The Role of the Police in UNAMID
ISS Monograph Number 190, 2015
54 Pages Posted: 27 Aug 2015
Date Written: April 2, 2015
Abstract
This paper provides an in-depth examination of the role of the police component in the AU-UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). The Darfur conflict, ongoing since 2003, has produced one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. Over the past two years, UNAMID has operated within a context of increasing conflict due to clashes between government forces and armed opposition groups, the intensification of inter-communal conflict, and the lack of progress in achieving a comprehensive peace process. UNAMID faces considerable operational challenges in implementing its protection of civilians mandate, including a high-risk security environment in which peacekeepers are subject to frequent armed attacks as well as repeated bureaucratic obstacles and restrictions on access imposed by the government of Sudan. The paper examines the specific functions of the three main elements of UNAMID Police – formed police units, individual police officers and core command/senior leadership – and considers the main operational challenges each element faces in executing its mandated tasks. The paper concludes with recommendations for UNAMID Police to addressing existing gaps.
Keywords: peacekeeping, Darfur, police, Sudan, United Nations, protection of civilians
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