S/PV.9870 Security Council

In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the following briefers to participate in this meeting: Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations; Mr. Faisal Shahkar, United Nations Police Adviser; Mr. Christophe Bizimungu, Police Commissioner, United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic; and Ms. Mingzhu Xu, Senior Police Adviser, United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. The intention of this meeting is to be as interactive as possible. We look forward to questions from Council members to the Commissioners and from the Commissioners to the Council. I now give the floor to Mr. Lacroix. Mr. Lacroix: I thank you, Sir, for convening this briefing. I look forward to the discussion. I am very happy to be joining this meeting from Kinshasa, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where, as participants know, we have an important peacekeeping mission. I will ask for the Council’s indulgence because, due to a prior commitment, I will have to leave the meeting in approximately one hour. In the meantime, as I said, I am very pleased to be joined today by the Police Commissioner from our peacekeeping operation in the Central African Republic and the Senior Police Adviser from our mission in Cyprus. Of course, I am also very happy to be here with my colleague, United Nations Police Adviser Faisal Shahkar. We deeply appreciate the Security Council’s recognition of United Nations peacekeeping as one of the most effective tools in the promotion and maintenance of international peace and security and, in that context, recognition of the critical role that the United Nations police (UNPOL) plays in peacekeeping. All of us here in this Chamber  — Member States, Council members, host countries and military, police and financial contributors  — have a stake in the success of peacekeeping operations. That is never truer than at times like these, when multilateralism is facing significant headwinds. We must all continue to strive to ensure that peacekeeping remains relevant and responsive to the greatest challenges to global peace, security and development today. This meeting, coming as it does in advance of the United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting to be held in Berlin in May, is well timed for us to discuss a critical question: how can we position the United Nations police to be prepared for the future and the challenges that, even as they evolve, retain many known aspects? Such challenges include a lack of adherence to the rule of law, corruption, disregard for international law, transnational organized crime and human rights violations. It is therefore essential that we work collectively to ensure that the United Nations police is properly prepared, equipped and resourced to meet whatever tomorrow brings. I have said before to this organ that the gap between peacekeeping mandates and what the missions can, in practice, actually deliver has become increasingly apparent. The Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) agenda — and, notably, the areas that we have prioritized within A4P+ — continues to help to close that gap. We have made great The first priority of A4P+, which is collective coherence behind political strategies, underscores that political solutions are a requirement for long-term peace and stability and therefore missions must exert continued efforts in partnership with all United Nations entities, Member States and other relevant stakeholders, such as regional and subregional organizations. In the Central African Republic, our United Nations police is aligning its work with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic’s (MINUSCA) political strategy for 2023–2028, which remains the overall strategic framework for mandate implementation in line with resolution 2759 (2024) — the most recent extension by the Security Council of MINUSCA’s mandate. That includes capacity- building for the internal security forces to be able to protect civilians and uphold the rule of law and democratic governance. The second A4P+ priority focuses on fostering greater strategic and operational integration. To that end, the Office of Military Affairs and the Police Division organized the first Heads of Military and Police Components Conference, held last October, to strengthen integrated planning and operability among mission components, including civilian elements, and with Headquarters. Furthermore, in the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei, the United Nations police has been critical to the development and implementation of the rule of law support strategy for Abyei, which brings together the entire mission with the United Nations country teams in the Sudan and South Sudan to address the immense rule of law challenges in the Abyei box. The Department of Peace Operations is also working to enhance capabilities and mindsets, which is the third A4P+ priority. As part of the United Nations Police Training Architecture Programme, a first significant step in the full revision of the United Nations Police Commanders course was undertaken in January with a pilot of the revised course in Nairobi. Concurrently, preparations are already under way for the 2026 meeting of the Contingent-Owned Equipment Working Group. Regarding the fourth A4P+ priority, accountability to peacekeepers, the community-oriented and police intelligence-led approaches undertaken by the United Nations police not only further its mission but equally support the safety and security of peacekeeping personnel. In the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara, United Nations police has contributed to enhancing the safety and security of United Nations personnel by implementing an information management system that collects, collates, analyses and disseminates accurate security information promptly to support informed decision-making. To narrow the gender gap in working and living conditions in field missions, collaboration with the Elsie Initiative has been extended into 2026, with five pilot projects now having been completed in four missions. Those projects have resulted in refurbished and constructed camp accommodations that meet gender-sensitive standards. The United Nations police also continues to enforce zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse through enhanced predeployment and in-mission training, strengthening the accountability of our peacekeepers. Regarding strategic communications, which is the sixth A4P+ priority, the United Nations police contributes to the efforts of the Department of Peace Operations to In line with the seventh A4P+ priority, we are redoubling efforts to improve cooperation with host countries. In the Central African Republic, the United Nations police continues to support the political peace process by equipping and training the internal security forces in preparation for the upcoming elections. UNPOL has also contributed to the development of key strategic documents, such as a code of ethics for the national police and a transhumance security workplan, with the aim of enabling the host authorities to better fulfil their responsibilities to protect the population. The women and peace and security agenda is mainstreamed across A4P+, and the United Nations police remains fully committed to reinforcing engagement with authorities, civil society and women’s rights organizations. In South Sudan, United Nations police is building the capacity of host-State women police officers to enhance their skills to assume leadership roles, while in Abyei, the United Nations police launched a women’s network to address issues of joint interest. Furthermore, with the support of our Member States, the United Nations police achieved its gender parity targets for 2024. Women currently comprise one in five United Nations police officers, including 32 per cent of individual police officers and 17 per cent of members of formed police units. Finally, the Strategy for the Digital Transformation of United Nations Peacekeeping remains our guide as we continue to embrace technology, data and innovation to modernize and improve peacekeeping. The United Nations police has been working to advance the use of the UNITE Aware platform, which provides a comprehensive, integrated database that consolidates data from various sources, including essential information related to patrol planning, incident reporting and operational activities. Maximizing the potential of UNITE Aware is essential for enhancing situational awareness, allowing police personnel and other mission components to visualize critical data in real time, significantly improving coordination, decision-making and response capabilities across peace operations. A4P+ is part of a renewed collective engagement to strengthen peacekeeping as an invaluable instrument for peace and security and an expression of international solidarity. Through it, we are better placed to address today’s challenges to peace and security and, ultimately, improve the lives of the people we serve. This briefing to the Council is an opportunity to reaffirm the vital role that the United Nations police plays across the conflict prevention spectrum, from peacekeeping to peacebuilding. It offers a forum to consider how training and capacity-building of United Nations police could be improved and how Member States might wish to broaden the range of countries to which United Nations police assistance could be provided. Such assistance would help to further foster responsive and accountable police services, which are the cornerstone of the broader peace and development objectives of the Organization. I remain grateful for the Council’s ongoing support for A4P commitments and A4P+ priorities, and for Member States’ generous contributions of highly qualified police personnel to serve with the United Nations police.

