United Nations, 29 May - The fifth annual International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers was commemorated in peacekeeping missions and UN offices around the world today. This year's commemorative ceremonies come at a time when the services of UN peacekeepers are in greater demand than ever. There are currently more than 100,000 peacekeepers from 115 countries serving in 18 operations on four continents, with additional deployments on the horizon.

"We hope this occasion will serve as a reminder of the invaluable work of our blue helmets who each day risk their lives trying to bring peace to conflict-torn societies," said Jean-Marie Guéhenno, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations. "It should also underscore the importance of strengthening UN peacekeeping, with its solid record of promoting a return to stability, to foster even greater gains in the future, for the sake of the innocent victims whose lives have been ravaged by war."

At United Nations Headquarters in New York, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon led a solemn wreath-laying ceremony in honor of the more than 100 peacekeeping personnel who lost their lives – whether through attacks, illnesses or accidents – in 2006 in the service of peace. Click here for more information