فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
New York – UN Secretary-General António Guterres posthumously honored Moroccan Royal Armed Forces member Karim Temara with the prestigious Dag Hammarskjöld Medal during Thursday’s annual ceremony paying tribute to peacekeepers who lost their lives in UN operations.
The solemn event at UN Headquarters was attended by Morocco’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Omar Hilale, and Military Advisor Colonel Najim Assid of Morocco’s Permanent Mission.
Honoring Corporal Temara’s Sacrifice
The late Corporal Temara, who died in 2024 while serving with the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), was among 57 peacekeepers from 57 countries honored this year.
Remembering 4,400 Fallen Heroes
The international community paid respects to more than 4,400 uniformed and civilian personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice since 1948, including those who perished last year under the UN flag.
“Today we honor these courageous women and men who died far from home and loved ones while serving humanity’s noblest cause: peace,” Guterres stated, vowing their service “will never be forgotten.”
The Secretary-General noted that over two million personnel have served across 71 missions on four continents, thanking member states for their invaluable contributions.
Morocco’s Commitment to Peace
Ambassador Hilale extended heartfelt condolences to bereaved families and the broader UN peacekeeping community, praising peacekeepers who “gave their lives defending peace, security, and shared UN principles.”
Three Moroccan Officers Recognized
In a preceding military parade, UN peacekeeping chief Jean-Pierre Lacroix and operational support head Atul Khare decorated three Moroccan officers serving with the Department of Peace Operations – a testament to Morocco’s substantial contributions aligned with King Mohammed VI’s vision.
Top 10 Troop Contributor
With 1,714 blue helmets currently deployed to MONUSCO and the Central African Republic mission (MINUSCA), Morocco ranks among the UN’s top 10 troop-contributing countries.
Established by the General Assembly in 2002, the International Day of UN Peacekeepers annually honors those serving in peace operations and remembers those who died pursuing peace.