I thank Mr. Lacroix for his briefing. I now give the floor to Mr. Shahkar. Mr. Shahkar: I thank you, Sir, for convening this briefing. I am pleased to be here with Under-Secretary-General Lacroix, Police Commissioner Bizimungu Today I am proud to sit before the Council as the United Nations Police Adviser. The United Nations police makes a real difference in the lives of people where we are deployed, helping those countries lay the foundations for sustainable peace and development. Although our footprint may be smaller today than when I previously briefed the Council in November 2023 (see S/PV.9475), the United Nations police’s tasks and responsibilities remain complex. That includes operational support and capacity-building for our counterparts to support the development of host-State policing capacities and institutions that underpin long-term stability and the rule of law. Allow me to highlight some challenges facing the United Nations police, as well as to reflect on our accomplishments. As is true for peace operations as a whole, the challenges that the United Nations police faces continue to be impacted by our relationships and the levels of trust between our missions, host-State Government institutions and host populations. Increasingly, we see that maintaining trust entails addressing mis- and disinformation targeting United Nations peace operations and facilitating compliance with status- of-forces agreements. Enhancing performance is an integral part of the Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) and A4P+ initiative and part of the requirements of resolution 2436 (2018), which emphasizes the need to improve the performance of all United Nations civilian and uniformed personnel. To that end, if we want our United Nations police to have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform such complex tasks, we must jointly invest in its training. That is why the Police Division and the Division of Policy, Evaluation and Training’s Integrated Training Service initiated the development of the United Nations Police Commanders course  — the crown jewel in the United Nations Police Training Architecture Programme — which has been convened six times to date around the globe. At the same time, I expect United Nations police leadership in the field to continuously identify lessons and share them with the Police Division so that, guided by Member States, we can ensure the United Nations police remains fit to respond to the evolving global peace and security challenges, both today and tomorrow. With respect to its accomplishments, the United Nations police has continued to improve the lives of the people where we serve. In accordance with mission mandates, the United Nations police helps to reinforce the capacities of its host- State policing counterparts and provides assistance in their operations, including by protecting civilians under threat of physical violence, utilizing the gender- responsive, evidence-based and field-tested approach to policing anchored in the Strategic Guidance Framework for International Policing. For example, in the Central African Republic, the United Nations police focused on enhancing security and protecting civilians, including through extensive training for the internal security forces, with a particular emphasis on human rights, gender- based violence and security in preparation for upcoming elections. Concurrently, the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic supported the deployment of over 1,400 internal security forces personnel nationwide through various capacity-building initiatives and training programmes, along with the construction and rehabilitation of police facilities. In South Sudan, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) police, with specialized support from the Standing Police Capacity, elaborated an integrated strategic election security support plan providing essential technical advice to And in Abyei, the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei police, in support of the mandate and the rule of law support strategy, continues its work with community protection committees to manage law and order processes, focusing on the protection of civilians and peaceful coexistence between the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities and greater safety and security amid the continuation of violence involving the Ngok Dinka and Twic Dinka communities. That includes ongoing advocacy for women’s participation in alignment with the women and peace and security agenda. The United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on Policing, which is co-chaired by the Department of Peace Operations and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, continues to make progress in developing joint guidance and police standards, building on the strengths of various United Nations entities. That work was recognized by the General Assembly in its resolution 77/241. Furthermore, at Headquarters, we endeavour to strengthen trilateral collaboration, including through the biennial United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit (UNCOPS). The fourth UNCOPS was successfully convened last June and contributed to reinforcing cooperation between police-contributing countries and the Secretariat in the area of policing, including through pledges of personnel, expertise and other resources. To help us achieve our goals, we would appreciate the Council’s further support. The ability to lead, influence and develop other stakeholders through strengthening police professionalism and integrity, establishing administrative systems and drafting legal and policy frameworks to support police development are increasingly seen as critical success factors in United Nations policing mandates. In addition to possessing sound leadership and management skills, United Nations Police Commanders must be operationally adept and knowledgeable of the “how” of United Nations policing as set out in the Strategic Guidance Framework for International Policing. We need the Council’s support in ensuring that such officers — including highly skilled women and francophone officers — are made available by Member States. Let me conclude by thanking the Security Council for this opportunity to speak and by reiterating that the sustained leadership and continued political engagement of Member States are indispensable for the success of United Nations policing.

I thank Mr. Shahkar for his briefing. I now give the floor to Mr. Bizimungu.

