The head of UN Peacekeeping on Thursday called for greater support for international police officers deployed to field missions at a time when financial resources are dwindling and multilateralism is waning.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix was speaking in the UN Security Council during the annual briefing by heads of police components of UN peace operations.
"Despite severe constraints, our police personnel continue to serve with dedication, professionalism and courage," he said.
"They operate in environments of persistent insecurity, political volatility and growing operational risks."
Key to peacekeeping
Peace operations depend on UN Police (UNPOL) for community engagement, institutional reform and prevention of criminal and intercommunal violence.
Officers also address challenges that require a policing response, including in environments with high density populations such as displacement camps, among other duties.
"United Nations Police remain a key component of UN peacekeeping and play an indispensable role in fulfilling our mandates," Mr. Lacroix said.
He stressed that Member States, host countries, uniformed and civilian personnel all share responsibility for ensuring the success of peacekeeping.
This is particularly the case at a time when multilateralism faces unprecedented pressures and peace operations are being asked to do more with less.
Reform and reductions
He noted that the Council meeting was taking place as a comprehensive review of UN peace operations enters its final phase.
It was also held against the backdrop of the UN80 reform initiative and mission contingency planning due to the severe liquidity crisis affecting the entire UN system.
This has led to cost saving measures, including reductions in civilian staff and repatriation of military and police personnel.
