( OT Webdesk)In a solemn tribute to their service and sacrifice, the United Nations will posthumously honour two Indian peacekeepers—Brigadier General Amitabh Jha and Havildar Sanjay Singh—with the prestigious Dag Hammarskjöld Medal during its commemoration of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers on May 29.
Brigadier General Jha served with the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), while Havildar Singh was deployed with the UN Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO).
Both peacekeepers tragically lost their lives last year in the line of duty.
The commemorative event, held at UN headquarters in New York, will include a wreath-laying ceremony to honour more than 4,400 peacekeepers who have died since 1948.
The Dag Hammarskjöld Medals will be presented to 57 fallen peacekeepers, including Jha and Singh, highlighting their invaluable contributions to global peacekeeping.
Additionally, the UN will recognise outstanding peacekeepers with the Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award, presented to Squadron Leader Sharon Mwinsote Syme from Ghana, and the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year Award, given to Superintendent Zainab Gbla from Sierra Leone.
This year’s theme, “The Future of Peacekeeping,” underscores the evolving nature of global conflicts and the need for modernised peacekeeping strategies.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasised that a “fully equipped and adaptable UN peacekeeping force” is crucial for maintaining stability in conflict regions.
Since 1948, over 2 million personnel have served in 71 peacekeeping operations, with 68,000 uniformed and civilian personnel currently deployed across 11 missions.
The International Day of UN Peacekeepers, established in 2002, serves as a tribute to peacekeepers past and present, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to global peace.
