76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
UN Security Council briefing on Police Commissioners
Delivered by DPR Andre Lipand
November 10, New York
I would like to thank Under Secretary-General Lacroix and the police commissioners of UNISFA and MINUSMA for their comprehensive presentations and a thorough overview of the current situation on the ground and challenges in United Nations policing.
At the outset, I would like to recognizing the contribution of the UN police to UN peacekeeping and peacebuilding processes, and their continued operational readiness through the Covid-19 pandemic. UN police carries a pivotal role of ensuring increased security, protection of civilians and return of law and order, whether in cooperation with host-state law enforcement agencies or in some instances unilaterally responding to public order issues.
Estonia believes that the efforts of UNPOL 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 will continue to support the “Action for Peacekeeping plus” initiative, and place high importance on its goals of improving the performance and accountability of peacekeeping, implementing the Women, Peace and Security agenda, and addressing capability and integration gaps. It is likewise imperative to remain vigilant on zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse.
Estonia welcome the specific focus today on accelerating the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda in UN policing. A more gender-equal composition of UN Police Components plays a critical role in effective policing and ultimately strengthening the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations. It is also crucial in increasing the effectiveness of community policing, countering the spread of misinformation and preventing and eliminating conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence. Estonia will continue to underline the importance of implementing the Women, Peace and Security agenda, in particular ensuring the full, equal and meaningful participation of women in peace processes, but also in UNPOL by emphasizing the importance of the implementation of UNSCR 2538(2020).
We note with appreciation the fulfilment – and surpassing – of the intermediate gender parity targets for 2020. In view of the goal of the Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy, to create an enabling environment for uniformed women on Peacekeeping Operations, today´s briefing have been insightful to hear from the Commissioners about their priorities in creating a safe, enabling and gender sensitive working environment for women.
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 all of us. As others, we extend our particular congratulations to the winner of the 2021 UN Woman Police Officer of the Year award, Superintendent Sangya Malla of Nepal from MONUSCO.