It is a great honour for me to present to the Council the recent developments, priorities and challenges of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) police. I will focus my briefing on security aspects, particularly those related to the function of the United Nations police (UNPOL). Starting with recent developments, I must first note that 2025 is an election year in the Central African Republic, and therefore the security situation will certainly be linked to the elections. We are already witnessing what have thus far been peaceful demonstrations in the run-up to the elections. In that context, UNPOL will continue to play its role of protecting civilians in an impartial manner, in support of the Central African Internal Security Forces (ISF). In addition to physical security, we will contribute to the prevention of electoral violence, in particular violence against women and hate speech. Another crucial security issue currently affecting the Central African Republic is the recurring problem of violence linked to transhumance. MINUSCA is making great efforts to help the Central African Republic create the conditions for peaceful and prosperous transhumance. In that context, the police component is working to help the ISF establish and deploy specialized units to prevent transhumance-related violence. MINUSCA has offered the ISF significant technical and logistical support in that regard. It has also proposed a plan that could help the ISF contribute to peaceful transhumance in the long term. UNPOL’s priorities revolve primarily around the protection of civilians. UNPOL is therefore prepared to provide effective support to guarantee the security of elections and to ensure the population is not affected during this period. Such support will be provided in an integrated manner with the MINUSCA Force and the Mission’s civilian component. Integration is therefore another of the Mission’s priorities. In that regard, UNPOL continues to deploy individual officers to all MINUSCA bases and to redeploy some units from the capital to the provinces. That goes hand in hand with the decentralization of the Mission, which is accompanied by a reconfiguration of UNPOL to enable increased efficiency and better integration. Our priorities also include extending the State’s authority, where UNPOL is working to build gendarmerie brigades and police stations in remote locations, such as Amdafock and Bambouti, which are on the border with the Sudan and South Sudan, respectively. That will also contribute to the Mission’s plan to help the Central African Republic with its project for the better management of border areas. I will now refer to the challenges encountered in the execution of our mandate. The first challenge is the inaccessibility of places where our intervention is required. We are grateful to have received a C-130 aircraft, which is helping the Mission in a very significant way. But the C-130 cannot reach everywhere, and the challenge of inaccessibility remains. For example, in December 2024, the Mission decided on an ambitious stabilization plan for the Yade region in the north-west of the country, bordering Chad and Cameroon. That region has long been a sanctuary for armed groups who commit all kinds of violations against the civilian population. UNPOL will participate in the operation with three formed police units. However, the operation has not yet begun because the roads are impassable and are currently being improved by MINUSCA. In addition to the impassability of the roads, explosive devices are present in some localities, aggravating the inaccessibility issue. Another significant challenge is the sometimes-inadequate participation of our national partners in joint operations or projects supported by MINUSCA, mainly due to a lack of logistical resources. That limits the impact of our efforts as a Mission. In conclusion, I would note that there are recent developments affecting security in the Central African Republic, to which MINUSCA is striving to respond effectively despite the challenges encountered. Those challenges will not prevent us from pursuing our priorities and carrying out our mission. I now give the floor to Ms. Mingzhu Xu. Ms. Mingzhu Xu: I am deeply honoured and proud to appear before this organ to present the work of the police component in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). It was 61 years ago that the Council adopted resolution 186 (1964) to establish a peacekeeping mission to control the intercommunal violence between Cypriots. The United Nations police (UNPOL) has been a part of that effort since its inception. As one of the longest-running active missions, we have consistently upheld efforts to prevent the recurrence of conflict, to contribute to the maintenance of law and order and to facilitate a return to normal conditions — although our work has changed as the conflict has evolved. Over the years, authorized civilian activities within the buffer zone have expanded significantly. Those include bicommunal events, sporting activities, farming, grazing, pilgrimages and other civilian activities that require the mission’s support. UNPOL remains vigilant in safeguarding the buffer zone and facilitating civilian activities in accordance with United Nations regulations. Since 2003, the UNPOL force has been composed of 69 men and women. Our mandated activities have grown exponentially. UNPOL embraces the integrated mission approach with the military and civilian components, aligning political strategies, mindsets and capabilities to deliver in a unified manner. Over time, especially in the past five years, UNFICYP UNPOL’s role has expanded beyond monitoring and reporting. Recognizing prevention as a cornerstone, current tasks include data-driven deployment and liaising with and assisting police services on both sides in addressing criminal offenses enclosed by the buffer zone, as appropriate. Moreover, duties include overseeing crossing points, assessing and supporting the issuance of authorizations for civilian activities, facilitating information exchange activities with the two Joint Contact Rooms, escorting and facilitating access to public services in the buffer zone and delivering humanitarian assistance to communities isolated across the divide in support of the Civil Affairs Section. But our most important role is conflict prevention. Every day, UNPOL officers engage with a multitude of actors in the buffer zone, employing community-oriented policing to defuse tensions, broker compromises and generally keep the peace. The women and peace and security agenda remains at the core of UNPOL’s efforts, as outlined in its gender action plan. One of its key objectives was to achieve 50/50 gender parity in representation by 2025. I am pleased to report that we just reached 48 per cent — far exceeding the global UNPOL target of 25 per cent. The police component presents its expert input at UNFICYP integrated briefings and contributes to the common situational awareness, taking part in cross-component coordination mechanisms at Headquarters and sector levels. Technology is key to boosting the performance of the police component. That includes closed-circuit television, dashboard cameras and the tools provided by the fully implemented Situational Awareness Geospatial Enterprise UNITE Aware, utilizing the institutional memory available to plan and provide data-driven guidance to officers on the ground. Following the rise in authorized activities within the buffer zone, civilian incidents have also increased over the past five years, while criminal activities have remained stable. Specifically comparing 2024 with 2023, civilian incidents increased by more than 100 per cent, while criminal incidents decreased by 5.1 per cent due to effective mechanisms of cooperation in Joint Contact Rooms in Nicosia and Pyla Notwithstanding the long-standing political stalemate, UNPOL has been actively engaging within its area of responsibility in trust-building activities with respect to law enforcement issues. For instance, the bicommunal Technical Committee on Crime and Criminal Matters established two Joint Contact Rooms to enhance cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus Police (Cypol) and the Turkish Cypriot Police Element (TCPE). Through that essential channel, a total of 487 pieces of information were exchanged between the law enforcement agencies in 2024 on a wide range of topics, including wanted persons, crimes against property, life, economic and financial order and missing persons. UNPOL also facilitated the total of 13 handovers that were conducted from the north to the Republic of Cyprus, including two high- profile internationally wanted suspects — one for terrorism and the other for arms trafficking. With a focus on maintaining law and order, UNPOL provided escorts for Cypol and TCPE on 147 occasions within the buffer zone, facilitating investigations, first-response operations and other police-related activities. A total of 720 liaisons were conducted with Cypol and 235 with TCPE. The overall circumstances bring with them dynamic challenges that test the mission’s adaptability. Although UNFICYP had no protection of civilians mandate, the mission, in support of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, was obliged to respond to the Republic of Cyprus’s pushbacks of asylum-seekers between May and November 2024. That resulted in a total of 142 persons — including 35 children as young as 9 months old — being stranded in the buffer zone, housed in two de facto temporary humanitarian camps. I hope I have demonstrated the significant potential of the United Nations police  — even with a lean component like the one in Cyprus  — to strengthen peacekeeping missions and advance the Action for Peacekeeping Plus strategy. That is particularly achievable through close cooperation and integration with other mission components, while leveraging our respective strengths to support one another. UNFICYP UNPOL is dedicated to efficiency, efficacy and seamless multi-component integration, striving to maximize outcomes with available resources. That commitment is reinforced by the use of technologies to enhance operational capability and by promoting the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in the mission. I would like to express my gratitude to the 15 police-contributing countries that form the backbone of UNFICYP UNPOL as I urge Member States to continue supporting that vital international peace effort by contributing their skilled officers.

I thank Ms. Mingzhu Xu for her briefing. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

