29 May 2018: UNTSO 70th/ International Day of UN Peacekeeping

On 29 May 1948, a fortnight after the eruption of hostilities between the first group of United Nations (UN) Observers were deployed to assist the UN appointed mediator to the Arab-Israeli conflict. The United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) is the first United Nations peacekeeping mission. UNTSO is a unique peacekeeping mission due to its regional mandate. It works across 5 countries: Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

The security and political situation in the Middle East remains fluid and UNTSO evolves accordingly. Peacekeeping is about supporting political solutions. It cannot substitute for the political will of the parties to end conflicts and protect their people. UNTSO remains committed to working for peace in the Middle East with both military and civilian peacekeepers, from more than 25 different countries, deployed across the 5 host countries.

UNTSO is one of 14 Peacekeeping Operations around the world. In the past 70 years United Nations Peacekeepers have made a tangible difference to hundreds of millions of the world’s most vulnerable people. The 29th of May, the International Day of UN Peacekeepers is dedicated to their service and sacrifice.

#PK70

******************************
Video credits:
Photos: UNTSO archive
Production manager & scripting: Dónal Gallagher
Video camera & editor: Aoibheann O’Sullivan
Motion graphics & titles: Donn Maguire
Music: Dexter Britain