Commemorating our Peacekeepers

Today we commemorate National Peacekeepers’ Day and recognise the dedication and sacrifice over almost eight decades of our peacekeepers, peacemakers, peace builders and peace enforcers.

Australia’s first contribution to peacekeeping came in 1947 with a deployment of military observers in modern-day Indonesia – and we’ve had peacekeepers in the field somewhere in the world every day since.

Our country continues to contribute to several peace missions across the world to this day.

There are up to 20 Australian Defence Force (ADF) personnel deployed on Operation Aslan assisting the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Australians fill key positions such as military liaison officers, and operations, aviation and logistics support roles. 

In the Middle East, there are:

• Up to 30 ADF personnel deployed on Operation Mazurka contributing to the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai Peninsula monitoring the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.
• Up to 12 ADF personnel deployed on Operation Paladin supporting the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNSTO) monitor ceasefires and supporting peace agreements in Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.
• Up to 2 ADF personnel deployed on Operation Fortitude supporting the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) to maintain the ceasefire between Israel and Syria.

Some 65,000 Australians, including ADF members, civilians and police, have participated in peacekeeping operations across the globe since the first deployment in 1947.

From clearing landmines, delivering humanitarian aid, restoring infrastructure, providing medical care, to enabling elections and disarming former combatants, our participation in peace operations has made the world a better place.

Tragically, 17 Australians – 12 ADF personnel and 5 police – have died while serving over the course of these operations.

Today, we remember their sacrifice and honour their bravery.

Their legacy endures in the lives of those they have assisted and reflects the very best of Australian values – compassion, resilience and a commitment to a more peaceful world.

Lest we forget.

Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling provides 24/7 free confidential crisis support for current and ex-serving ADF personnel and their families on 1800 011 046 or the Open Arms website. Safe Zone Support provides anonymous counselling on 1800 142 072. Defence All-Hours Support Line provides support for ADF personnel on 1800 628 036 or the Defence Health Portal. Defence Member and Family Helpline provides support for Defence families on 1800 624 608