Allow me to begin by thanking Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Police Adviser Faisal Shahkar, Police Commissioner Christophe Bizimungu of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic and Senior Police Adviser Mingzhu Xu of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus for their insightful briefings. We welcome the presence of the leaders of United Nations police components from various peacekeeping missions, special political missions and regional offices. First, it is crucial that the perspectives of United Nations police be included in decision-making regarding peacekeeping missions, including mission planning and resourcing. Those insights can make a critical difference in improving United Nations peace operations. We heard some of those perspectives from our briefers today. Secondly, realistic mandates are key for the success of peacekeeping operations. In situations where a rapid deployment of formed police units, instead of military units, is necessary, the deployment should be based on clear and achievable mandates and supported by adequate resources. Thirdly, embracing technology will prove crucial for the future success of United Nations police actions, as well as the safety and security of civilians and of peacekeepers themselves. Policing in peacekeeping operations needs to evolve and adapt to address complex, non-traditional threats involving organized crime, human trafficking, terrorism and the weaponization of technology. United Nations 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, drones, surveillance equipment and data analytics. Fourthly, United Nations police plays a crucial role in post-conflict transitions. In transitions and in peacebuilding, the United Nations police must prioritize capacity- building, institutional development and rebuilding the local law enforcement structures of the host Government to ensure sustainable peace and stability. It should foster trust with host Governments and local communities. Finally, a culture of efficiency within the United Nations police and peacekeeping operations can significantly improve performance and resource management. Clear mission objectives, streamlined decision-making processes and effective resource allocation are essential to achieving operational efficiency. Pakistan’s police, along with our military, has been a traditional contributor to United Nations missions. Pakistan has deployed 50 formed police units (FPU) in service of United Nations peace operations, including in Haiti, Darfur, Timor-Leste and Ivory Coast. Eleven of our brave police personnel have laid down their lives in the line of duty. The current readiness of a Pakistani FPU on the rapid deployment level highlights the country’s preparedness to support international peacekeeping efforts. Pakistani police officers have earned respect for their professionalism and devotion to their duty under the United Nations police banner. Besides recognizing Police Adviser Faisal Shahkar, I would like to recall that Pakistani policewoman Shahzadi Gulfam was the first-ever recipient of the International Female Police Peacekeeper Award in 2011. Pakistan will host a Peacekeeping Ministerial preparatory meeting on 15 and 16 April this year in Islamabad, in partnership with the Republic of Korea, in the lead-up to the United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin in May. It will provide an opportunity for Member States to make pledges to support United Nations police, including through the deployment of formed police units and individual police officers and by supporting training and the use of technology. In conclusion, I wish to underscore that the future of United Nations policing and peacekeeping operations depends on adaptability, innovation and collaboration, as well as the support of the international community. Member States must provide the necessary political and financial support to enable United Nations police to fulfil its mandate effectively. United Nations police operations remain integral to the achievement of global peace and security as we promote peace processes that seek to address the root causes of conflicts, promote the meaningful participation of local stakeholders, including women, youth, civil society and community leaders, and support national cohesion and State-building. In prioritizing multilateral approaches to addressing conflict with political dialogue and engagement at the centre, the Security Council must therefore provide United Nations police operations with the appropriate administrative, technical and logistical capacities to effectively contribute to that agenda. In responding to issues around the relevance and efficiency of United Nations police operations, I will make the following four points. First, United Nations police operations must have clear mandates guiding their operations. Whether deployed in multidimensional peace operations or in the context of targeted mandates, those deployments must be underpinned by clear objectives based on accurate assessments of the conditions on the ground, as well as the end goals to be achieved through a coherent legitimate peace process and beyond. Configuring peacekeeping operations to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow must therefore always be based on adherence to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and upholding human rights. Secondly, in developing a clear mandate for United Nations police operations, there should be clarity and agreement among the key stakeholders — including the Security Council, police-contributing countries and host nations — as regards the viability of the approach. Coordination between the Security Council and the General Assembly, as well as with United Nations agencies and other development agencies, is needed to develop strategies that move beyond peacekeeping during conflict to supporting States during reconstruction and State-building. At the operational level, it is equally important that local communities trust the presence and work of United Nations police and regard them as a useful force for good, particularly in the case of communities dealing with trauma from protracted conflict and violations of human rights. Thirdly, the expansion of demand for United Nations police operations in addressing complex challenges in an age of technology-driven warfare, extremism and transborder crimes requires specialized skills and training. Measures undertaken by United Nations police to improve its management and operations, including through the Strategic Guidance Framework for International Policing, as well as initiatives such as the Secretary-General’s Action for Peacekeeping Plus strategy, provide a cohesive and coherent framework for the recruitment, training and deployment of an agile and capable United Nations police force that can respond to the needs of communities. Efforts have been increased to build capacities in languages, strategic leadership, community policing and the protection of civilians. United Nations police operations can be further enhanced by using reliable data on conflict and fragile situations and socioeconomic conditions to conduct hotspot analysis and predictive policing, noting adherence to ethical standards in that regard. We particularly commend the concerted efforts of United Nations police in responding to the women and peace and security agenda, not only with respect to its human resource policies, but also with numerous examples from missions of proactive measures to address gender-based violence and to promote women’s capacity-building and education, as well as women’s participation in governance and community peace. Finally, looking ahead, United Nations police peace operations will require more strategic partnerships with regional actors in shifting towards flexible operations that can better address the challenges of a shifting geopolitical landscape and resource constraints. The range of possible adaptive configurations will be demonstrated to some extent as we implement resolution 2719 (2023), which presents an opportunity for supporting formed police units that can be readily deployed to support peace operations on the African continent. In conclusion, strengthening good governance and the protection of civilians in the context of conflict prevention and peacebuilding cooperation also requires the Security Council and Member States to explore more strategic interactions with entities such as the Peacebuilding Commission, which, if fully utilized, can effectively bridge the peace-development nexus and support durable peace and security arrangements. We welcome the assurances for adequate, predictable and sustainable financing for peace operations provided in the Pact for the Future.

At the outset, I would like to thank the Chinese presidency for organizing this important meeting. I also extend our appreciation to Under-Secretary-General Lacroix, United Nations Police Adviser Shahkar, Police Commissioner Bizimungu and Senior Police Adviser Mingzhu Xu for their clear, incisive briefings that continually highlighted the indispensable role of United Nations police in our peacekeeping efforts. The United Nations police (UNPOL) goes far beyond enforcing the law. It serves as a crucial bridge between international missions and local communities. Its daily commitment to building trust, ensuring security and promoting community cooperation underpins the stability essential in today’s challenging environment. Through increased community-oriented and intelligence-led policing approaches, it has enhanced its effectiveness in protecting civilians and responding to serious crimes. The effectiveness of our peacekeeping operations relies on well-trained and properly equipped police forces. I take this opportunity to pay tribute to the tireless efforts and sacrifices of police commissioners and their teams, whose work in conflict resolution, civilian protection and capacity-building establishes the foundation for lasting peace. Their adaptability in addressing evolving challenges, from transnational organized crime to complex security implications, demonstrates the vital nature of their mission. The recent adoption of the landmark resolution 2719 (2023) by the Security Council underscores our shared commitment to robust partnerships. The resolution exemplifies our collaborative spirit on the global stage, particularly in strengthening African-led peace support operations and reinforcing human rights standards. In addition, the progress made through the Global Focal Point for the Rule of Law and the Inter-Agency Task Force on Policing has fostered greater coherence in our collective support to host Governments. The Secretary-General’s New Agenda for Peace provides a visionary road map that addresses the root causes of conflict while strengthening societal resilience. As we implement the Action for Peacekeeping Plus strategy, three priorities deserve our focused attention: strengthening specialized capabilities, enhancing operational readiness and developing effective communication strategies. The recent United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit highlighted the importance of aligning our capabilities with operational requirements. We must continue to invest in specialized training, implement rigorous performance metrics and develop strategies to counter misinformation. Those elements are crucial for enhancing the operational readiness of our peacekeepers. In conclusion, every stakeholder bears a share of the responsibility for lasting peace. Preventative diplomacy, strategic partnerships and inclusive dialogue will be key to empower United Nations police to lead the charge towards sustainable security. We stand ready to work together to protect the vulnerable and transform the vision of peace into a tangible reality for all.

I thank the briefers for their valuable insights. Denmark deeply appreciates the dedication of United Nations police officers around the world. We meet at a time of rapid change. Conflicts today are rarely just among States. They stem from political instability, economic disparity and weak governance — conditions that fuel corruption, organized crime and human rights violations. Criminal networks, armed groups and terrorists exploit those conditions, blurring the lines between crime and insurgency. Just as those challenges cut across sectors, so too must our responses. Sustainable political solutions, robust rule of law and effective local policing are key to addressing those complex threats. Allow me to highlight three points. First, United Nations peace operations remain a vital tool. Every day, they help to stabilize conflict zones but they must adapt. Traditional peacekeeping is not enough. The United Nations police could — and should — play a part in mission planning from the start and play an even bigger role in tackling crime, protecting civilians and strengthening justice systems. As conflicts evolve, it can provide important support for political settlements and post-conflict transitions, which are critical for long- term stability. We strongly support the important reform work taking place in the United Nations regarding the future of United Nations policing. We must remember that effective policing today is not the same as it was yesterday. The future of United Nations policing, in particular in times of financial constraints, requires clear priorities, innovation and specialization. We need to move beyond traditional approaches, ensure modern training and embrace new technologies. With better skills, flexible strategies and a more agile force, the United Nations police will be ready for tomorrow’s challenges. Denmark has extensive experience in police reform and capacity-building, and we stand ready to share our expertise. My second point is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Peace missions, including their police components, must be flexible, realistic and aligned with actual needs. When conflicts change, mandates should be reviewed and adapted, and mandates must match available resources. Overpromising and underdelivering risks eroding trust in the United Nations ability to make a difference. Realism is key to ensuring successful and sustainable peace operations. Thirdly, and lastly, a well-functioning police force must be diverse. Women play a crucial role in law enforcement, and the women and peace and security agenda is In conclusion, the United Nations police is on the front line of peace. To uphold the rule of law, protect civilians and ensure lasting stability, we must invest in its training, strategies and expertise. The future of United Nations policing depends on clear priorities, data-driven strategies and the ability to adapt. Missions must be flexible, mandates realistic and resources aligned with expectations. We invite our partners to work with us in strengthening law enforcement, addressing emerging threats and advancing gender balance in United Nations policing. By doing so, we will make peace operations more effective and contribute to a safer and more secure world.

