UNFICYP joined the wider UN family on 30 May 2016 to mark the International Day of Peacekeepers (officially commemorated on 29 May), when we pay tribute to the men and women who have paid the ultimate price in the service of peace under the UN flag.

Joining UNFICYP this year were representatives from the Cypriot political parties from both communities who meet regularly at Ledra Palace Hotel under the auspices of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic. Speakers at the ceremony included the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Cyprus, Ms. Lisa Buttenheim and UNFICYP Force Commander Maj. Gen. Kristin Lund. UNFICYP's Special Police Adviser, Col. Andrii Sachavo and Chief of Staff Col. Tim Wildish also attended the event and laid wreaths in honour of our fallen colleagues.

In its 52-year history, some 186 military, police and civilian peacekeepers have lost their lives. In her remarks, Ms. Buttenheim paid tribute to their bravery and committed the mission to honouring their memories by continuing their quest for peace.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in his message for this year's International Day of Peacekeepers, said: "On this International Day of International Day of UN Peacekeepers, we honour our heroes – the more than one million men and women who have served under the UN flag with pride, distinction and courage since the first deployment in 1948. And we pay our highest tribute to the more than 3,400 peacekeepers who have lost their lives while in service during that period. We are forever in their debt. And we pledge today to realize the full potential of United Nations peacekeeping to usher in a better future."