In the lead up to the International Day of UN Peacekeepers, UNA-UK would like you to meet some of Britain's very own peacekeepers and provide a rare opportunity to recognise the importance of their work.
Cecilia Dunster is a British police officer currently serving with the UN Mission in South Sudan:
"My work involves ensuring that community policing services are delivered effectively in the UNMISS Protection of Civilian sites across the country...
...I love the diversity of working in a foreign culture with colleagues from all over the world."
Major Michael Rodger served with the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus:
"I was part of a dedicated mobile reserve force, which had two major roles: a continuous 24-hour vehicle and guard security patrol and a 'notice to move' security role, which meant we had to be on standby and be ready to act within 90 minutes should we be needed."
Major Michael Cooper was deployed to the UN Mission in South Sudan as the deputy chief of operations:
"During my time there I met some amazing people and I got to work in an environment which, despite being incredibly testing, was very different from the one the UK military has found itself in during the Afghan/Iraq campaigns."
Click here to thank our peacekeepers and read more stories from the field
These peace operations help to save lives. In South Sudan, more than 200,000 civilians sought shelter at UN bases when violence started. In Cyprus, British peacekeepers support the implementation of a long-term peace agreement. British citizens have much to give in terms of skills and expertise that can help strengthen these missions and contribute to their success.
Yet the contribution of British citizens to these missions rarely receives public recognition. There is no UK medal for civilian, military and police peacekeepers nor any national day of remembrance in the UK. UNA-UK and UNA-Westminster hold our own memorial ceremony at the Cenotaph every year, but this is not a national event.
The British public should be proud of our fellow citizens' contribution to international peace and security. Please take a few seconds to thank our peacekeepers and show your support for British involvement in UN peace operations.
Click here to thank our peacekeepers
Photo credit: Ilya Medvedev
