National Statement at the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C34)

Sweden aligns itself with the statement made by the European Union and in addition I have the honor of making this statement in my national capacity.

Mr Chair,

The international rules-based order is being challenged at its core and we see a deteriorating development in many conflict areas around the world. Peacekeeping remains an important tool to maintain and keep peace and stability.

Increasingly, conflict, organised crime and terrorism are intertwined. Criminal organisations and affiliated political actors have vested interest in continued instability, violence, and weak law enforcement capacity. Organised crime, corruption, and illicit markets sustain conflicts and obstruct economic development, good governance, and sustainable peace.

In this context and with the decline in large peacekeeping missions there is a need to re-think the United Nations support for police, justice, and corrections. If we are to prevent conflict and build sustainable peace, we need a more comprehensive and efficient response to law enforcement challenges and the absence of rule of law. A strong rule of law needs an effective criminal justice system, and an effective criminal system needs prisons that are secure, respectful of the human rights of the inmates, and effective in combating recidivism.

Mr Chair,

The need for changing the operating model of UN policing has been highlighted before but has seen limited operational response so far. At this point, business as usual is no longer viable.

A few thoughts on what could make a difference moving forward:

First, in the increasingly complex environment where UN-missions operate, police, justice and corrections need to be at the center of peace operations and transition planning at the outset, not referred to the margins or as an afterthought. Capacity building interventions must be designed to last through transitional phases to really benefit the host country.

Second, there is time for a vision of UN support to police, justice, and corrections in peacekeeping and beyond, including in Special Political Missions and non-mission settings. Likely more targeted and tailored support will be needed as we move forward. We need to explore innovative deployment models for police, justice, and corrections personnel as well as improved partnerships between UN-entities dealing with all forms of law enforcement capacity building. A clearer vision and updated operating models could also help attract Member State support and personnel.

Finally, the establishment of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Policing is a promising step. We expect this to become a driving force for closer partnerships and a comprehensive development of policing in a UN context through standardization, planning and coordination.