New York, 12 November 2021 (TDI): Every day, nearly 9,000 United Nations peacekeepers (UNPOL) from 94 countries help promote international peace and security by supporting countries in conflict, post-conflict, and conflict-affected countries.

Strengthen and re-establish security through community policing, and other operational support. Advising on local police services, increasing compliance with international human rights standards, restoring and promoting public safety and law enforcement.

Peacekeeping missions: UNPOL

Nearly 9,000 United Nations police deployed in 17 United Nations peacekeeping missions, namely MINURSO, MINUSCA, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, UNIFIL, UNVMC, BINUH, UNMHA, UNFICYP, UNISFA, UNMIK, UNIOGBIS, UNMISS, UNSMIL, UNSMIL, UNSMIL, UNSMIL, UNOCA UNSOM. The United Nations has been sending police officers to work in peacekeeping operations since 1960. The first special mission was the United Nations Operation in the Congo (ONUC).

The number of UNPOL police officers deployed for peacekeeping missions and special political machinery has increased from 5,840 in 1995 to about 11,000 by 2020. This indicated an increase in demand for police expertise.

United Nations police provide operational support on policing and law enforcement. The United Nations Police (UNPOL) contributes to the United Nations peace and security agenda. The UNPOL also contributes to advancing the United Nations’ political, development, and humanitarian goals.

2030 Agenda for SDG

The Preservation of Peace and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development; Violations of law and order often result in the deportation of the United Nations and, conversely, (re-establishment) the rule of law contributes to long-term stability and allows the United Nations peacekeeping operations to eventually be withdrawn.

United Nations (UNPOL) Police Support Member States will achieve effective, efficient, independent, and also responsible police services. The objective is to serve and protect the people. The United Nations Police Service remains committed to prioritizing the recruitment, and deployment of female police officers. UNPOL is also committed to the retention of female police officers. This is for peacekeeping operations at all levels.

Women police officers play a key role in promoting peace and security. This role includes community policing, special skills such as Special Weapons and Strategies (SWAT), and participation in high-risk activities. Female police officers are very important during visible roaming, search and rescue, and during searches.

In conflict and post-conflict situations where sexual and gender-based violence is rampant and may be used as a strategy to achieve strategic or political goals, survivors and also community members are more likely to approach women police officers. Therefore, female police officers play a vital role at UNPOL.

Their role is in the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of violations, the imposition of sanctions, and the promotion of accountability leading to law enforcement, recovery, and reconciliation.

UNPOL also follows community-led and intelligence-led policing to contribute to citizen protection and human rights. UNPOL addresses, sexual and gender-based violence, gender-based violence, and conducts investigations. They are also responsible for special missions, public order management, and electoral security.

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