“Despite serious limitations, our police personnel continue to provide services with dedication, professionalism and bravery,” he said.
“They operate in environments of persistent insecurity, political volatility and increasing operational risks..”
Key to maintaining peace
Peace operations depend on the United Nations Police (UNPOL) for community participation, institutional reform and the prevention of criminal and inter-community violence.
Officers also address challenges that require a police response, including in environments with high-density populations, such as displaced persons camps, among other tasks.
“The United Nations Police remains a key component of United Nations peacekeeping and play an indispensable role in fulfilling our mandates”said Mr. Lacroix.
He stressed that Member States, host countries, uniformed and civilian personnel share the responsibility of ensuring the success of peacekeeping.
This is particularly the case at a time when multilateralism faces unprecedented pressures and peace operations are asked to do more with less.
Reform and reductions
He noted that the Council meeting was taking place as a comprehensive review of UN peace operations enters its final phase.
It was also held in the context of the UN80 reform initiative and the mission’s contingency planning due to the serious liquidity crisis affecting the entire United Nations system.
This has led to cost-saving measures, including civilian staff reductions and repatriation of military and police personnel.
Sustainable financing is essential
The peacekeeper chief has visited some of the UN’s largest field missions in recent months and seen how these measures have affected delivery of the mandate, including the protection of civilians.
“Efficiency is necessary. We are committed to finding ways to save.. However, this drive for efficiency cannot replace predictable and sustainable financing,” he said.
“As the Secretary-General has repeatedly stressed, the ability of peacekeeping to fulfill its mandates will be seriously compromised without the full and timely payment of assessments by Member States.”
Peacekeeping action
Lacroix also highlighted the renewed Action for Peacekeeping (A4P+) initiative, which continues to be the framework to strengthen the effectiveness, security and impact of peace operations.
The seven priority areas include championing political solutions as the core of sustainable peace, strengthening strategic and operational integration, investing in capabilities and mindsets, and deepening cooperation with host state police and other law enforcement agencies.
“In all these priorities, the Women, Peace and Security agenda remains central,” she said.
Although progress has been made in increasing women’s participation and leadership in UNPOL, they “remain fragile, particularly in the context of budget cuts.”
Promises of support
He recalled that the 2025 Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting in Berlin demonstrated renewed political commitment to peacekeeping.
The event featured record participation and significant promises, including specialized roles, rapid deployment and training.
“The commitments are essential to ensure that UN police are prepared to respond to emerging threats in areas such as transnational organized crime, cybercrime, climate-related insecurity and the misuse of new technologies,” he said.
Renewed commitment
Mr. Lacroix concluded by saying that his briefing was an opportunity not only to take stock of progress, but also to renew collective commitment.
“We must ensure that mandates are accompanied by adequate resources. We must maintain political unity around peacekeeping.“, said.
“We must protect the institutional gains made under A4P+. And we must equip the UN Police to meet the demands of tomorrow.”