International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members

The Observance of Detained and Missing Peacekeepers serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and sacrifices peacekeeping personnel endure in the pursuit of global peace and security. It allows the international community to honour and pay tribute to those who risked their lives, were detained, or went missing while serving in peacekeeping missions. Significantly, it also helps to draw attention to the vital issue of securing the safety and release of detained peacekeepers and offers an opportunity to renew calls for information about those who are still missing.

The United Nations has often been at the forefront in handling global conflicts, with South Africa playing a very active role in peacekeeping missions. Over the years, several South African peacekeepers have been detained or have gone missing under challenging circumstances. This has made the Observance of Detained and Missing Peacekeepers an issue of high importance to the people of South Africa, reflecting both the nation's commitment to peace and the personal sacrifices made by its citizens in service to this ideal.

In South Africa, the Observance of Detained and Missing Peacekeepers is marked with solemn ceremonies and gatherings to honour the brave individuals. These occasions serve to keep the stories of these persons alive, reminding the nation of the human cost of peacekeeping efforts. While harmonizing with global sentiments, the sincerity of these observances proves the nation's deep respect for peace and those who strive to uphold it. As of now, there's no set date for this commemoration in South Africa; it is usually observed alongside global events or anniversaries of significant peacekeeping missions.