Since 1948, more than a million women and men have served as UN peacekeepers. Every day, they make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of the world’s most vulnerable people, and every day they save lives. In places like the Central African Republic and South Sudan, our peacekeepers protect civilians against violent attacks and support the delivery of crucial humanitarian assistance.Secretary-General | 16 January 2018 I thank our troop- and police-contributing countries for their generosity, and pay tribute to all personnel who have given their lives in the line of duty.Peacekeeping is a unique force for good, with military and police personnel from over 120 countries serving together, alongside civilian colleagues. Our peacekeepers come from diverse cultures and speak different languages, but share a common purpose: the protection of vulnerable communities and the provision of support to countries struggling to move from conflict to peace. We ask peacekeepers and their families to make great sacrifices. They serve at great personal risk and in harsh conditions.Tragically some make the ultimate sacrifice - over 3,500 peacekeepers have lost their lives in the cause of peace.