International Day of UN Peacekeepers - Occasional Address

I would like to acknowledge the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet, and pay my respects to their Elders, past and present. 

I also acknowledge all those who have, or continue to serve our nation in uniform, and the families who support them.

Since 1947, not a day has passed without Aussie Peacekeepers in the field.

Just think about that for a moment.

When people think of those who pull on a uniform bearing Australia’s flag, often they think of those going to war, or conflict.

Not those who put themselves in harm’s way, to maintain peace.

Those military, police and civilian peacekeepers who deploy to some of the world’s most dangerous places, sometimes unarmed, to help bring an end to conflict, to stand between warring armies, to clear land mines, to assist in the exercise of democratic expression and to deliver humanitarian and medical assistance to those in need.

Australia’s Peacekeepers serve in the midst of other people’s conflicts.

They stand tall between opposing sides – just as this memorial before us stands strong.

This year we mark the 25th anniversary of the International Force East Timor - INTERFET - peace-making operation.

In fact I understand a number of United Nations Overseas Police Association of Australia members, who would usually be with us here today, are currently in Timor for a 25 year reunion.

It is only appropriate we pay tribute to them, and all those who served in Timor some 25 years ago.

INTERFET operated with a mandate to restore peace and security, support the UN personnel already there and facilitate humanitarian assistance operations.

Australia’s involvement in East Timor from 1999 remains Australia’s largest Peacekeeping mission to date, and our largest overseas military deployment since the Vietnam War.

Some 5,500 Aussie personnel went to East Timor as part of our contribution - encountering some of the most terrible human tragedies - distressing scenes of violence, murder and destruction but also great generosity and humanity - working closely with aid workers delivering food and medical supplies.

When the deployment of UNTAET to East Timor was complete, the command of military operations was transferred from INTERFET to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in February 2000.

By this time INTERFET had fulfilled its purpose and UNTAET set about directly administering East Timor with the support of some 7,500 ADF Personnel.

But the work of our peacekeepers and peacemakers this year in particular, could not be more front of mind.

It was only March when three UN Peacekeepers, one of which an Australian, narrowly escaped with their lives following a blast near the Lebanon border.

Because even though people serve as peace makers, they still find themselves in danger.

Like Australian personnel who served in Somalia in the 1990s – in our four UNOSOM Australian Service Contingents, the 1st Battalion Royal Australian Regiment Group and HMAS Tobruk.

Around 1,600 ADF personnel were deployed in Somalia across the period, contending with heavily armed groups who were looting supplies, disrupting distribution points and preventing delivery of humanitarian aid during the conflict.

These Australians worked in some of the most dangerous areas in Somalia, responsible for the security of life preserving humanitarian relief.

Last year, in the 30th anniversary year of ADF operations in Somalia – these individuals received some long sought recognition.

Last year, in recognition of the courage, dedication and professionalism of those who were involved in UN Peacekeeping operations in Somalia, I was proud to have the great honour, and opportunity of accepting the independent Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal recommendation to award unit recognition – in the form of a Meritorious Unit Citation – for relevant individuals who served in Somalia between 1992 and 1995.  

A most deserving accolade.

Peacekeepers make sacrifices today, for a better, safer future for all.

We have Peacekeepers operating around the world, right now, with the UN estimating across their 11 current operations there are almost 95,000 
UN peacekeepers in the field today.

One of those, is Major General Cheryl Pearce, the former Deputy Chief of Army of the Australian Defence Force, earlier this year was appointed the UN’s Deputy Military Adviser for Peacekeeping Operations.

Major General Pearce has previously served in 2 major peacekeeping operations – in East Timor and Cyprus.

This, the UN’s Deputy Military Adviser for Peacekeeping Operations is the most senior role of any Australian Peacekeeper – continuing the proud tradition of Australians leading the way in Peacekeeping across all ranks, services and organisations.

So today, as we mark UN Peacekeepers Day, we honour the remarkable individuals who have put their hands up to be keepers of the peace - their bravery, their dedication, and their professionalism.

We also remember the 17 Australians who have made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of peace.

Lest we forget.