For their comprehensive briefings, I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix, United Nations Police Adviser Faisal Shahkar, Police Commissioner of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic Christophe Bizimungu and Senior Police Adviser of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus Mingzhu Xu. The United Nations police (UNPOL) extensively contributes to peacekeeping by supporting Member States, where mandated, in conflict, post-conflict and crisis situations through efficient engagement that serves and protects the population. The United Nations police and peacekeeping operations are a cost-effective means of international burden-sharing, and the Secretariat increasingly recognizes them as being central to the success of United Nations peacekeeping operations. Civil disorder control, border policing, training and mentoring host country police, protecting civilians and institutionalizing the rule of law are just some of the ways that UNPOL contributes to missions. As put forward in the latest independent study on the future of peacekeeping, peacekeeping must adapt. UNPOL must also adapt, as a critical piece in the peacekeeping puzzle. One helpful adaptation would be to enable more effective integration of UNPOL perspectives and equities in decision-making processes, at both Headquarters and mission levels. That integration would strengthen strategic and operational mission-planning conversations, which would have important planning and resource implications, including the fact that it would help to ensure that the recruitment of UNPOL personnel is centred more on mission-specific needs and skill sets. Another helpful adaptation could be to extend UNPOL rotation schedules as part of an effort to strengthen some of its institutional structures at Headquarters level. Longer rotations would also support the development of critical local knowledge and relationships, which are key to the effective mentoring and capacity-building of local police in United Nations peacekeeping contexts. That could also help to address the issue of the demand for United Nations police officers and formed police units, which is outpacing the number of police officers that contributing States are willing and able to deploy. In addition, training must match the growing complexity of policing. Member States must prepare police through specialized training, especially in critical areas such as conducting forensic investigations, including digital forensics, and addressing organized crime. At the same time, it is vital to leverage digital technologies to enhance UNPOL and broader peacekeeping effectiveness, improve mandate delivery and analyse data to develop evidence-based approaches. In conclusion, UNPOL continues to show the capacity and willingness to innovate in order to meet new and emerging challenges, and it must continue to uphold high standards of ethical conduct to be able to effectively bridge the gap between missions, host State law enforcement and local communities. Member States, missions and

I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix, United Nations Police Adviser Shahkar, Police Commissioner Bizimungu and Senior Police Adviser Mingzhu Xu for their insightful and comprehensive briefings. We recognize the indispensable role of the United Nations police (UNPOL) in advancing the priorities of the Action for Peacekeeping Plus initiative. Today’s evolving challenges to global peace and security, including disregard for international humanitarian and human rights law and the rise of cybercrime and transnational organized crime, require more robust and adaptive policing responses. In that regard, this annual briefing provides a timely opportunity to rethink the role of UNPOL. Against that backdrop, I would like to highlight three points. The first is the pivotal role of UNPOL in fostering trust and solidarity with local communities. UNPOL serves as a bridge between peacekeeping missions and host communities, as it is uniquely positioned to engage directly with local populations through community-oriented policing. That proximity enables UNPOL to address grievances in fragile communities, which, if left unaddressed, can be exploited by extremist and terrorist groups. Moreover, in its bridging role, UNPOL is instrumental during and after the transition of United Nations peace operations. In collaboration with the United Nations country team, it can help sustain and build upon the progress achieved through those missions. Specialized training in community engagement, conflict prevention and strategic communication is essential to achieving those objectives. In that context, the Korean National Police University has been conducting a training-of-trainers programme on community-oriented policing for key police-contributing countries in the Asia-Pacific region since 2023. Secondly, strengthening the policing capacity of host countries based on national ownership is important. The sustaining of peace is highly dependent on the ability of host countries to maintain their own law and order. UNPOL must therefore continue to provide tailored capacity-building assistance to enhance the law enforcement and judicial capabilities of host countries. The Republic of Korea, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, has contributed to those efforts by supporting the development of the criminal information management system for the police in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Moreover, increasing the participation of women in national police forces is essential, particularly in addressing conflict-related sexual violence. Enhancing the representation of women in the United Nations police is equally critical, as it strengthens efforts to build the capacity of national police in that regard. Recognizing that, the Republic of Korea has deployed numerous female police officers to United Nations missions in Liberia, Haiti, East Timor and South Sudan. Thirdly, there is a need to equip UNPOL with the skills and tools to address evolving security threats. The growing impact of misinformation and disinformation and hate speech in peacekeeping contexts poses serious risks to the safety and security of peacekeepers and undermines the effective implementation of peacekeeping mandates, including those of UNPOL. The deployment of police officers with expertise in strategic communication and cyberspace will become increasingly important to address those threats. In that regard, the Republic of Korea remains committed to assisting UNPOL in the use of digital technology to enhance its capabilities and effectiveness. Furthermore, United Nations peace operations should also address transnational organized crime, including drug trafficking, arms smuggling and human trafficking, which fuel instability. As seen in Mali, where UNPOL assisted the authorities in combating transnational organized crime, its role has been crucial. Member States should therefore continue to support UNPOL in those efforts where necessary.

We thank the Under- Secretary-General, Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, and Mr. Faisal Shahkar, Mr. Christophe Bizimungu and Ms. Mingzhu Xu for their statements. We thank the members of the United Nations police, the colleagues present and those serving in the field, for their dedication and sacrifice. Having their perspectives in decision-making makes a difference, especially at a critical time in which profound reform is needed. Today peace operations are evolving, and the role of commissioners is increasingly important, as they are part of the machinery of transforming and building peace from the ground up at every stage of transitions. Any peace process must be focused on strengthening communities, their resilience and the comprehensive development of each person. We therefore encourage investment in regional and local cooperation programmes that empower both police and community leaders to be agents of peace and leaders in the protection of the rule of law, human rights and democracy. We also urge them to be role models in achieving gender equality and to fight against impunity to prevent sexual abuse and exploitation. Coordinating efforts with organizations such as the African Union, working together with the Peacebuilding Commission, can be key to facilitating collaboration with local authorities, agencies on the ground, academia and civil society. Furthermore, it is crucial to ensure the security of peace commissioners and peacekeepers. They are facing increasing risks as a result of the consequences of factors such as climate change and disinformation campaigns facilitated by big tech. We can only overcome those obstacles by building trust and finding new ways of reaching out and communicating with the communities we serve. Strengthening ties with local authorities is equally crucial. To achieve that, as highlighted in Action For Peacekeeping Plus, we must make efforts to include more women in all peace processes, as their contributions are essential in mediation and rebuilding trust. We also urge everyone to consider climate, peace and security components in every decision and stage of peace processes. We know that there is a link between the lack of critical resources, such as water and food, and breeding grounds for the recruitment of gangs and armed groups. We call on the police to work hand in hand with communities, authorities and agencies on the ground to educate and empower young people with civic, mental health and business tools and to steer them away from armed groups. Finally and above all, we urge you, Mr. President, not to lose sight of the fact that attacking the problem at its root is the best option we have. Peace is not won with an iron fist. Peace is built with patience and tolerance, by improving basic services, creating inclusive civic spaces, with the participation of women and young people, balancing the distribution of wealth and political power, and truly investing in human, economic and environmentally sustainable development.

