Secretary-General Welcomes Security Council Decision to Create

 

‘Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for Exceptional Courage’

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the establishment by the Security Council today of the “Captain Mbaye Diagne Medal for Exceptional Courage”.  The Medal will be awarded to those military, police and civilian United Nations personnel and associates who have demonstrated exceptional courage, in the face of extreme danger and without regard for their own safety, in the service of humanity and the United Nations.

The Secretary-General pays tribute to Captain Diagne from Senegal, to whom the Medal has been dedicated.  Captain Diagne served as a military observer of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR).  He saved countless Rwandan lives during the 1994 genocide before he was killed in the crisis.

The Secretary-General reiterates his deep appreciation for the dedication and commitment shown by personnel working for and with the United Nations in the service of humanity.

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For information media • not an official record