peace and progress for all peoples.

“Today we remember those that have paid the ultimate price to bring peace and security to millions of civilians on the globe including 420 of our colleagues from MONUSCO and MONUC. We will forever remember their selfless contribution and we pledge to continue to support those still in the field to make their access to service as effortless as possible.” Said Ingemar Bjoernfot, Chief Centralized Warehouse, MONUSCO.

On May 25, UN personnel at Entebbe Support Base paid tribute to UN Personnel who have paid the ultimate price for the cause of peace under the UN flag. It was also a moment to honour those who put their lives on the line to promote and sustain peace in the world.

As part the commemoration of the International UN Peacekeepers Day, representatives from uniformed personnel laid a wreath to pay respect to fallen colleagues, after which they were joined by all participants to observe a minute of silence.

The International Day of UN Peacekeepers is celebrated on 29 May every year to show gratitude to the men and women, the ordinary people, striving to achieve extraordinary outcomes in difficult and often dangerous conditions.

Under the theme “Peace Begins With Me”, UN personnel were reminded that their service here at the RSCE is paramount to ensuring peacekeepers deliver on their mandate knowing that we have got their back.

“Ours is to ensure that all non-location dependent transactions are executed on time, accurately and without hustle. The work we do here is aimed at giving our colleagues in the field peace of mind to continue to preserve, pursue and nurture peace in Africa.”

As part of the event, participants were led into the exhibition of photos and videos set up inside the Regional Training and Conference Centre (RTCC) to give them a glimpse of what life looks like for UN Peacekeepers in the field.

To crown it up, on Friday 26 May, all staff were invited for a quiz that focused on the theme of this year. Winners were awarded with branded items. It was also an opportunity to listen to the voices from the mission. They shared stories of what they go through every day, to ensure there is peace and stability in places where they work.

Said

Josef Salani, Chief

of Financial Services and Compliance Monitoring at the Regional Service Centre Entebbe (RSCE)

“Our task is to promote peace as per the Global Approach of the UN and develop a healthy environment for suffering people of Darfur in Sudan.” Said Mohammad Ehsanul, Deputy Chair of the Permanent Ceasefire Committee, UNITAMS. “Peace Begins With Me, You and all of us.” he added.