UNITED NATIONS HISTORY AND PURPOSE: The involvement of the Nigeria police in United Nations peacekeeping operations globally dates back to 1960, when the first mission took place in Congo. Since then, the Nigeria police have been represented in the United Nations peacekeeping missions. E.g. Namibia, Kosovo, East Timor, Liberia etc.
It is note worthy to state that the contributions of Nigerian policemen and women have been greatly commended in most of the peacekeeping operations that they have participated in. They performed excellently well at all times.
The United Nations always count on the support of Nigeria in having successful peacekeeping operations, particularly because of the enviable records of the Nigerian policemen and women.
These officers exhibited discipline, diligence, courage, and integrity in the discharge of their duties. One can say, without fear of contradiction that Nigerian police has distinguished itself as one of the best in the world through the positive attributes of its officers that have served in various peacekeeping missions worldwide.
While it is right to express the good records of the Nigerian police officers that have gone on peacekeeping missions. It is equally important to comment on the attitudes of female officers that represent the Force on these missions.
ROLE OF POLICE WOMEN IN THE PEACEKEEPING
OPERATIONS:
The Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) emphasizes the importance of the role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts.
It stresses the importance of the full involvement of the women in all aspect of promoting and maintaining peace and security, and the need to increase their role in peacekeeping missions.
It recommends specialized training for peacekeepers on the protection, special needs and human rights of women and children and urges greater representation of women in at all levels.
It should be noted that more women are needed in the United Nations missions, because of the rampant cases of sexual exploitation and abuse.
This should be seen as a very good opportunity to send more female abroad. As such they should brace up for the challenges and opportunities available in peacekeeping missions.
They should prepare their minds and reform their attitudes to meet up with the standards excepted in the mission fields.
The presence of women officers improve the response of law enforcement agencies to sexual crimes and certain types of physical violence, such as domestic violence, because such crimes tend to be committed by men rather than women, victims especially women may feel more comfortable with female officers when making statements or assisting in investigations.
It is easier for women officers to deal with cases of child trafficking in the mission’s field than men.
With more female officers in the mission operations, the risk of sexual harassment is reduced. These improvements benefit both male and female police officers.
I was privileged to serve as an investigator in the Sexual Exploitation and Abuse unit, in UN missions in Liberia (UNMIL) and in East-Timor (UNMIT).
So many cases of sexual exploitation were investigated. The perpetrators were repatriated to their countries.
Scandalous cases as sexual exploitation activities are not good for the positive image of any nation.
It should also be noted that United Nations missions are International assignments that bring people of different races, creed and cultures together.
High moral and professional standards are expected of the women officers.
The following are some laid down rules that all peacekeepers are to observe.
GUIDELINE PRINCIPLES
1. IMPARTIALITY: Do not be involved in any illegal sexual act: prostitution, child trafficking and sexual offences. The Congo and Kosovo scandal should not be forgotten in a hurry.
2. The Secretary-General of the UN has taken a zero tolerance stance on acts of sexual exploitation and abuse committed in the all agencies working with UN including civilian police or peacekeepers.
3. INTEGRITY: Conduct yourself in a professional and discipline manner, support and encourage proper conduct.
4. RESPECT: Respect all other peacekeepers regardless of status, rank, ethnic, or national origin and your superior officers. Don’t be abusive to your superior officers and uncivil to any member of public.
5. LOYALTY: Dedicate yourself to achieving the goals of the United Nations. Obey your superiors and respect the chain of command. Don’t bring discredit upon the United Nations or your country through improper personal conduct. Avoid drinking alcohol while on duty or in public.
In spite of the awareness of our women officers on the United Nations code of conduct for peacekeepers, it has been observed that some still engage in shameful activities such as drunkenness, insubordination, prostitution and general misconduct.
SUGGESTION:
It is advisable that the crop of women officers that will represent the country on foreign missions should be of high moral standards.
They should refrain from behavior that could adversely affect their credibility, professional image or impartiality that is critical to the mission.
The effort of building a positive and glorious image for the Nigerian police is a task for all policemen and women, not only at home but abroad too.
The women officers, who are going to represent the police at peacekeeping operations should be carefully selected, screened and vigorously oriented to inculcate discipline and integrity into them.
It is suggested that experienced, educated and disciplined police officers be allowed to go on the peacekeeping mission.
In fact, only those with strong recommendations, excellent performance reports and sound morally should be given the opportunity to represent the Force.
On getting to the missions grounds, the women officers should be monitored in and out of duty to ensure that they are living above board, morally and professionally.
The officers should remember that good behavior and self discipline is their security.Lastly, they should know that each one of them is the ambassador of this country.
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