He outlined some of the biggest challenges to global peace, security and development, including the expansion of conflict in high-population areas, the rise of transnational organized crime and violent extremism.
The head of the UN peacekeeping force also highlighted the growing cyber and climate insecurity risks as well as the greater need for police reform and comprehensive national capacity building. , and said there is a growing need for “unique and specific police responses”.
We must therefore work collectively to ensure the United Nations Police (UNPOL) is properly prepared, equipped and resourced to tackle them.
Main priority
Mr. Lacroix outlined a strategic direction for UN policy in serving and protecting the populations where the ‘green helmets’ are stationed, starting with Peacekeeping Action, particularly in priority areas to the extent that the UN has designated A4P+.
This includes consistent political strategies deploying different resources and leveraging support to influence the political direction towards stability and good governance in the country with a mission to keep peace. .
Strengthening this synergies lies at the heart of a second priority, which is greater strategic and operational integration between missions.
The third priority, focusing on ability and mindset, aligns pre-deployment training with the mandates of each Establishment Police Unit in missions.
Fourth, is to ensure the highest level of accountability for peacekeepers, which will improve safety and security.
Mr. Lacroix said UNPOL would continue to emphasize “zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse through increased pre-deployment and in-mission training” as a fifth priority.
Switch to strategic communicationAs a sixth priority, he said, the United Nations Police is working to increase its presence, including through new engagement on major social media platforms such as LinkedIn, as well as awareness raising activities and policies towards the community.
And finally, in line with the seventh A4P+ priority, UNPOL will continue to improve cooperation with host countries during the transition.
Women and peace
Meanwhile, the Women, Peace and Security agenda is conveyed in all aspects of A4P+ and “remains fundamental to enhancing our overall effectiveness”, he affirmed with Council.
The head of the peacekeeping force said that gender responsive policy efforts ensure that the security needs of women, men, girls and boys are taken into account, including through a strong network of gender advisors and police gender focal points.
He noted that UNPOL has achieved its gender equality goals by 2025 and that women now top five out of nine police units in UN peacekeeping operations.
Following an attack in the Bandiagara area of Mali, the United Nations Police (UNPOL) is patrolling the area by vehicle and on foot.
Tools for peace
Describing A4P+ as the UN’s vehicle for enhanced peacekeeping, Mr. Lacroix said that through it, “we can better address today’s challenges to peace and security, and ultimately to improve the lives of the people we serve’.
Finally, he expressed gratitude to the Council for its continued support, including the contribution of highly qualified police officers to the service of peace with the United Nations.
