UNIFIL marks International Day of Peace

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) marked today (Friday) the 32nd International Day of Peace with a ceremony at its headquarters in Naqoura.       

Peacekeepers representing the 37 national contingents in UNIFIL were joined by representatives of local authorities, officers of the Lebanese armed and security forces and the international community at the commemorative ceremony under this year’s theme, “Education for Peace".                         

UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major-General Paolo Serra and Brigadier General Janbay, representing the LAF Commander General Jean Kahwagi, laid wreaths at the UNIFIL Cenotaph in memory of the 298 peacekeepers who lost their lives in the service of peace in southern Lebanon.          

During the ceremony, 89 military staff officers were awarded with the UN Peacekeeping Medal.   
Major-General Paolo Serra said: “In southern Lebanon, UNIFIL is a testimony to the fact that concerted efforts can be successful in maintaining the cessation of hostilities and creating the conditions for peace. Since 2006, our area of operation has enjoyed stability and security.”                
Force Commander Serra expressed his deep appreciation for the work of the Lebanese Armed Forces “Our continued success, now more than ever, rests on the strategic partnership with the LAF. I am very grateful for their support and cooperation and I remain firmly committed to conduct all our activities in close coordination with them. I also thank religious and political authorities and the people of southern Lebanon for their support.”      

On this occasion, UNIFIL in collaboration with ALPHA NGO organized a “Painting for Peace” activity at its headquarters where 14 students from four schools in southern Lebanon were invited to sketch their visions of peace in wall paintings.              

UNIFIL, through Major-General Paolo Serra also donated medical assistance kits to the Social Development Center of Bint Jbeil. The donations included 12 wheelchairs, 12 shoulder and wrist walking sticks, among other equipment.

Funds for the medical equipment were raised at a volley ball tournament organized by UNIFIL Civil Military Coordination and Civil Affairs Units in partnership with LAF South Litani Sector that took place on 15 September at UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura with the support of UNIFIL ITALAIR (Italian Air Task Force).           

The International Day of Peace was established by the UN General Assembly in 1981. It is dedicated to cease-fire and non-violence and it is an occasion during which all promote tolerance, justice and human rights. Each year on this day, the United Nations invites all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities and to commemorate the day through activities that promote peace.