UN Peacekeeping

Honouring our Peacekeepers

Canada has a strong peacekeeping tradition. As a result, it is important for Canadians to recognize and understand the role of UN peacekeeping and of peacekeepers in pursuing peace and security. At the same time, it is important that we understand the evolving role of peacekeepers and the growing challenges that peacekeepers face when deployed to a specific mission.

The Evolving Role of Peacekeepers

Peacekeeping, as it was first conceived, was characterized primarily as a military presence whose objective was to observe ceasefires and separate combatants after inter-state wars. It is based on three important principles: the consent of the parties to the conflict, the non-use of force, and impartiality of the force even in the face violence. Today, the structure of peacekeeping missions has greatly evolved. Peacekeeping operations are increasingly multidimensional, involving an integrated system of many elements, including military, police, and civilian personnel. In particular, missions undertaken since the end of the Cold War are different from those conducted earlier for several reasons.

  • First, the environment in which peacekeepers are being deployed is more challenging and unpredictable. Peacekeeping missions are no longer predominantly being fought between states; instead peacekeepers are increasingly being called upon to deploy into hostile intra-state situations where there is often no peace to keep. As a result, peacekeepers are required to undertake much more tasks than in previous missions. Peacekeeping responsibilities now include such elements as disarming military forces, providing security to the population, organizing elections, training and leading local de-mining teams, protecting humanitarian aid convoys, and performing civil functions. Peacekeepers may also be authorized to use force to protect civilians (as authorized under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter).
  • Second, mission objectives and purposes have also expanded. In addition to military personnel, missions now incorporate civilians, police, election monitors, international and non-governmental organizations, etc. These actors must work and cooperate with each other to re-build war-torn societies.

Veterans Engaging Youth in Canada

There are a number of programs that seek to engage youth in the history of peacekeeping, its significance to the world, and Canada’s role as a peacekeeping nation. These programs constitute an important part of passing on our history to future generations. Canadian Youth have shown great interest in Canada’s involvement within the UN and as part of peacekeeping operations. Exchanges between veterans and youth allow for the sharing of knowledge between generations, and help to demystify certain perceptions of peacekeeping that youth may have. Particular programmes include:

  • The Canada Remembers Program, which challenges schools and communities across Canada to take an active interest in honouring and remembering Canada’s veterans by trying one of the Program’s projects or by creating something new. All projects are available on-line to share with others; Read More.
  • UNA-Canada’s High School Veteran Speaking Tour, which coincides with the series of public dialogues on UN Peacekeeping, taking place in several cities across Canada. This tour to high schools is the first of its kind, bringing together both police and military veterans to educate youth about UN peacekeeping. This youth engagement activity provides and important education function for young Canadians to hear the stories and to see the faces of former UN peacekeepers, thereby better understanding the important contribution Canadian peacekeepers are making overseas.

Remembering and Honouring Peacekeepers

In addition to specific programs, Canada remembers and honours men and women in uniform, and peacekeepers in particular, through monuments, museum exhibits, medals and veterans week.

Peacekeeping Monument

  • Named “Reconciliation,” Canada’s peacekeeping monument, situated in Ottawa, honours Canadians who have served in UN Peacekeeping Forces. The monument depicts three peacekeepers standing on walls overlooking the debris of war. A grove of young trees stand before them, symbolizing peace. The name “reconciliation” illustrates the role of peacekeepers as keepers of the peace, while efforts at reconciliation are taking place.

Museums

  • The Canadian Scottish Regiment Regimental Museum, located in Victoria, B.C., displays material from the Regiment’s early days to its participation in UN peacekeeping operations.
  • Hosted by Veterans Affairs Canada, The Canadian Virtual War Museum contains information about the graves and memorials of more than 116,000 Canadians who have died serving their country, including those who served in peacekeeping operations. The purpose of the site is to recognize the achievements and keep the memory of the sacrifices made alive.
  • The Canadian War Museum, situated in Ottawa, presents Canada’s military past and how it shaped the country. In particular, it explores the history of peacekeeping and the active role of peacekeepers in promoting peace and security.

Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal

  • The Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal (CPSM) was created following the receipt in 1998, by UN Peacekeepers, of the Nobel Peace Price in recognition of their collective efforts to safeguard peace. The Medal acknowledges the unique contribution to peace of Canadian peacekeepers. As of September 2003, an estimated 68,000 medals had been issued.

Veterans Week

  • Veterans Week, November 5-11th, is an annual week in which Canada celebrates its Veterans and the sacrifices they have made on behalf of their citizens. As 2006 marks the 50th anniversary of peacekeeping, this year’s Veterans Week paid a specific tribute to the ongoing contributions of the men and women of the Canadians Forces who have given their lives in the cause of peace and freedom over the past 50 years Read More

Over the years, Canada has sent over 120,000 troops as part of UN peacekeeping missions. However, Canada’s role in UN peacekeeping has not been without sacrifice. Canada has the 2nd highest peacekeeping fatality with 114 fatalities. As a result, it is not only important to remember and honour those who have served and have lost their lives in the cause of peace, but all who have contributed, and continue to contribute, to making this world a more peaceful place.

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