Minister of National Defence video message for the International Day of UN Peacekeepers
Video / May 29, 2021
Transcript
For decades, Canadians helped keep the peace in countries around the world. Our military, police, and civilian peacekeepers have supported implementation of peace agreements.
They have stepped into danger to do what is right.
Their blue berets and blue helmets have been a powerful symbol of hope.
More than 4,000 peacekeepers have made the ultimate sacrifice since the first UN peacekeeping mission, including 123 Canadians.
Today, on the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, we honour their memory and pay tribute to all peacekeepers, past and present.
Peacekeepers support democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
They protect civilian lives.
They help bring security to communities affected by violent conflict.
And over the past year, peacekeepers have been on the frontlines of the response to COVID-19 in the countries where they serve.
They are finding new ways to continue their essential work, while contributing to local efforts to curb the pandemic.
Sixty-five years ago, in response to the Suez crisis, Canada helped to create peacekeeping as we know it today.
We continue to be a strong supporter of the UN, and of the courageous peacekeepers who carry out these missions.
Through the Elsie Initiative, we’re working to increase women’s meaningful participation and leadership in peace operations.
Women are essential to our operational success, our planning, strategie and engagements with community members are better because of them.
Having more women in peacekeeping helps engagement with local communities. Ultimately, it makes missions more effective.
Canada also launched the Vancouver Principles to help stop the recruitment and use of child soldiers.
All children deserve to grow up with freedom and safety, surrounded by their family and community.
Through the policies we develop, the financial contributions we make, the training we support, and our people who are deployed, Canada contributes to UN peace operations every day.
Right now, Canadian Armed Forces members and civilian police officers are working alongside our UN partners in South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, Cyprus, Haiti, and the Middle East.
They’re supporting peace and security alongside our government and international partners.
And they’re standing up for the values we believe in.
So today, let’s say thank you to all United Nations peacekeepers who work tirelessly to create a better world.