Amman, May 29 (Petra) –– Since Jordan joined the United Nations 71 years ago, the Jordanian Armed Forces–Arab Army have played a prominent role in international peacekeeping missions, contributing to global security and humanitarian efforts in more than 38 countries across various continents over the past 66 years.

Friday marks the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, observed annually on May 29. For more than six decades, Jordanian peacekeepers have participated in missions aimed at maintaining security, protecting civilians and supporting humanitarian principles in countries affected by conflict, destruction and instability.

Guided by Royal directives and Jordan's longstanding commitment to peace, Jordanian medical teams have treated more than 4 million people worldwide, while 44 Jordanian soldiers have sacrificed their lives in peacekeeping missions.

Jordan's participation in peacekeeping operations reflects its national and humanitarian principles, rooted in respect for human rights, dialogue, coexistence and international cooperation.

The Kingdom's foreign policy has consistently emphasised neutrality and impartiality in conflict zones, without discrimination based on race, gender or religion, in line with the values of the Amman Message and Jordan's belief in global peace and security.

According to archives reviewed by the Jordan News Agency (Petra), Jordan joined the United Nations on December 14, 1955 and has since advocated internationally for justice and the restoration of rights.

Jordanian Armed Forces figures show participation in more than 38 international and special missions. The Armed Forces have established 20 field hospitals, surgical stations and medical clinics around the world, with 10 operating simultaneously at certain times.

Jordan has participated in 15 peacekeeping missions concurrently.

Jordan's first peacekeeping mission began in 1961 with the deployment of forces to the Iraqi-Kuwaiti border. In 1989, Jordan joined the military observer mission in Angola, reflecting the Hashemite leadership's commitment to promoting international peace and security.

The Armed Forces continue to undertake humanitarian duties beyond Jordan's borders, ranging from relief operations to peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance.

The Armed Forces' efforts include providing medical treatment, conducting surgeries, organising free medical campaigns, distributing food, clothing and school supplies, protecting vulnerable groups and delivering aid to victims of wars and natural disasters.

Jordanian field hospitals and medical missions have been deployed to several countries, including Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Armenia, Liberia, Congo, Kosovo, Haiti, East Timor and countries of the former Yugoslavia.

These missions receive direct support and attention from His Majesty King Abdullah II, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

The Jordanian Armed Forces have contributed to rebuilding places of worship and supporting local communities in affected areas.

Through these missions, Jordanian soldiers have served as ambassadors of Jordanian values, promoting dialogue, understanding, cooperation and peaceful coexistence.

Women in the Jordanian Armed Forces have played an increasingly important role in peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.

Female personnel from the Royal Medical Services have participated in several overseas deployments, including missions in Liberia and the Congo.

Their contributions have reinforced Jordan's commitment to international peace and highlighted the capabilities of Jordanian women in demanding operational environments.

Jordan's participation in international peacekeeping includes military observer missions, stabilisation operations, international police missions, liaison duties, rapid deployment forces, humanitarian and diplomatic missions, election monitoring and the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

In a statement marking the occasion, the United Nations said that for nearly 80 years, UN peacekeepers have made a tangible difference in communities worldwide, helping countries transition from conflict to lasting peace.

The UN noted that 2026's theme, "Invest in Peace," underscores the importance of ensuring peacekeepers have the necessary resources to carry out their missions effectively.

More than 53,000 civilian, military and police personnel currently serve in 11 peacekeeping missions worldwide amid increasingly complex geopolitical challenges.

The organisation added that the International Day of UN Peacekeepers honours the contributions and sacrifices of peacekeepers and commemorates nearly 4,500 personnel who have lost their lives in the cause of peace, including 59 peacekeepers who died in 2025.

//Petra// AK

29/05/2026 20:05:25