Montevideo- On Thursday, May 29th, marked the United Nations International Day for UN peacekeeping forces around the world. This international opportunity has been designated for two main purposes. First, to honor all staff who have served their lives and brought them to life in order to protect others around the world. Second, we pay tribute to those who are currently serving in complex situations far from home and protecting the lives of others. Take this opportunity to examine Uruguay’s role and status in UN peacekeeping operations (PKO).
The Eastern Republic of Uruguay is a small country in Latin America, with a population of about 3.5 million and limited military power. Over the past decades, Uruguay has been actively seeking to participate in UN peacekeeping operations in various regions, including Golan Heights in Syria, the Sinai Desert in Egypt, Lebanon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Through these missions, Uruguay not only trained, maintained and strengthened the preparation of its military, but also attracted international support to equip it and strengthen its international fame and credibility.
Uruguay’s political and military authorities believe that it is extremely important for Uruguay to participate in maintaining international peace and security given the current instability and tensions in the international field, as they undermine the foundations of multilateralism and international law that have been collectively established for nearly 80 years. For them, the peacekeeping mission represents a deeply rooted national policy for Uruguay as a UN member state, independent of the change in government in this Latin American country. They pride themselves on the professional quality of the personnel deployed in the peacekeeping mission and make their efforts to ensure that vulnerable groups in conflict zones feel safe and protected.
History and principles of participation in Uruguay
Uruguay’s involvement in the UN peacekeeping mission dates back to 1952 when he sent two peacekeeping observers to India and Pakistan. However, its widespread development began in the 1990s. Uruguay is recognized as a reliable provider of peacekeeping operations and professional personnel, and adheres to the basic principles of peacekeeping principles, including parties’ consent, fairness and non-use use, except in cases of self-defense and mission protection. Uruguay prioritized the deployment of trained personnel, including military, police and civilian staff, and organized its program around the following important tasks:
*Civilian protection
*Ensure security and stability: Creating a safe environment for peace processes
*Supporting the political process: promoting election monitoring and dialogue
*Humanitarian assistance: distribution of assistance and convoy protection
* demining: key capabilities uruguay demonstrated in multiple missions
*Engineering and logistics activities: Building and maintaining infrastructure and supporting other units
*Medical: Field Hospitals and Medical Personnel Development
The existence of Uruguay in various peacekeeping missions
According to the Uruguayan Ministry of Defense, a total of 55,000 Uruguayan military personnel from the Army, Navy and Air Force have participated in 23 international peacekeeping missions. Some of the most important missions and countries that Uruguay played a prominent role are:
*DOP Republic of the Congo (Monusco): Uruguay has long and prominent presence in Monusco, one of the largest and most complex UN peacekeeping forces. They deploy infantry battalions, engineering forces, aviation personnel and medical staff there, contributing to civilian protection, supporting Congolese authorities and carrying out important duties. (Uruguay’s mission here has been somewhat diminished, but remains active.)
*Haiti (Minustah & Minujustth): Uruguay was an important contributor to Haiti’s (Minusta) UN stabilization mission and the United Nations mission for the support of justice in Haiti (Minusta). It deployed a considerable number of military, police and civilians and played an important role in stabilizing the country after political crises and natural disasters. (The mission has been completed.)
* Cyprus (UNFICYP): Uruguay has maintained a continuing presence at UNFICYP since 1964, making it one of Cyprus’s longest-reliant contributors. Military forces were deployed to maintain stability along the ceasefire between Cyprus in Greece and Cypriot communities in Turkish. (The mission has been completed.)
*Middle East (UNTSO): Uruguay effectively participates in the United Nations Suspension Control Organisation (UNTSO) and deploys military observers in the region. (The mission is still active.)
*Cote Daiboir (UNOCI): Uruguay contributed to Cote Daiboir’s mission to peace and stability under Unsi. (The mission has been completed.)
*Egypt (UNEF II): Uruguay played a key role in Sinai’s 2nd United Nations Emergency Force (UNEF II) and monitored a ceasefire between Egypt and Israel. (Mission Active.)
*UNAVEM III & Monua: Uruguay supported the UN mission during the Angola civil war and played an important role in the peace process and disarmament. (The mission has been completed.)
* Mozambique (Onumoz): Uruguay has dispatched personnel to support peace agreements and implementation. (The mission has been completed.)
*Cambodia (UNTAC): Uruguay took part in one of the UN’s most complex and ambitious peacekeeping missions and oversees the Cambodia transition. (The mission has been completed.)
*Other countries: Uruguay participates in small or short-term UN missions, including Nepal (UNMIN), South Sudan (UNMIS), Mali (Minusma), and the Central African Republic (Minuska).
Current Situation of Uruguay’s Peacekeeping Forces
*Currently, 1,015 Uruguayan soldiers are deployed in eight conflict zones around the world, with a diverse range of missions. 93% are male and the rest are female. Since its involvement in the maintenance of UN peace, Uruguay has deployed around 55,000 soldiers, with 22 people losing their lives in various incidents and conflicts.
*The Uruguayan military is actively engaged in three major UN peacekeeping missions.
1. Congo: A battalion of 750 soldiers is stationed there, with a focus primarily on civilian protection and humanitarian assistance. Uruguay has remained a military presence since 2001.
2. Golan Heights: Uruguay has 210 soldiers deployed along the borders of Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. Its existence dates back to 2019. Despite regional tensions, Uruguayan officials are not targeted by the rebels or Assad regime.
3. Sinai Desert: Uruguay has 41 soldiers working in military engineering and transport services. Its existence began in 1982.
*In addition, Uruguay deployed military observers in five locations.
Central African Republic o 3
o 1 in Lebanon
O2 on the Indian and Pakistan border
Colombia o 6
Sudan’s o 2
In February 2024, one Uruguayan soldier was killed and four others were injured following a violent clash with the Congolese M23 rebel group. After his death, Uruguay President Jorge Orsi awarded the Medal of Honor to the fallen soldier in recognition of his service. However, despite the end of their mission, some Uruguayan troops have not yet returned home, putting pressure on the government and the Ministry of Defense.
Uruguay’s leadership in peacekeeping, including gender
Uruguay has been specially recognized by the United Nations for its participation in the Elsi Initiative, which focuses on the increasing role of women in peacekeeping. Uruguay is also a pioneer in deploying women’s peacekeeping forces. Extensive research on Uruguayan women in peacekeeping reveals:
*The average age of female participants is 28 years old.
*The ideal age range is in your early 20s, and it is unlikely that personnel are in a committed relationship.
*40% of female peacekeepers experience homesickness, while 86% have acquired new skills.
*40% report no significant issues, but 20% divorced after unfolding.
Montevideo Conference on Peacekeeping
In December 2023, Uruguay held a pre-meeting of UN ministers on peacekeeping at the Institute for Advanced Military Research in Monteviedo. With over 60 UN member states in attendance and jointly organized with Japan, the UK, Uruguay and Canada, the conference aims to promote dialogue that adapts UN peacekeeping to new challenges.
The Montevideo Conference served as the Jakarta Conference (hosted by Bangladesh, Indonesia, the Netherlands and the US in February 2024) and the Islamabad Conference (hosted by Pakistan and South Korea in March 2024) and served as a preparatory session ahead of the 2025 Minister of Peace and Science in Berlin. The summit coincides with the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the 10th anniversary of the Peacekeeping Leader Summit.