Objectives

The project aims to enhance the capabilities of police-contributing countries (PCCs) in deploying operationally prepared and well-equipped police officers, including Formed Police Units (FPUs), for peacekeeping operations to respond effectively to the evolving challenges faced by UN peacekeeping missions, particularly in asymmetric environments where armed conflict poses significant threats.

Components

The project focused on completing assessments, training, policy development, and outreach to PCCs and Member States.

Main achievements

The project implemented the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on Assessment and Evaluation of FPU Performance, which ensured a systematic approach to assessing deployed FPUs, conducted training workshops for Member State trainers, provided capacity-building advisory and assessments visits to PCCs, and developed and rolled out updated performance evaluation standards for Individual Police Officers (IPOs) and Specialized Police Teams (SPTs).

Following the successful implementation of the SOP on the Assessment and Evaluation of Formed Police Unit (FPU) Performance, the Police Division conducted 13 Performance Assessment and Evaluation Team (PAET) visits to United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA); United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA); the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). These visits assessed 42 Formed Police Units (FPUs), consisting of 6,075 officers from 18 PCCs deployed across those four field missions and were critical in enhancing FPUs operational readiness and effectiveness. At the field mission level, 432 quarterly FPU evaluation reports (PAERs) were generated, providing precise insights into FPU performance across 11 key assessment areas as outlined in the SOP.

The Police Division conducted 16 Assessments and Advisory Visits (AVV) and two Verification Visits (VV) to 15 PCCs. These PCCs, primarily from the Global South including Africa, were selected based on their current mission commitments and capacity for rapid deployment under the PCRS. The AAVs provided a structured approach to address capacity-building requirements for future deployment of FPUs.

The Police Division organized 19 workshops certifying 475 trainers from 25 PCCs and four UN peace operations, in China, Italy, Uganda, Indonesia, Egypt, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates, focused on training participants on the revised FPU standards. These workshops equipped participants with the essential knowledge and skills to evaluate and validate their FPUs effectively prior to deployment or rotation to field missions. They engaged a comprehensive mix of participants, including FPU trainers from 25 PCCs, as well as mission-based personnel from three peace operations, including FPU Commanders, FPU Coordinators, Chiefs of Operations, Deputy Police Commissioners, and Police Commissioners.

Additionally, the SOP on Assessment and Evaluation of Individual Police Officers (IPOs) and Specialized Police Teams (SPTs) Performance was developed and rolled out. It enhanced accountability and operational effectiveness across field missions. Evaluations were integrated with the PAET visits conducted in MINUSMA, MONUSCO, UNMISS, and MINUSCA, where the performance of IPOs and SPTs was reviewed alongside FPUs.

The Police Division revised the FPU Policy in consultation with Member States, which was endorsed by the DPO leadership and has been distributed to Member States, including PCCs and UN peace operations. To promote awareness and understanding, the Police Division has conducted outreach efforts through workshops held in China and Uganda for participants from PCCs and peacekeeping operations, ensuring broader engagement with the policy’s implementation.

Impact

The project enhances police peacekeepers’ performance and safety, and supports PCCs in meeting Statement of Unit Requirements (SURs). Its guidance standardizes readiness, deployment, and performance assessment of FPUs, IPOs, and SPTs. Through the training provided to AU-led mission units to UN standards, the project promotes African-led solutions.

Performance Assessment and Evaluation Team Visit, MINUSCA, in February 2024