INTERPOL and United Nations Seek Greater Support for Police Role in Peacekeeping Missions

Ronald K. Noble, "Secretary General" of Interpol

Sun Oct 11, 2009 9:24pm EDT


INTERPOL and United Nations Seek Greater Support for Police Role in Peacekeeping Missions

SINGAPORE, Oct. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- INTERPOL and the United Nations have partnered to secure international commitments for greater support for the role of police in peacekeeping operations worldwide. This increased support is seen as a key element to restoring the rule of law in post conflict zones, fragile states and achieving sustainable peace. Secretary General Ronald K. Noble described INTERPOL's partnership with the UN as "an alliance of all nations" that would commit INTERPOL to deliver international police expertise, more skilled police personnel and frontline access to its global resources in countries suffering or recovering from conflicts, in order to help them achieve and build peace and combat transnational crime.

"If UN peacekeepers assigned to post-conflict zones or fragile states are asked to perform police-like functions and to combat transnational crime, then more peacekeepers should come from the ranks of police and be given access to INTERPOL's global databases," said INTERPOL Secretary General Noble. At a meeting of more than 60 justice, interior and foreign affairs ministers with senior law enforcement officers from around the world, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon spoke via video of 'the need for greater respect for the rule of law' in the world's most troubled parts, describing INTERPOL as 'a natural partner' to restore stability following war and to address the challenges on the ground.

Representing the UN at the meeting, Under-Secretary-General Alain Le Roy said that UN co-operation with INTERPOL had been reinforced by the recognition of "a clear link between crime and conflict" and the fact that serious and organized crime was prevalent in many conflict areas. Secretary General Noble told the assembly, "In the framework of our partnership with the UN, INTERPOL will provide deployed police peacekeepers with access to the world's only secure global police communications system; global police databases including names of criminals, fingerprints, DNA profiles, stolen passports, and stolen vehicles; and specialized investigative support in key crime areas, including fugitives, drugs, terrorism, trafficking in human beings and corruption."

The ministers in attendance are endorsing a special Declaration which will set a roadmap for police to play its full role in meeting today's peacekeeping challenges. SOURCE INTERPOL INTERPOL General Secretariat, 200, quai Charles de Gaulle, 69006 Lyon France, +33-(0)-4-72-44-76-01, Fax: +33 (0)4 72 44 71 63

http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS16099+12-Oct-2009+PRN20091012

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