For the past 40 years, Fijian Peacekeepers have defended the defenceless, protecting innocent civilians and children in areas around the world fraught with danger and conflict.

These were the sentiments of Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama in his message on the 40th Anniversary of Fiji’s participation in UN Peacekeeping.

He says that Fiji’s Peacekeepers carry on a proud Fijian legacy that stretches as far back as the First World War adding that as for over a century, Fijians have answered the call of the vulnerable; bravely risking their lives for the sake of peace, wherever and whenever the need has arisen.

Bainimarama says Fijian soldiers have served in the Middle East, from the Sinai Peninsula, to Kuwait, Iraq, and Syria also in Africa, from Darfur, to South Sudan, Liberia, and Namibia.

He also highlighted that Fijian Peacekeepers have helped heal regions of the world that have been deeply scarred by violence, terror and division adding that they have shown the great strength of the Fijian spirit to the world through their courage, their discipline and their commitment to the mission of global peace and security.

The Prime Minister says the legacy of Fijian peacekeepers continues to this day through the nearly 900 brave Fijians currently serving as UN Peacekeepers around the world.

Bainimarama also stressed that people also remember the more than 60 Fijian Peacekeepers who laid down their lives to protect those who could not protect themselves.

He says that as we look back on this history, it is with great sadness and profound gratitude that people remember those Fijians who have died in the line of duty; as their ultimate sacrifice has given countless people the chance to live in peace and prosperity. 

Bainimarama says that thanks to the decades of dedication of Fijian Peacekeepers, Fiji is looked to with respect and admiration by the international community adding that through our Peacekeepers, nations far and wide can see that Fijians are willing and able to look far beyond our own borders.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the brave Fijians who have taken up the call to serve in UN Peacekeeping Operations.

Bainimarama alongside the President, Jioji Konrote also attended a ceremony that honoured the courage and sacrifice of UN Peacekeepers marking the 40th anniversary of Fiji's commitment to UN Peacekeeping Operations.