INTERNATIONAL DAY OF UNITED NATIONS PEACEKEEPERS
Quick Facts
The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is an occasion to pay tribute to people who served in United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations.
Local names
Name | Language |
---|---|
International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers | English |
Día Internacional del Personal de Paz de las Naciones Unidas | Spanish |
International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2012
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
List of dates for other years

Many UN workers are remembered for their work in peacekeeping operations. ©iStockphoto.com/ Sean_Warren
What do people do?
Many activities are organized on this day. Activities include:
- Notes in official UN documents and schedules.
- Presentations during UN meetings and events.
- Memorial services and wreath laying events for those who died in peace keeping missions.
- Presentation of the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal as a way to honor military, police and civilian personnel who lost their lives while working for UN peacekeeping operations.
- Awarding peacekeeping medals to military and police officers who are peacekeepers.
- The launch of photographic and multimedia exhibitions on the work of UN peacekeepers.
The events take place in places such as the UN headquarters in New York in the United States, as well as Vienna, Australia, and other locations worldwide.
Public life
The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is not a public holiday.
Background
The UN Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) was founded on May 29, 1948. UNTSO’s task was to assist peacekeepers to observe and maintain a cease-fire. This cease-fire marked the end of the hostilities between Israel and the Arab League forces. The hostilities started after the end of the British Mandate of Palestine on May 14, 1948. On December 11, 2002, the UN General assembly designated May 29 as the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. The day was first observed on May 29, 2003.
The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is a tribute to people who serve or have served in UN peacekeeping operations. The peacekeepers are honored for their high level of professionalism, dedication and courage. People who died for peace are also remembered.
Symbols
UN Peacekeepers are usually clearly recognizable. They often display the UN flag and the letters “UN” on their clothing, equipment and vehicles. They also wear hats, helmets or other clothing with UN colors.
International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers Observances
Weekday | Date | Year | Name | Holiday type | Where it is observed |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Thu | May 29 | 2003 | International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers | United Nation day | |
Sat | May 29 | 2004 | International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers | United Nation day | |
Sun | May 29 | 2005 | International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers | United Nation day | |
Mon | May 29 | 2006 | International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers | United Nation day | |
Tue | May 29 | 2007 | International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers | United Nation day | |
Thu | May 29 | 2008 | International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers | United Nation day | |
Fri | May 29 | 2009 | International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers | United Nation day | |
Sat | May 29 | 2010 | International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers | United Nation day | |
Sun | May 29 | 2011 | International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers | United Nation day | |
Tue | May 29 | 2012 | International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers | United Nation day | |
Wed | May 29 | 2013 | International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers | United Nation day | |
Thu | May 29 | 2014 | International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers | United Nation day | |
Fri | May 29 | 2015 | International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers | United Nation day |