I would like to thank Under- Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix, his Police Adviser, Mr. Faisal Shahkar, and the heads of the police components of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, Mr. Christophe At the outset, I would like to pay a heartfelt tribute to the work of those men and women, police officers and gendarmes, who are currently deployed in the field in sometimes very difficult security conditions, to help maintain peace and protect civilians. I would like to pay tribute to all the Member States participating in the United Nations police (UNPOL) and the memory of the UNPOL personnel who lost their lives during their missions. I would like to make two points. First, UNPOL has a particular responsibility in mandate implementation. Acting in an integrated manner, the United Nations police operate at the crossroads of missions conducted by military and civilian components. Committed to building and developing the capacities of a State’s internal security forces, the United Nations police play a decisive role in helping the authorities to achieve successful security sector reform. In mandates that have a protection-of-civilians aspect — an internal security mission par excellence — the police component must be able to assume its specific role and operate across the full spectrum of its skills, with the necessary resources. To successfully carry out the missions entrusted to them, in increasingly complex contexts, it is essential that the United Nations police have appropriate planning, force-generation, crisis-management and operations-management capabilities. It must be more effective, more efficient and closer to the needs of the people. That is the aim of the Action for Peacekeeping initiative, its Action for Peacekeeping Plus implementation strategy and the Pact for the Future (General Assembly resolution 79/1), adopted by consensus in September. France supports these efforts to make peacekeeping more effective and capable of meeting current and future challenges. When the security situation permits, the United Nations police must be able to play its full role in community policing missions. In that context, it must pursue efforts to raise awareness of the need to combat sexual exploitation and abuse and to build the capacity of local police to care for the victims of such violence. Finally, we need to take into account the growing responsibilities of the United Nations police in supporting the transition phases of peacekeeping operations. That must be done gradually, including through capacity-building, in order to promote lasting peace after the departure of United Nations operations. Secondly, the role of women is essential to the success of the United Nations police. The United Nations police must continue to relentlessly promote the role of women in its ranks. France welcomes and contributes to the efforts made to that end. The United Nations police has exceeded the targets set in the uniformed gender- parity strategy. Those results must be consolidated over the long term. Women are key players in conflict resolution. The recent joint initiative, led by Member States and UN-Women, known as the “high-level network on gender- responsive policing”, further enhances the inclusion of women in internal security forces. France supports that initiative and is ready to share its best practices. In conclusion, the women and men who serve in the United Nations police force deserve our support and respect. They have a tangible impact on people’s daily lives. It is important to recognize that and to make it known. Faced with the ongoing risks of misinformation, we must continue efforts to better communicate and raise awareness of the role of the United Nations police on the ground where it is deployed. France will continue to support the contribution of United Nations police to peace operations. Let me start by recognizing the contributions and sacrifices of the 6,100 United Nations police women and men currently deployed across 12 United Nations missions worldwide. As we heard today, the role of the United Nations police is fundamental to the successful delivery of the Action for Peacekeeping Plus Initiative  — in supporting and advising countries in crisis, conflict and post-conflict situations; in preventing crime and protecting life and property; and in maintaining public order and safety. In particular, we support the vital work of the United Nations police to protect civilians and maintain public safety, with full respect for the rule of law and international humanitarian law, contributing to more responsive and accountable policing by host nations. The United Kingdom also continues to champion the principles of the landmark women and peace and security resolution, resolution 1325 (2000), on this, its twenty- fifth year, and we are pleased to support — in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research and police-contributing countries  — gender- responsive courses and training, including for sexual and gender-based violence investigations and police logistics. As we look to the future, we must ensure that United Nations policing has the capabilities it needs to effectively deliver mandates and tackle emerging challenges. That includes ensuring effective policing structures within the wider United Nations peacekeeping architecture, bringing in specialist expertise and, critically, making best use of new technologies. In conclusion, the United Kingdom remains committed to supporting the United Nations police, in line with the principles of Action for Peacekeeping Plus, and to continuing to work together to ensure that it contributes positively to peace and security around the world.

I thank the briefers for the valuable information provided. At the outset, we would like to pay tribute to the enormous sacrifices made by the members of the United Nations police and peacekeeping missions, both military and police, and we reiterate our appreciation for their tremendous efforts. My delegation shares the assessment of various speakers that peacekeeping operations remain an essential element of United Nations efforts to resolve conflicts and achieve stability. We also express our full support for the recommendations of the Secretary-General within the framework of the Action for Peacekeeping Plus initiative. In such operations, the police are central actors. They helps strengthen State institutions and restore citizens’ trust in them. Nonetheless, the Organization’s efforts through peacekeeping operations are facing many challenges, which will require a global adjustment of those operations in order to increase their capacity to respond promptly and effectively to any and all threats and to adapt to changes in the environments in which they operate. This meeting provides us with an appropriate framework for exchanging views on how to adjust our common tools, in particular the police component of peacekeeping operations, and how to respond to the multifaceted challenges they face. In that regard, my delegation would like to underscore several points. First, maintaining a close partnership with the host country is essential if we are to ensure the success of the mandate of a peacekeeping operation, particularly with regard to capacity-building of national security forces in line with the host country’s expressed priorities. In that regard, security sector reform is a key element of the United Nations efforts to build strong and sustainable United Nations entities. Secondly, there is an urgent need to develop more partnerships between the United Nations and Member States, with a view to building more bridges for the exchange of experiences and good practices. In that regard, Algeria has made significant efforts to develop and modernize its national security institutions in order to adapt their capacity to face new and emerging challenges, especially cyberthreats. Furthermore, my country is involved in several bilateral cooperation frameworks with various partners to share its extensive experience in combating all types of threats. Algeria expresses its readiness to contribute to United Nations efforts through capacity-building programmes in support of Member States that express their needs in that area. Algeria therefore recommends that the United Nations continue to encourage and support cooperation among Member States and the role of regional organizations. As the host country of the African Police Cooperation Organization, Algeria strongly supports the idea of a greater role for the African Union in promoting cooperation among African police institutions. Algeria believes that intensified cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union will undoubtedly have positive repercussions for all parties. Thirdly, adjusting security responses and continuously adapting them to the nature of threats means investing in new technologies, especially as criminal and terrorist groups use advanced technologies to carry out their destructive activities. The use of new technologies has now become necessary to counter misinformation, tendentious propaganda and false narratives that are used to fuel tensions in societies or against the authority of the State. Access to advanced technological means will be possible through increased cooperation among Member States and with the support of the United Nations as part of efforts to share expertise and transfer technology. In that regard, Algeria recommends that the United Nations Organization be a link between donors and beneficiaries. In conclusion, as a reliable security partner with extensive experience in the fight against terrorism, Algeria remains committed to contributing to various regional and international efforts aimed at strengthening peace processes, particularly the police component therein, through innovative and effective partnerships.

