Liberal statement on International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers
May 29, 2014
OTTAWA – Liberal Foreign Affairs Critic, Marc Garneau, today issued the following statement on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers:
“Today, Canada joins with countries around the world in recognizing the outstanding contributions of our United Nations peacekeepers in reducing global conflict and advancing peace and human rights around the world.
“Peacekeeping is a concept that is deeply ingrained in our Canadian identity. Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957 for his contribution in establishing peacekeeping efforts at the time of the Suez Crisis. The great accomplishments of our 14th Prime Minister serve as an immense point of pride for all Canadians.
“UN peacekeeping has evolved as the kinds of crises that we face in the world have changed; it must continue to evolve in order to address the difficult and increasingly dangerous environments in which the UN must lead and act.
“UN peacekeepers around the world have not shied away from these changing crises and environments. Instead, they have continued to be instrumental in maintaining peace and security and in resolving serious conflict where other traditional means have proved insufficient. They provide hope in the most difficult of circumstances, protect civilian life in the midst of violence and chaos, and contribute to building societies based on good governance and the rule of law.
“Today, we reflect on the courageous work of all United Nations peacekeepers, and we express our deepest gratitude for their selfless work.”