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The United Nations partners with police services globally to maintain international peace and security. This collaboration encompasses a wide range of activities, from protecting lives and human rights to combating crime, investigating abuses, ensuring justice, and rebuilding security institutions in nations recovering from conflict.

For over six decades, , a vital component of , has played a crucial role in helping countries and communities transition from conflict to peace. Their work is especially critical in areas where violence and crises have undermined the rule of law and justice systems. Today, approximately 6,200 police officers are deployed under the UN flag in 14 peace operations across the globe, including in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cyprus, Kosovo, Somalia, and Western Sahara.

"UN Police save and improve lives," said Under-Secretary-General for ²Ù±ÆÊÓƵapp Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix at the in June 2024. "They often work in difficult and very dangerous conditions in the service of our host communities. Every single day, they help protect hundreds of thousands of civilians.¡±

Ninety countries contribute police officers to these vital peace operations, with the largest contributions from Rwanda, followed by Senegal, Egypt, Bangladesh and Cameroon. The largest UN Police presence is currently deployed at the (MINUSCA).

As we mark the International Day of Police Cooperation, we explore five distinctive ways UN Police have helped shape and safeguard societies over the years.

Restoring and maintaining law and order

UN Police play a critical role in establishing peace and preventing renewed conflict. In post-conflict zones, rebuilding a functioning police force and justice system is essential for communities to heal, rebuild, and achieve lasting stability.

In , for example, UN Police were instrumental in establishing law and order and training a new local police force, empowering them to protect the country's democratic processes. Pictured here are new recruits who played a crucial role in safeguarding the country¡¯s historic independence referendum in 2011 which led to the birth of the world's youngest nation.

The efforts of UN Police have enabled some of the largest UN peacekeeping missions, including in South Sudan, to successfully transition primary security responsibilities to national police units. This handover represents a major step towards nation-building and sustainable peace.

Protecting civilians

UN Police play a vital role in protecting civilians. They actively patrol neighborhoods and borders, not only to monitor security but also to deter violence and foster a sense of safety within communities. They engage directly with locals, building trust and sharing crucial safety information on how people can protect themselves.

Community policing is a key aspect of their work, with a particular focus on protecting vulnerable groups such as women and children. UN Police prioritize the prevention of gender-based violence and ensure perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.

A powerful example of this commitment is exemplified by police officer Gladys Ngwepekeum Nkeh from Cameroon (pictured here). While serving in MINUSCA, she regularly visited schools in Bangui to educate students about gender-based violence.

That¡¯s where she met a 16-year-old girl who had been raped and became pregnant. Officer Nkeh made sure that she received the support that she needed, including medical care, and helped to arrest the rapist. In a touching tribute to the officer, the girl named her child Gladys.

Tackling transnational organized crime

UN Police plays a crucial role in combating organized crime by working in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, sharing intelligence, providing training, and assisting in investigations. Their specialized expertise, such as in maritime policing, enables effective enforcement against transnational crimes, especially in areas with porous borders.

They help countries coordinate responses across borders, preventing and addressing serious and organized crime, corruption, and violent extremism before these phenomena become larger regional challenges.

Pictured here are police officers from the Maritime Policing Unit at the (now closed) who worked closely with the Timorese police to monitor and prevent criminal activities at sea.

Rebuilding public trust in police

UN Police are instrumental in building trust between communities and law enforcement, particularly in areas recovering from conflict. They achieve this by acting impartially, professionally, and with respect for human rights, serving as role models for local police and strengthening the bond between citizens and those responsible for their safety.

Representation within the police service is also crucial for building trust. In a historic move, the (now closed) saw the deployment of the first-ever all-female formed police unit in 2007. The deployment of the officers from India inspired a significant increase in Liberian women joining the police service. The impact was so profound that then-President Ellen Sirleaf Johnson, Africa's first female president, acknowledged these police officers as role models for Liberian women aspiring to serve their country.

¡°These women want to emulate you in the way you¡¯ve served this country,¡± said Johnson addressing them at the end of the unit¡¯s deployment in 2016.

Promoting innovative policing

Police officers worldwide, especially those serving in challenging environments, require adequate tools and skills to perform their duties effectively. UN Police actively champions innovative policing, encouraging the adoption of modern technology, like data analytics and communication tools, while also facilitating knowledge sharing and promoting research into new policing methods.

Additionally, UN Police focuses on training and capacity building, ensuring officers, both UN and local, are equipped to use science and technology in effective policing. Renita Rismayanti (pictured here) is an Indonesian police officer and a crime database officer with MINUSCA.

She helped conceptualize and develop a database that enables UN Police to map and analyze crime hotspots, which allows the country¡¯s security forces to better plan their operations. Her exceptional contributions were recognized with the 2023 UN Woman Police Officer of the Year Award, which honors women officers who challenge gender norms and break barriers in their field. At 27, she was the youngest recipient in the Award¡¯s 13-year history.

The International Day of Police Cooperation, which was first commemorated in 2023, was established to recognize the UN's collaboration with law enforcement institutions around the world. There are 16 UN entities that are part of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Policing. Established in 2021 and co-chaired by and the , the Task Force serves as a platform for coordination between the UN and global law enforcement, and synergies on UN responses to global policing issues, challenges and trends.