I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Jean- Pierre Lacroix, United Nations Police Adviser Faisal Shahkar and the Heads of the Police Components of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic, Mr. Bizimungu, and of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), Ms. Mingzhu Xu. Greece wishes to begin by expressing its deep gratitude to the men and women police officers who are committed to serving under the most challenging circumstances, while protecting civilians and maintaining law and order. At the same time, we honour the memory of all those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. United Nations peacekeeping is one of the most effective tools available to the United Nations in the promotion and maintenance of international peace and security. The United Nations police is an essential component of peacekeeping. First, it is imperative to implement the Pact for the Future (General Assembly resolution 79/1), and especially Action 21 thereof, with which we committed to adapt peace operations to better respond to existing challenges and new realities. The adaptation should consider the needs of all Member States and troop- and police-contributing countries and the priorities and responsibilities of host countries. Peace operations can succeed only when political solutions are actively pursued and have predictable, adequate and sustained financing. Moreover, we encourage the implementation of the proposals of the New Agenda for Peace on reinforcing and strengthening United Nations peacekeeping capabilities to operationalize rapid responses to emerging crises. We also support the Under-Secretary-General’s efforts to implement the priorities outlined in the Action for Peacekeeping and Action for Peacekeeping Plus initiatives. Secondly, we echo all those who have expressed the belief that the United Nations police has an important role to play in protecting civilians as part of their engagement with the local population. Police-contributing countries should ensure that the personnel who they deploy are adequately trained, including with regard to protection operations. Thirdly, the role of United Nations police in improving the host State’s police capabilities, in a manner that enables it to guarantee the safety of its citizens, can be crucial. In particular, United Nations police can support capacity-building programmes and promote gender parity within the host State’s police. We call on the Council to support the relevant efforts of all those missions. We value the briefing provided by Ms. Mingzhu Xu. United Nations Police is working in cooperation with UNFICYP’s Military and Civil Affairs components as part of a three-pillar concept, contributing to the maintenance and restoration of law and order in the buffer zone in Cyprus. Police officers deployed in UNFICYP need to possess a good knowledge of the local conditions, with the ability to evaluate the implications of economic, political, cultural and historical sensitivities in the region. We thank them for their service. It is our belief that United Nations policing can more effectively integrate women’s empowerment into a host country’s development by implementing the women and peace and security agenda. That can be achieved in particular by financing and actively supporting women’s participation and leadership for peace, by ensuring safe participation and by ensuring broader gender responsiveness in peace processes and peace agreements, especially in the respective mediation contexts. In conclusion, let us not forget that the ultimate objective of United Nations peacekeeping is to achieve durable political solutions to conflict, something that requires the unified political support of Member States — and particularly of the Security Council. I would like to reiterate Greece’s readiness to continue contributing to the efforts of the United Nations police in that respect.

I thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix, United Nations Police Adviser Shahkar, Police Commissioner Bizimungu and Senior Police Adviser Mingzhu Xu for their briefings. At the outset, Guyana pays tribute to the United Nations police for their crucial role in peacekeeping. Their contribution to protecting civilians, deterring violence, supporting other military and civilian mission components and capacity-building in today’s challenging environment is critical to the successes of peacekeeping missions and the overall goal of maintaining international peace and security. Police commissioners, as leaders of the police contingents, bear a significant responsibility in ensuring the effectiveness and professionalism of their personnel. Their leadership It is against that backdrop that Guyana highlights the importance of the following five elements in keeping United Nations police fit for purpose. First, there is a need to strengthen recruitment and training. The selection and training of police commissioners and their teams must prioritize not only technical skills, but also critical competencies in human rights, gender sensitivity, conflict resolution and intercultural communication. Predeployment training must be comprehensive and context-specific, equipping personnel to effectively navigate the complex challenges of modern peacekeeping environments. We encourage the United Nations to continue investing in robust training programmes and to explore innovative approaches in order to better prepare contingents for the realities of the tasks ahead. Secondly, it is imperative to promote accountability and transparency. Accountability for misconduct is essential to maintaining the integrity of United Nations peacekeeping operations. Robust mechanisms for investigating allegations of wrongdoing and ensuring timely and appropriate disciplinary action are crucial. We underscore the importance of transparency in those processes in building public confidence and preventing impunity. We also encourage the United Nations to strengthen its collaboration with Member States in addressing those issues effectively. Thirdly, there is a need to enhance collaboration and coordination. Effective peacekeeping requires seamless collaboration and coordination among all mission components, including military, civilian and police elements. Police commissioners play a vital role in fostering that integrated approach, working closely with their counterparts to achieve shared objectives. We encourage the United Nations to further enhance mechanisms for information-sharing and joint planning to ensure a cohesive and coordinated response to evolving challenges. Fourthly, with regard to prioritizing community engagement, building trust with host communities is fundamental to the success of peacekeeping operations. Police commissioners should prioritize community engagement strategies that promote dialogue, address local concerns and foster a sense of shared responsibility for peace and security. That includes working closely with local authorities, civil society organizations and community leaders to understand the specific needs and vulnerabilities of the population. Fifthly, in terms of ensuring gender parity, we reiterate the importance of achieving gender parity at all levels of peacekeeping operations, including within police contingents. The participation of women in policing roles brings diverse perspectives and contributes to more effective responses to the needs of all members of the community. We encourage Member States to increase the deployment of female police officers and support United Nations efforts to create a more inclusive and gender-sensitive peacekeeping environment. Guyana remains committed to supporting United Nations efforts to strengthen peacekeeping operations and enhance the role of police commissioners in achieving lasting peace and security. We believe that, by working together, we can create a more effective and responsive peacekeeping architecture that is capable of addressing the complex challenges of our time.

I wish to thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix, Police Commissioner Bizimungu, Senior Police Adviser Xu and United Nations Police Adviser Shahkar for their insightful briefings. I also wish to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all policemen and policewomen who are serving in United Nations operations. Let me therefore focus on three important elements concerning possible contributions of United Nations police to the Action for Peacekeeping Plus initiative. First, we need to reassess United Nations support for police, justice and corrections. The demands placed on United Nations policing have evolved, as have the operating environments. Well trained and effective police personnel are needed in peacekeeping operations more than ever. To effectively prevent conflict and promote sustainable peace, we must develop a more comprehensive and efficient approach to law enforcement challenges and address the absence of justice systems where needed. Police, justice and corrections must be central to the deployment of peace operations throughout their full life cycle and during transitions. Secondly, a consistent vision by the United Nations to support police, justice and corrections in both mission and non-mission settings is vital. Only tailored capacity- building interventions that endure throughout the entire life cycle can enable host countries to fully realize their potential and to build or rebuild the system based on and guided by the rule of law. That vision must be accompanied by a carefully crafted operational plan, developed in collaboration with Member States, including police contributing countries, relevant actors from the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on Policing and civil society and academia. We should explore innovative models for deploying police, justice and corrections personnel, fostering stronger partnerships among United Nations entities and encompassing all facets of law enforcement capacity-building. All of that must be undertaken with a strong commitment to environmental management. Slovenia is a staunch advocate for an effectively managed footprint for peace operations that minimizes risks to personnel, host communities and ecosystems. It is the reputation of the United Nations that is at stake, and we should not take that lightly. Thirdly, it is crucial to ensure women’s full, equal, meaningful and safe participation at all stages and levels of peace processes. In that regard, we commend all efforts to promote the deployment and professional development of women police officers and women judicial and correction personnel within United Nations peacekeeping. That initiative not only strengthens United Nations missions but also benefits the communities they serve. I would like to conclude by acknowledging the ongoing efforts of various United Nations entities in implementing the Action for Peacekeeping initiative and addressing future challenges and opportunities.

