Context

International Day of UN Peacekeepers is observed on May 29. On this day, tributes are paid to those people who have immensely contributed in the work done by the United Nations.

About

• The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is celebrated annually on May 29.
• This is the date when in 1948 the first UN peacekeeping mission named the "United Nations Truce Supervision Organization", or UNTSO, began operations in Palestine. 
• The day is observed in honour of the uniformed and civilian personnel for thier contribution to the work of the organization. 
• Moreover, the day is also celebrated to honour more than 3,900 peacekeepers who have lost their lives serving under the U.N. flag since the year 1948.

India & UN Peacekeeping Operation:

• Indian Army has been taking part in UN peacekeeping operations since 1950.
• Units and troops of the Indian Army have been part of 49 UN Missions with over 1,95,000 troops having served in various parts of the world.
• Presently, India is ranked as the third largest troop contributor to the UN peacekeeping missions.
• India currently contributes more than 5,400 military and police personnel to the UN peacekeeping operations in Abyei, Cyprus, Congo, Lebanon, the Middle East, Sudan, South Sudan, Western Sahara as well as one expert to the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia.
  
  

First Indian Peacekeeper: Major Suman Gawani, an Indian Army officer and a Military Observer formerly deployed with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), will receive the 2019 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award along with Brazilian Navy officer Commander Monteiro de Castro Araujo.  Major Suman Gawani is also the first Indian peacekeeper to win the prestigious award.

The Theme:

• The theme of International Day of UN Peacekeepers 2020 is “Women in Peacekeeping: A Key to Peace”.
• This theme has been chosen as it is the 20th anniversary of the of the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.
• Women peacekeepers make an invaluable contribution to peacekeeping and are essential for promoting sustainable peace and help in improving overall peacekeeping performance.
• They also help in improving the peacekeeping performance as well as help in promoting human rights, social parity and encourage women to become a meaningful part of peace.
• The world is facing one of its greatest challenges – the COVID-19 pandemic. Peacekeepers are assisting world governments as well as the local communities in response to the pandemic. Women peacekeepers are on the front lines during this battle, and the world is grateful for their hard work and sacrifices.