Ban Ki-moon advocates "realistic" and well-resourced UN police force

The Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon says UN policing operations has to be "realistic" and adequately resourced in order to ensure a "modern, agile and people-centred" force. 

Ban Ki-moon made the remarks at the closing of meeting with Heads of UN Police Components.

Around 13,500 men and women are engaged in peace operations in post-conflict and other crisis situations in the world.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addressing the United Nations Police (UNPOL) thanked them for their efforts to protect civilians and make communities around the world safer. 

He applauded them for the sacrifices they make in the name of lasting peace. 

An estimated 210 UN staff members have died in peacekeeping operations between January 2015 and June this year. 

The contribution of these so-called "blue berets" is essential to effective, accountable and transparent rule of law institutions, Ban noted. 

These officers must also be the most qualified, able, best-trained and best-equipped, he added. 

In November, the UN reached its goal of 20 per cent women police officers. 

SOURCE: Jocelyne Sambira, United Nations.