UN Peacekeepers
Serving for peace, sacrificing for humanity
Since 1948 more than two million people have served as in hotspots around the world, including more than 65,000 today.
They provide security, stability and hope for a better future to war-affected communities. And they often do so at great personal risk and under very harsh conditions, leaving their families behind thousands of hundreds of miles away from their homelands. More than have lost their lives serving under the UN flag.
The United Nations does not have its own military or police force. It relies on individual UN Member States to contribute personnel to its peacekeeping operations. Today, UN peacekeepers hail from more than 100 troop and police contributing countries, but they are united in their goal to help provide security and stability to some of the most vulnerable people on earth. Collectively, they perform acts of courage and compassion every day.
Beyond their regular mandated activities – such as protecting civilians and supporting peace processes -- peacekeepers often carry out humanitarian efforts such as delivering free medical and veterinary care, providing access to water; supporting schools and orphanages; building roads and bridges and other key infrastructure which benefit communities and bring people together.
The United Nations honours the service and sacrifice of all peacekeepers and commends the contributions from all the countries that provide our peacekeeping operations with military and police personnel.
Their stories of service and sacrifice as well as courage and compassion are worth listening to.
Learn more about the enduring legacy of UN Peacekeepers.
Our peacekeepers selflessly serve the world. Let us ensure we serve them, in honour of their service and sacrifice – today and every day.”
United Nations Secretary-General (础苍迟ó苍颈辞&苍产蝉辫;骋耻迟别谤谤别蝉, 29 May 2025)
Stories of service and sacrifice
In South Sudan, relentless flooding and ongoing conflict have affected hundreds of thousands of people. A unit of 270 Ghanaian UN police officers has been a beacon of support. They were recently awarded the UN Medal of Honor for their immense efforts in supporting communities throughout the affected region.
Chief Superintendent Zainab Gbla's journey to becoming the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year began with a powerful memory of living through violence in Sierra Leone. Serving in the disputed Abyei region as a peacekeeper, she has turned that inspiration into action, through meaningful community initiatives.
During the turbulent early years of Timor-Leste’s independence, the United Nations was a constant presence, helping to maintain peace and stability. Twenty-four years on, the country has made the successful transition from a host nation for UN peacekeeping operations, to one that contributes to supporting missions elsewhere.