On 22 November for a Medal Parade Day, the Head of UNMOGIP and Chief Military Observer, Rear Admiral Guillermo Pablo Ríos, welcomed Ambassadors, Defense Attachés and other members of the diplomatic community, families and UN military observers (UNMOs). The event took place for the first time since 2019 due to the pandemic and related restrictions.

The ceremony serves to acknowledge the quality of work and length of service of the UN military observers by awarding them with medals and certificates. Rear Admiral Ríos expressed gratitude to all troop-contributing countries for making it possible for UNMOGIP to carry out its duties and thanked civilian staff who work hard to implement the mandate.

On this special day, he also paid tribute to all fallen peacekeepers who served under the Blue Flag and sacrificed their lives in the service of peace.

UNMOGIP was established in 1949 and is the second oldest UN peacekeeping operation in the world. The Mission has been observing and reporting, to the extent possible, the developments pertaining to the strict observance of the ceasefire of 17 December 1971 between the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the Republic of India.

UNMOGIP continues to contribute to peace and security in the region with the cooperation of the Host Countries and UN Members States. The Mission acts as a deterrent to violations of the ceasefire, re-escalation of tensions and resumption of conflict, through early warning, its operations and visible presence, and, when possible, its engagement with host countries.