Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Ronaldo Costa Filho, at the UNSC meeting on peacekeeping operations: Police Commissioners - November 14th, 2022

I thank the USG Lacroix for his opening remarks. I also thank Comissioners Fosen and Berethe for their briefings and for their valuable work in the UN missions in South Sudan and the DRC, respectively. I heard Dr. Birkorang attentively about the activities of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre.

Mr. President,

The international security situation is more complex and conflicts are more diverse than they were just a few years ago. Not only are the populations in affected countries at risk, but so are peacekeepers themselves.

In this context, the role of police components in UN missions is more important and more challenging than ever before. Peacekeeping missions are frequently deployed in areas where state institutions – including law enforcement agencies - are either absent or severely impaired. Blue berets therefore are called to reestablish order and protect civilians, not as a permanent substitute to local police forces, but as a temporary assistance and, ideally, as a partner who can help prepare local forces to resume their responsibilities.

The police contingent in United Nations missions plays an important role not only in peacekeeping itself, but also in peacebuilding. This role is particularly important during transitions, in order to help ensure that local institutions are up to the task of maintaining stability and preventing the reversal of the hard-won gains achieved by the missions and the host countries.

We should explore ways to strengthen the contribution of UN Police to realizing the priorities of the action for peacekeeping plus (A4P+). I highlight three fundamental elements of effective peacekeeping: safety and security of peacekeepers, strategic communications, and the implementation of the woman, peace and security agenda.

Brazil believes UN police can play a fundamental role in promoting the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. Female police officers are especially well-suited for protecting vulnerable groups such as women and children, as well as promoting women`s participation and strengthening community engagement. It is necessary not only to have female police personnel, but also to ensure that women fill command and leadership roles.

Mr. President,

In order for blue berets to implement their mandates, appropriate training is essential. Brazilian police personnel deployed to UN missions, besides having to abide by the demanding requirements of their own individual departments, have to undergo additional training at the Sérgio Vieira de Mello Peace Operations Joint Training Center, run by the Brazilian Armed Forces.

Mr. President,

As we have witnessed too many times in recent months, peacekeepers themselves are at risk. I honor and praise the 5 UN police personnel who paid the ultimate price in fulfillment of their duty in 2022, including in MONUSCO, represented here by Commissioner Berethe.

Strategic communications can play an important role in promoting the safety and security of peacekeepers. Appropriate explanation of the mandate, and two-way communication with the local authorities, the local society and other partners can help dispel unrealistic expectations and clarify the actions undertaken by missions. This might help counter misinformation and disinformation campaigns against missions and prevent episodes of violence against peacekeepers and against mission facilities such as those that we unfortunately witnessed in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Mandates for police components vary from mission to mission, but they usually involve protection of civilians, peacekeepers and facilities, strengthening of state institutions, support for security sector reform, and support in the fight against organized crime. Strategic communications can be a facilitator and a multiplier in achieving all of those goals.

Mr. President,

In conclusion, the police personnel in UN missions help fulfill one of the most fundamental tasks of peacekeeping: reestablishing, either directly or by way of cooperation with local institutions, order and normalcy in conflict-affected societies. In doing so, they contribute to the respect for human rights and the resumption of economic activities. They are, therefore, an essential part of the peace and security architecture, and Brazil is proud to contribute with some of its best law-enforcement professionals in this area.

I thank you.