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Minister with Responsibility for Defence, Mr. Paul Kehoe T.D., today paid tribute to the work of the United Nations on this ‘UN Day’. The Minister commented in particular on Ireland’s proud tradition of participation in peacekeeping missions, both civilian and military. He stated that “Ireland makes a substantial contribution to international peace support missions relative to its size, operating in Africa, Europe and the Middle East.”
Minister Kehoe went on to say “UN peacekeeping continues to be one of the most flexible and effective tools available to the international community in responding to crises around the world. Ireland’s participation in UN led and UN-mandated peacekeeping missions over almost 60 years is a tangible demonstration of our commitment to the UN in their pursuit of international peace and security.”
The Minister also said “we will shortly be sending the 111th Infantry Battalion comprising over 340 personnel to Lebanon, our largest UN led mission. Ireland’s Major General Michael Beary holds the post of Head of Mission and Force Commander of UNIFIL. His appointment to this prestigious post is a tribute to the fine reputation of Irish peacekeepers over the years and to the skills and attributes that they bring to the job.”
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Notes for the Editors
UN day, 24 October 2017, marks the anniversary of the entry into force in 1945 of the UN Charter and the coming into being of the United Nations and has been celebrated since 1948. UN Day takes place in United Nations Week which runs from 20 to 26 October. Its importance is in highlighting the aims and achievements of the United Nations Organisation.
The United Nations feeds 80 million people, vaccinates 45 percent of the world’s children, protects 65 million people forced to flee, tackles climate change, keeps peace with 117, 000 peacekeepers, fights poverty, promotes human rights, prevents conflict through diplomacy and works for a more peaceful world.