New photo exhibit showcases work of UN law and order teams

Ahead of the annual International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, a new photo exhibit opened today in New York showcasing the vital of work of blue helmets in strengthening the rule of law in post-conflict countries.

Photographs in the exhibit, entitled “Law. Order. Peace,” offer a glimpse of the work carried out by some 14,000 police, 340 corrections officers and 175 judicial affairs experts in nine peacekeeping operations around the world.

“Upholding the rule of law, the theme of this year’s Day, is essential to successful peacekeeping,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says in his message for the Day, which is observed annually on 29 May.

“This requires strengthening confidence in police, justice systems and correctional services.”

Opening the exhibit at UN Headquarters, Under-Secretary-General for Field Support Susana Malcorra said, “reinforcing rule of law institutions, helping to develop a viable national police, restoring confidence in an independent judiciary and supporting the construction or renovation of prisons according to international norms, all contribute to future development.”

The exhibition was established with the support of the Permanent Mission of Australia, and the photographs were taken by UN photographers and staff members at UN missions.

It is just one of several events taking place to mark the International Day, which pays tribute to all those who serve in UN peacekeeping operations – currently numbering more than 120,000 military, police and civilian personnel in 15 operations on four continents – and honours the memory of those who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.