We thank Under- Secretary-General Jean-Pierre Lacroix; Mr. Christophe Bizimungu, head of the police component of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA); Ms. Mingzhu Xu, Senior Police Adviser to the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP); and Mr. Faisal Shahkar, United Nations Police Adviser. We are grateful for their assessments. Through them, we would like to thank all police peacekeepers who have heroically performed their solemn duty to maintain peace and security in complex conflict situations. We honour the memory of all Blue Helmets who have fallen in the line of duty. The police component plays a unique role in United Nations peacekeeping efforts. The Blue Helmets are in fact the face of the United Nations. They engage with locals on a daily basis, helping them to build national law enforcement agencies and fight crime. For people in the countries that host peacekeeping operations, the United Nations is not about its Headquarters in faraway New York, or the abstract resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly. For them, the United Nations is about the peacekeeping policemen and women who are patrolling the streets of their hometown, who know first-hand the problems the locals face. In order to keep and live up to the trust of the host country, missions should be filled with the best of the best servicemen and women, those who have gone through a rigorous selection process and who have all the necessary skills. My country is proud that, since 1992, more than 700 staff from the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs have become peacekeeping police officers. Today Russian nationals are serving in missions in South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cyprus and in the Abyei region. We are pleased to say that three of our fellow citizens were among the UNFICYP police officers who were awarded United Nations Peace Medals in November 2024. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Cyprus and Head of UNFICYP, Colin Stewart, praised the contribution of the Russian peacekeepers to the common cause, noting their professionalism and high level of training. Today Ms. Mingzhu Xu already noted the important role played by the UNFICYP police contingent in shaping international efforts to maintain stability on the island. Officers from 15 countries are actively involved in patrolling the buffer zone on the island and in ensuring law and order and security for all its inhabitants. We are convinced that their presence contributes to building confidence among Cypriot communities and creating conditions for their peaceful coexistence. It is noteworthy that almost half of those serving in the police contingent are women. I would also like to note the role played by the MINUSCA police component, which was covered in Mr. Bizimungu’s briefing. Three thousand police officers, primarily from African countries, are valiantly discharging their duty as they protect civilians and maintain law and order. The Blue Helmets of the Mission are also contributing significantly to promoting security sector reform in the Central African Republic. They have trained hundreds of officers for the police and security forces in the Central African Republic, facilitated the effective operation of law enforcement agencies and helped to restore police infrastructure. We also separately point out what the Mission is doing to help to develop the penitentiary system in the Central African Republic. That is a very important area, in which the national authorities are still facing serious challenges, primarily administrative and budgetary in nature. What is important is that Bangui highly appreciates the efforts made by the Mission’s police component and supports the continuation of those efforts, and that is the best manifestation of the accomplishments of the MINUSCA Blue Helmets. What is being done by police peacekeepers is multifaceted and, depending on the mandate, ranges from providing limited advisory assistance for national law enforcement agencies to temporarily ensuring public order using their own forces exclusively. Whatever the future holds for peacekeeping operations, we have no doubt that the demand for police assistance will persist in one form or another. As illustrated by the examples I just gave, the key to success lies in building constructive and trusting relationships with the host country, with due regard for its priorities. We support the increased participation of women in United Nations peacekeeping. Practice has shown that it is often easier for women to establish effective communication with locals, and in some ethnic and religious contexts their role is simply irreplaceable. At the same time, we do not think that it is useful to strive for percentage-expressed gender indicators. What should be a cornerstone is the effective implementation of the mandate, with due regard for the circumstances of deployment and the security situation. We would also like to recall that it is important to strictly observe the principle of wide geographic representation when sending women to United Nations peacekeeping missions, including for leadership positions. As a police-contributing country, the Russian Federation is seeking to enhance its contribution to United Nations peacekeeping and to deploy to United Nations missions people with the appropriate skills. Russia is also contributing by training peacekeeping police officers, including foreigners. Since 2000, at the United Nations- certified All-Russian Peacekeepers Training Centre of the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Domodedovo, we have trained more than 350 speciallists from more than 50 countries. Our country has unique experience in the professional training of Blue Helmets, and we are ready to share that experience. Russia will continue contributing to the work of police peacekeepers.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of China. I would like to thank Under-Secretary-General Lacroix, Police Commissioner Bizimungu and Police Adviser Shahkar for their briefings. I am particularly pleased to welcome the participation and briefing of the Senior Police Adviser, Ms. Mingzhu Xu, a female peacekeeper from China. United Nations police is an important component of United Nations peacekeeping operations. China commends United Nations police for its positive contributions to the maintenance of international peace and stability and supports its continued endeavours and success. I wish to share three points. First, we must constantly optimize the mandates of United Nations police based on the specific needs of peacekeeping operations. The Security Council should continue to incorporate the tasks of United Nations police into mission mandates and give full play to United Nations police’s functional advantages in protecting civilians, maintaining order, preventing conflicts and rebuilding local law enforcement capabilities, among other areas. United Nations police mandates should be continuously optimized based on early experience to align with the national conditions of host countries, the needs of peace processes and the capacities of police-contributing countries and should strive to be clear, feasible and focused on priorities. Secondly, we must constantly upgrade the capacity-building of United Nations police. As new technologies are continuously emerging, training provided by police-contributing countries and missions should keep pace with the times to ensure that the expertise and skill set of every police officer can effectively respond to the requirements of changing circumstances. On the one hand, the dividends of science and technology should be harnessed to enhance capabilities for information collection and analysis, situation assessment and the early warning of risks. On the other hand, measures should be taken to guard against information leaks, data misuse and other security risks related to science and technology. The year 2025 marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of Chinese police participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations. Over the past 25 years, we have successfully sent more than 2,700 police officers to 18 United Nations peacekeeping operations and to Headquarters, making important contributions to restoring peace and stability in host countries and regions, protecting local populations and advancing the reconstruction of justice. In that process, eight Chinese police officers made the ultimate sacrifice for United Nations peacekeeping. China took the lead in creating the standby peacekeeping police force in 2016. The unit has been continuously listed at the rapid deployment level by the Peacekeeping Capability Readiness System. Chinese police have actively carried out training for foreign police and have held technical exchanges with them. They have provided training in policing skills to almost 2,000 police officers from 76 countries and regions and has helped police-contributing countries and host countries to strengthen their law enforcement capacity-building. China has provided sustained funding support for United Nations police-related projects through the China-United Nations Peace and Development Fund. Going forward, China will actively implement the Global Security Initiative put forward by President Xi Jinping, support the United Nations in strengthening the work of United Nations police and continue to play an important role in maintaining international peace and security. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers.