UNITED NATIONS, Feb 28 : Describing United Nations Police as a cornerstone of global peacekeeping, Pakistan has called for the inclusion of their perspectives in U.N.\u2019s flagship activity that helps countries in conflict transition to peace.
\n\u201cTheir (UN Police) insights make a critical difference in improving peacekeeping operations,\u201d Ambassador Munir Akram, permanent representative of Pakistan to the UN, told UN Security Council which met to discuss UN support to conflict-affected countries.
\n\u201cIt is crucial that perspectives of the UN Police be included in decision-making on peacekeeping missions, including mission planning and resourcing.\u201d
\nAmbassador Akram also underscored the need for realistic mandates to ensure the success of peacekeeping operations.
\n\u201cIn the situations, where a rapid deployment of Formed Police Units, instead of military, is necessary, the deployment should be based on clear and achievable mandates and supported by adequate resources,\u201d he said.
\nThe Pakistani envoy said that policing in peacekeeping operations needs to evolve in a way that is capable of addressing complex, non-traditional threats involving organized crime, human trafficking, terrorism and weaponization of technology. In this regard, he emphasized the need for employing technology to enable the UN police to fulfill its mandate.
\n\u201cThe UN police must receive adequate training and capacity building and should integrate technology in its operations by using tools such as Generative Artificial Intelligence, virtual reality (VR) tools, drones, surveillance equipment, and data analytics.\u201d
\nHe said that there was also the imperative of prioritizing capacity building, institutional development and rebuilding local law enforcement structures of the host government, to ensure sustainable peace and stability, considering the crucial role of the UN Police in the post-conflict transitions.
\nAs a longstanding contributor, he said Pakistan has deployed 50 Formed Police Units (FPUs) in UN peace operations across Haiti, Darfur, East Timor, and Ivory Coast.
\nDemonstrating unwavering dedication to public service and international peace, 11 Pakistani police personnel have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, the Pakistani envoy said, adding that the current readiness of a Pakistani FPU on the Rapid Deployment Level (RDL) underscores the country\u2019s preparedness for international peacekeeping efforts.
\nAmbassador Akram said that Pakistani police officers are recognized for their professionalism and commitment under the UN Police (UNPOL) banner. He said that Police Advisor Faisal Shahkar represented Pakistan at the highest levels, while Shahzadi Gulfam became the first-ever recipient of the International Female Police Peacekeeper Award in 2011.
\nEarlier, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, said that today\u2019s meeting offers the opportunity to discuss a critical question: \u201cHow can we position United Nations police to be prepared for the future and the challenges that, even as they evolve, retain many known aspects?\u201d
\nSuch challenges, he noted, include lack of adherence to the rule of law, corruption, disregard for international law, transnational organized crime and human-rights violations. Further, he underlined the need to work collectively to ensure that United Nations police are properly prepared, equipped and resourced \u201cto meet whatever tomorrow brings\u201d.
\nHowever, he emphasized that \u201cthe gap between peacekeeping mandates and what the missions can, in practice, actually deliver has become increasingly apparent\u201d. Yet, the Action for Peacekeeping agenda continues to help close this gap, as do the areas prioritized within the Action for Peacekeeping Plus agenda.
\n\u201cAlthough our footprint may be smaller today\u201d, said Shahkar, the UN Police Adviser, the tasks and responsibilities of the United Nations police remain complex. This includes support to develop host-State policing capacities and institutions that underpin long-term stability and the rule of law.
\nNoting the need to enhance trust between missions, host-State Government institutions and host populations, he said that it is vital to address mis- and disinformation. He also called for investment in training, highlighting the United Nations Police Commanders Course \u2014 \u201cthe crown jewel in the United Nations Police Training Architecture\u201d.
\nHe also pointed out that United Nations police help reinforce the capacities of their host-State policing counterparts and support their operations, detailing several examples of this \u2014 including in the Central African Republic. There, United Nations police provided extensive training for internal security forces, with a particular emphasis on human rights, gender-based violence and security in preparation for upcoming elections. Underlining the importance of skilled and knowledgeable police commanders, he urged: \u201cWe need your support in ensuring that such officers \u2014 including highly skilled women and Francophone officers \u2014 are made available.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
UNITED NATIONS, Feb 28 : Describing United Nations Police as a cornerstone of global peacekeeping, Pakistan has called for the inclusion of their perspectives in U.N.\u2019s flagship activity that helps countries in conflict transition to peace. \u201cTheir (UN Police) insights make a critical difference in […]<\/p>\n
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