Peacekeeping is a way to help countries torn by conflict create conditions for sustainable peace. Peacekeepers - soldiers and military officers, civilian police officers and civilian personnel – are often volunteers and come from many countries. They monitor and observe peace processes that emerge in post-conflict situations and assist ex-combatants to implement the peace agreements they have signed.

Assistance from volunteers comes in many forms, including confidence-building measures, power-sharing arrangements, electoral support, strengthening the rule of law, and economic and social development. As of March 2006, in addition to military and police personnel, more than 4,800 international civilian personnel, 1,600 UN Volunteers and over 10,000 local civilian personnel worked in UN peacekeeping missions.

On the occasion of the International Day for UN Peacekeepers (May 29), we are highlighting volunteers’ involvement in sustaining peace and building confidence in regions in conflict.

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