For nearly 70 years, UN peacekeeping has proven to be one of the international community’s most effective investments in peace, security and prosperity. Peacekeepers protect men, women and children from violence every day, often at great personal risk. To date, fifty-four UN peace operations have completed their mandates. More than one million women and men have served under the UN flag with professionalism, dedication and courage; and more than 3,500 peacekeepers have lost their lives while serving.