Anti-war graffiti has tarnished a peacekeeping monument in Ottawa's downtown core.

The peacekeeping monument was marked with phrases including: "Oppression anywhere, resistance everywhere" and "Afghan civilians dead."

The peace monument is the only one of its kind and is considered "sacred ground" by many.

Public Works was working to remove the graffiti when they found out about the incident Friday.

This is the second time the peacekeeping monument has been the target of vandalism.

Ottawa police are asking anyone with information about the monument's defacing to come forward and call 613-236-1222 ext. 7300.

Since 1948, more than 110,000 Canadian peacekeepers have served in conflict areas around the world.