United Nations Chiefs of Police Summit 2024
Check Against Delivery
Excellences; Ministers, Ambassadors and Chiefs of Police.
Distinguished delegates, ladies and gentlemen.
Denmark aligns itself with the statement made by Finland on behalf of the Nordic countries.
Let me start by thanking the Department of Peace Operations and the Police Division for convening this important debate on how we can strengthen UN Peace Operations. Let me also underline Denmark’s high appreciation of the efforts by the deployed UN personnel over time and across the globe.
As we meet here at UNCOPS 2024, discussions are ongoing on the future of UN Peacekeeping in preparation of the upcoming “Summit of the Future” and its outcome document – the “Pact for the Future”. As part of this endeavour, we need to find common ground and join our efforts to strengthen peace, security and sustainable development.
Allow me to make three points:
Firstly: Peace Operations continue to be a relevant and useful tool. We have a number of well-functioning Peace Operations which on a daily basis contribute to building and sustaining peace in conflict-affected areas.
The toolbox at our disposal today is already quite well-equipped. So in our search for a new approach to peacekeeping, we should not forget to consolidate and further improve the tools that are already at our disposal. And as today’s conflicts are complex, they require coordinated efforts, cooperation from all parties and stakeholders, and context-specific and targeted responses with lasting effect.
Secondly: Our peace operations need to be “fit for purpose” as there is no one-size-fits-all solution. And not only from the beginning as the mandate is adopted, but also throughout its life cycle with thorough evaluation, assessment and adjustments. The Security Council has the primary responsibility for this, and Denmark is looking forward to participate in those deliberations.
Thirdly: Implementation of mandated police tasks are important to prevent violence and build peace and trust. Deployed UN Police forces can play a crucial role in for example protection of civilians and building the capacity of national police forces and law enforcement, as ensuring rule of law and well-functioning security institutions and capacities are of key importance.
In order for our peace operations to work, we need to ensure that there is a balance between the ambitions outlined in the mandate, available resources and the political processes to build and consolidate peace. Such a balance is a prerequisite for peace operations to deliver to avoid creating disappointments or resentment.
Distinguished colleagues.
Denmark remains committed to working to ensure effective peace operations. Looking at new options to supplement our existing tool box, while at the same time taking stock of what we have, is a good point of departure to ensure that the UN and its Member States deliver on our commitment to global peace and security.
I thank you.