On the occasion of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, UNIFIL held a solemn ceremony at its Naqoura headquarters today.
This year’s commemoration came against the backdrop of a significantly deteriorated security situation with intensified hostilities, repeated violations along the Blue Line, and an alarming risk of further escalation.
Today’s observance took place at a time of great challenges in south Lebanon.
“Even in this complex environment, our peacekeepers continue to fulfil their mandate with professionalism and dedication, using liaison and coordination mechanisms to help reduce tensions, deconflict where possible humanitarian movements and create space for stability,” Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Diodato Abagnara said.
The UNIFIL head stressed that a political and diplomatic path remains the only viable solution to the conflict.
“UNIFIL remains committed to supporting the parties in restoring the cessation of hostilities and creating the conditions for a permanent ceasefire,” he noted.
A central moment of the ceremony was a tribute to fallen peacekeepers. In recent months, six UNIFIL peacekeepers lost their lives in the line of duty: Corporal Farizal Rhomadon, Corporal Rico Pramudia, Major Zulmi Aditya Iskandar, First Sergeant Muhammad Nur Ichwan, Sergeant Major Florian Montorio and Sergeant Anicet Girardin. Their sacrifice serves as a reminder of both the risks the peacekeepers face and the importance of the mission.
“Today, we honour the over 4,500 peacekeepers who have lost their lives in service globally since 1948, including 345 in UNIFIL, and we pause to remember the six colleagues we have tragically lost recently,” said Major General Abagnara. “Their sacrifice reinforces our determination to complete this mission and to pursue peace with renewed purpose. Their commitment and courage will never be forgotten.”
Despite the difficult circumstances, UNIFIL reaffirmed its enduring commitment to its mandate and to the people of south Lebanon.
“As we mark the 78th anniversary of UN peacekeeping, we renew our determination to stand for peace, even in the most difficult conditions,” the UNIFIL head concluded. “We owe it to those who have lost their loved ones and their livelihoods – and to the communities on both sides of the Blue Line – to persevere in our efforts towards stability and a peaceful future.”
The International Day of UN Peacekeepers, observed annually on 29 May, honours the professionalism, dedication, and courage of military and civilian peacekeepers serving worldwide, and commemorates those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace. The date marks the establishment in 1948 of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO), whose Observer Group Lebanon continues to work alongside UNIFIL for peace and stability in south Lebanon.
