The meaningful participation of women in UN policing is an operational necessity: UK statement at the UN Security Council

The United Kingdom pays tribute to the UN Police who bravely serve in peacekeeping missions around the world.

UN policing is fundamental to effective peacekeeping in many contexts. To sustain impact, it must continue to adapt.

To that end, technology, including new digital tools, should be used to enhance the effectiveness of UN policing, supported by strong digital competency within missions.

New technologies can make missions more effective by enhancing operational awareness and deepening community engagement, but only if peacekeepers have the right skills and training to use them.

Second, it is vital that, like all peacekeepers, UN police uphold and reinforce the highest human rights, conduct, and accountability standards.

These principles form the basis of trust with local populations and are critical for mission effectiveness.

Any form of misconduct, including sexual exploitation and abuse, is unacceptable.

This requires timely and transparent accountability processes, with consistent national follow-up and publicly accessible reporting on disciplinary results.

Third, we must be clear that the meaningful participation of women in UN policing is an operational necessity, not an optional extra.

As we have heard clearly today, women police strengthen community engagement, broaden access, and improve reporting of conflict-related sexual violence.

For our part, the United Kingdom remains committed to tackling barriers to women's participation in United Nations peacekeeping, including through our long-standing support for the Elsie Initiative Fund, to which we have pledged a further $685,000 in 2025.

Together, these efforts will help ensure UN policing remains capable, trusted, and effective.