PRESS RELEASE : UN police play a critical role in mediation and protection – UK statement at the UN Security Council [November 2023]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 14 November 2023.

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki at the UN Security Council meeting on UN peacekeeping operations.

Thank you President, and thank you to all of our briefers today. UN Police are uniquely placed to contribute to meeting the aims of the New Agenda for Peace, preventing the recurrence of conflict and sustaining peace. UN police play a critical role in mediation and protection, and can build trust and understanding with communities.

UN police support host nation capacity-building for the longer term. They should carry out the full range of activities that they are mandated to fulfil, in line with the 2016 UNPOL external review,  to help establish the  Rule of Law, protect human rights and sustainable peace. Given the time that has passed since the last report of the Secretary-General on UNPOL, the UK would encourage the Secretariat to consider preparing a new report for the Council on UNPOL activities and governance.

The UK welcomes the closer integration of police into UN peacekeeping, in line with the emphasis on strategic and operational integration as part of the A4P+ priorities. Missions are stronger and safer when police are treated as an integral part, able to contribute their community intelligence and apply their unique set of skills.

Commander Fossen highlighted how important the Women, Peace and Security agenda is for successful policing. Ensuring that police forces reflect the communities they serve is not only the right thing to do, it leads to better mission performance and can have positive impacts for the role of women in host state security institutions. The UK continues to support initiatives to increase the participation of women in peacekeeping, including the Senior Women Talent Pipeline and the Elsie Initiative Fund, to which we have given more than $8.5 million since its inception.

Finally, President, I want to reiterate my thanks to UNPOL for the brave and important work they carry out in such challenging environments. The UK looks forward to continuing to work with UNPOL on achieving its reform priorities.

Thank you.