Discorso pronunciato dall’Ambasciatore Sebastiano Cardi, Rappresentante Permanente dell’Italia presso le Nazioni Unite e Presidente del Consiglio di Sicurezza, al Briefing su “Peacekeeping Operations: Police Commissioners” —
Dear colleagues,
I would like to warmly thank you for the constructive collaboration and the many efforts made to adopt a resolution on United Nations Policing in peacekeeping. I am also grateful to USG Lacroix and to the Police Commissioners of the missions in Haiti, Mali and Darfur for they briefings which confirmed the central role that Police is currently playing in different peace operations across the world.
As described by Police Commissioner Yacouba, in Mali UN Police components are assisting Malian authorities in their fight against transnational organized crime which is active in all sort of illegal trafficking – from weapons to human beings – and, very often, connected also with terrorist organizations, providing them several sources of financing. The support UN Police can provide to local authorities to fight these criminal networks and disconnect their routes of trafficking is therefore crucial to reduce a major source of instability for the Sahel and for the entire Mediterranean region.
In Haiti, Police Commissioner Monchotte explained how the Police component is now at the core of the peace mission, strengthening the rule of law through the activity of mentoring and advising of local police. The Haiti case can be an example of how United Nations Police capacity development efforts can assist in the prevention of relapse to conflict and leave an enduring legacy in terms of sustainable peace. It is an important test case and a possible future model for successful transition and eventually exit of peacekeeping missions.
Then, I want to thank Police Commissioner Makotose for his meaningful insight of how the operational effectiveness of UNAMID in Darfur has been strengthened by making the activity of UN Police components more gender-sensitive. This is an important step forward. and is more meaningful if we consider that UNAMID has a renewed focus on peacebuilding and is a tangible, positive result of the collaboration between the UN and the African Union.
The briefing we heard today confirm that in the future the contribution of United Nations Police will be fundamental to have smarter and cost effective peace missions able to achieve sustainable and long lasting peace
It is therefore necessary to strengthen the United Nations Police and in this regard, I would like to recall the critical role of UN Stading Police Capacity, located at the Global Research Center in Brindisi, in providing peace operations with readily available police expertise.
I would like to propose four points for further reflection to reach this goal.
First, we have to recognize the contribution of United Nations Police in preventing conflicts and sustaining peace and consequently include Policing as an integral part of the mandates of peace operations. This will support the focusing on prevention and the surge in diplomacy wished for by the Secretary General.
Second, to strengthen the role United Nations police should play in protecting civilians, preventing and addressing sexual and gender conflict related violence and violations and abuses against children, including by providing assistance and support to local authorities. In this respect, pre-deployment training of the blue helmets is key to provide the necessary assistance and to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse.
Third, we should provide guidance on what is required to improve accountability, transparency, efficiency and effectiveness in the performance of United Nations Police in missions, by defining clear standards for personnel and equipment and assistance to the Host-State Police. In this regard, the role of Police Contributing Countries is of paramount importance and we have to enhance Triangular consultation and cooperation with PCCs and the Secretariat.
Fourth, we completely share the view that an increase number of women in Police Forces will improve the performance of UN Police forces. I encourage Member States to do more to this aim starting for the recruitment of a growing number of women at national level.
Finally, I want to pay tribute to the women and men serving in UN peacekeeping missions, and in particular to those who have lost their lives over the years. We have to spare no efforts to improve the safety and security of our Blue Helmets providing them with all the necessary equipment and technology that can save their lives.
