International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members

International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members

The International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members seeks to acknowledge and remember personnel dedicated to the resolution of global conflicts who have been detained, gone missing or been taken prisoner while carrying out primary duties. It serves as a noteworthy reminder regarding the considerable risks involved in peacekeeping missions, and the sacrifices made by peacekeepers. This period of observance also emphasizes the importance of international cooperation for the safe recovery, release, and repatriation of detained or missing peacekeepers.

Although no detailed record of the inception of this observance exists, it has gained relevance and importance globally, including in Australia, with its strong peacekeeping history. Australians have been contributing to international peacekeeping missions since 1947, with over 30,000 personnel serving in more than 50 multi-national missions worldwide. Sadly, some of these brave peacekeepers have been detained or have gone missing while serving, bringing a personal connection to this observance for many Australians.

In Australia, the Observance of Detained and Missing Peacekeepers is marked by honouring those who have risked their lives to ensure global peace. This is done through a multitude of means such as historical reviews, documentaries, commemorative marches, and special events involving both military personnel and civilians. This observance occurs each year on March 25th, acknowledging the individual contribution of brave souls seeking peace.

Facts about this day

• According to the United Nations (UN), there are more than 14,000 civilians serving in UN peacekeeping operations around the world.
• This day remembers Alec Collett, a former journalist who was working for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency. Collett was abducted by armed gunmen in 1985 while helping Palestine refugees in the Middle East. His body was eventually found in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley in 2009.
• The largest Australian peacekeeping deployment was to East Timor in 1999. This was in direct response to the violence following the country's vote for independence from Indonesia. The peacekeeping force consisted of nearly 6,000 Australian personnel in total.
• Over the years, Australia has suffered a few casualties in its peacekeeping operations. In 1974, during a UN peacekeeping mission in Cyprus, Australian peacekeeper Private Thomas Dale died from a gunshot.

In the News and Trending in Australia for International Day of Solidarity with Detained and Missing Staff Members

Top things to do in Australia for this observance

• Review the UN General Assembly's adopted resolution to help protect UN personnel.
• Watch a video about the different member states showing their support for UN personnel.
• Watch a Film to learn more about Detained and Missing Peacekeepers:
  Missing in Action - A film focusing on the issue of soldiers missing in action and prisoners of war.
  The Thin Blue Line - A documentary-style film highlighting peacekeepers' efforts and their challenges.
• Read a book to learn more about Detained and Missing Peacekeepers:
  Five Uneasy Peaces: Case Studies of UN Military Forces in The Congo, Cyprus, Sinai, Cyprus and Lebanon - by Gary D. Ryan
  The Oxford Handbook on United Nations Peacekeeping Operations - by Joachim Koops