The United Nations has urged increased investment in its police service to address growing security threats in conflict-affected regions, particularly in Africa.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, made the appeal while briefing ambassadors at the Security Council, stressing the urgent need to bolster peacekeeping efforts.
According to Lacroix, UN Police play a crucial role in maintaining stability amid rising threats from organized crime, corruption, and human rights violations.
He underscored the difficulties officers face in regions with weak institutions, calling for global cooperation to ensure peacekeeping remains relevant and effective. “Each 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,” Lacroix stated.
He warned that multilateralism is under significant strain, making it even more essential to support UN peacekeeping initiatives. He also urged governments to support the UN Police to adapt to emerging security challenges.
Lacroix highlighted the increasing gap between peacekeeping mandates and on-the-ground realities, stating that efforts under the Action for Peacekeeping (A4P+) initiative have helped narrow this divide. The initiative has improved the effectiveness of police components within UN missions, ensuring that peacekeeping operations remain efficient and impactful.
In the Central African Republic (CAR), the UN Police have been instrumental in strengthening national security forces to protect civilians and uphold the rule of law. Similarly, in the disputed Abyei region between Sudan and South Sudan, peacekeeping forces have played a key role in implementing governance strategies to support stability.
Beyond these missions, the UN is enhancing its police training programs. A revised UN Police Commanders Course was recently piloted in Nairobi, Kenya, while a collaboration with the Elsie Initiative has improved gender-sensitive living areas in field missions, encouraging more women to join peacekeeping efforts.
Technology and Innovation in Peacekeeping
Lacroix emphasized the role of technology and innovation in modern peacekeeping, noting that advanced tools have enhanced situational awareness and coordination across UN missions.
He urged further investment in police training, capacity-building, and technological resources to improve peacekeeping effectiveness. “Through A4P+, we are better placed to address today’s challenges and improve the lives of the people we serve,” he said, reinforcing the need for ongoing international support.
UN Police Adviser Faisal Shahkar echoed these sentiments, emphasizing how UN Police are making a tangible difference in host nations.
He pointed to South Sudan as an example, where the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Police, with specialized support from the UN Standing Police Capacity, developed an integrated election security support plan to ensure stability during future elections.
He also highlighted initiatives designed to enhance the leadership skills of South Sudanese women officers, enabling them to take on greater roles in national security.
Despite these successes, UN peacekeeping missions continue to face challenges, particularly in maintaining trust with host governments and local populations. Shahkar identified misinformation and disinformation as major obstacles, distorting perceptions of UN Police operations and undermining their credibility.
Strengthening Security on the Ground
Ambassadors at the Security Council session also heard from senior UN police officials deployed in conflict zones. Christophe Bizimungu, the police commissioner of the UN peacekeeping mission in CAR (MINUSCA), outlined efforts to enhance security ahead of the 2025 elections.
MINUSCA’s police force is working closely with local security units to prevent electoral violence, particularly against women.
Additionally, the mission is addressing rising hate crimes against the Muslim community in Haut Mbomou, where armed Azande militias pose a growing threat. It is also deploying specialized units to mitigate seasonal livestock-related conflicts, which have historically led to violent clashes.
As UN peacekeeping operations evolve to meet contemporary challenges, officials continue to advocate for increased financial and logistical support. With growing global instability, the role of the UN Police has never been more vital in ensuring peace and security across conflict-prone regions.
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