MEDIA RELEASE PR36521
INTERPOL and United Nations Seek Greater Support for Police Role in Peacekeeping Missions
SINGAPORE, Oct. 12 /PRNewswire-AsiaNet/ --
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
CONTACT: 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
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