Protecting civilians is the ultimate goal of UN peacekeeping.

That’s according to the new chief of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), Jean-Pierre Lacroix.

He was speaking ahead of the International Day of UN Peacekeepers observed annually on 29 May.

The French diplomat took up his position in April this year and currently oversees 16 UN operations deployed in four continents.

Many of the peace missions operate in the most dangerous and difficult environments in the world, dealing with conflicts – or their aftermath.

Speaking to Jocelyne Sambira during a Facebook Live event, Mr Lacroix said the UN has also helped countries recover from conflict.

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