UNA-UK has received over 450 signatures to a petition calling on the UK Government to recognise the tireless work of British UN peacekeepers in protecting civilians in conflict. Signatories included parliamentarians, former UK diplomats and British UN civil servants.
UN peacekeepers risk their lives to help protect over 154 million people across the globe. The UK has a longstanding commitment to peacekeeping, having contributed servicemen and women to UN missions since 1964.
104 British peacekeepers have lost their lives in the service of peace, yet their sacrifice is woefully undervalued in the UK. There is no medal or public commemoration of the work of peacekeepers, whether they be military, police or civilian personnel. UNA-UK and UNA Westminister's annual memorial ceremony is the only remembrance event of its kind in the UK.
Delivered to foreign minister Baroness Anelay, the petition and cover letter from Sir Jeremy Greenstock, Chair of UNA-UK, highlights the need for official recognition of UK citizens working in UN peace operations.
This topic has been raised in a recent question to parliament by Mrs Madeleine Moon MP, who asked the Under Secretary of State for Defence Personnel and Veterans, Mark Lancaster, if he would make a statement on the recognition of British peacekeepers. While this is a positive step towards a more formal debate on this issue, Mr Lancaster's answer fell short of expectation, focusing on armed forces veterans.
UNA-UK is eager to ensure that British UN peacekeepers receive the commemoration and gratitude they so highly merit.
This story will be updated when a response has been received from Baroness Anelay.
Photo: Memoral ceremony for UN peacekeepers, organised by UNA-UK. Copyright: UNA-UK
