Madam President,
I would like to thank Assistant Secretary General Zouev and the police commissioners of UNMISS, MINUSMA, MINUSCA and BINUH for their insightful presentations. Today’s briefing has been very helpful in understanding the progress and challenges in United Nations policing and I would like to use this rare opportunity to recognize the contribution of UN police to UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding.
The deployment of UN police carries a positive message of increased security and return of law and order. As UN missions transition away from peacekeeping operations, the contribution of UN police becomes most visible. Its efforts in strengthening the rule of law, building the capacities of people-oriented national police services and assisting in security sector reform based on human rights are fundamental in establishing lasting stability in conflict related countries.
We welcome the efforts of enhancing the role of UN police in peacekeeping and continue to support the “Action for Peacekeeping” Initiative together with the added value UN Police provides to implementing the Declaration of Shared Commitments on Peacekeeping Operations. Correspondingly, I would like to ask Assistant Secretary Zouev about the priorities for UN policing under phase 2 of the A4P initiative?
Madam President,
On the subject of performance, Estonia will continue to emphasize the crucial importance of implementing policies and mechanisms aimed at verifying and enhancing the performance of peace operations, with particular focus on the protection of civilians and the promotion of human rights. We also continue to stress the importance of increasing the effectiveness of policing by better engagement with communities, in particular with the help of community liaisons and human rights officers. Here however one cannot overlook the impact of Covid-19, which has increased both the responsibilities of and risks to UN police. Accordingly, Mr. Zouev, it would be useful to hear about the effect Covid-19 has had on the level of vacancies for UN police units in peacekeeping missions.
On a related note, I would like to ask the police commissioners to share their experience in utilizing the comprehensive planning and performance assessment system and what benefits it has enabled.
Madam President,
Before I finish, I’d like to recall the critical function that a more gender-equal composition of UN Police Components plays in effective policing. This is particularly true in community policing and in preventing and eliminating conflict related sexual and gender based violence. We will continue to underline the importance of implementing the Women, Peace and Security agenda and its priorities, in particular promoting the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in peace processes and UN police.
Madam President,
I would like to conclude by expressing gratitude and strong support to all UN peacekeepers, women and men, whose dedication and sacrifice bring hope to millions of people and help countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace. Thank you.