Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous told journalists in New York that the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) has had to “adopt a posture which is somewhat more static” and take additional security measures, which include the use of more armoured vehicles.

“We have had to reduce somewhat the footprint of UNDOF in the Golan Heights in the area of operation,” Mr. Ladsous said after briefing the Security Council behind closed doors on actions taken since the seizure and safe release of 21 blue helmets earlier this month. In the days following, UNDOF vacated two positions which were particularly exposed to gunfire.

He said that clearly, it is a situation that warrants respect for the neutrality, safety and security of UN personnel. “This call applies to all concerned,” he added.

The UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) monitors the 1974 disengagement accord between Syria and Israel after their 1973 war.

Mr. Ladsous said the incident, more than ever, shows the importance of that agreement for that part of the world “and it has to be upheld.”

He thanked the countries contributing troops to the region and said he very much hopes that they will stay the course on this “very important mission.”

The Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO), which Mr. Ladsous heads, is in the process of looking to replace the contingents which have left in recent weeks, particularly with more Arabic-speaking officers.

Ambassador Vitaly Churkin of Russia, which holds the presidency of the Council for this month, told reporters that the armed groups are being “provocative” in the area where the peacekeepers operate, but the blue helmets do not have the mandated authority from the Council to stop them.

In 2011, 112 men and women died devoting their lives to peace, UN says. So far this year, another 31 peacekeepers have died while serving the Organization.

“Today we honour the 112 fallen heroes who died while serving under the United Nations flag in 2011,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said at a wreath-laying ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York.

Observed annually on 29 May, the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, aims to honour the memory of the UN peacekeepers who have lost their lives in the cause of peace, and pay tribute to all the men and women who have served, and continue to serve, in UN peacekeeping operations.

“Our goal in peacekeeping is to bring lasting stability to troubled areas so that blue helmets are no longer needed. We would like to put ourselves out of business,” said Mr. Ban. “But until that day comes, we stand ready to help, carrying on the work of those we remember today.”

The Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Hervé Ladsous, told the ceremony that it is “completely unacceptable” whenever UN peacekeepers are targeted.

“I call on everyone to respect the mandated role of our blue helmets to keep the peace in some of the world’s most troubled places,” he said.

Currently, UN peacekeeping operations receive contributions of military and police personnel from 116 Member States. In addition to the partnerships with individual nations, UN peacekeeping works closely with UN agencies, funds and programmes working on the ground, as well as with regional organizations, such as the African Union.

The International Day is being marked with events at various peacekeeping missions, including parades and cultural programmes in the Darfur region of Sudan and in Liberia, as well as ceremonies in South Sudan and Lebanon.