No day is quite the same in the life of a peacekeeper and working in the field has its demands and rewards. Peace operations continue to evolve with more robust and multidimensional mandates requiring expertise in human rights, justice, rule of law, security and political diplomacy, to name a few. The Year in Review features the activities of the UN Peacekeeping Missions in 2012, highlighting the successes and challenges that emerge throughout the year. It looks at how these challenges -- many times unforeseen, always under difficult conditions -- are met by the peacekeepers on the ground as they work towards maintaining peace and security, protecting civilians, and providing support to fragile societies and governments in a post-conflict setting.