Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix issued a stark warning to the UN Security Council today, asserting that the effectiveness of United Nations Police (UNPOL) is at a critical crossroads due to unprecedented financial pressures and a severe liquidity crisis affecting the entire UN system.
Speaking during the annual briefing by heads of police components, Mr. Lacroix praised the “dedication, professionalism, and courage” of personnel operating in environments defined by political volatility and growing operational risks. However, he emphasized that the current “efficiency drive” cannot substitute for predictable and sustainable financing.
Every day, @UN police officers help foster international peace & security through patrols & community-oriented policing.@UNPOL gives training to domestic police services, increasing compliance w/ international human rights standards & the rule of law. #PoliceWeek#InvestInPeace pic.twitter.com/URyYxIP8uQ
— UN Peacekeeping (@UNPeacekeeping) February 5, 2026
Peacekeeping at a Breaking Point
As the UN enters the final phase of a comprehensive peace operations review, the organization is grappling with a liquidity shortfall that has forced drastic cost-saving measures. These include:
- Personnel Repatriation: The mandatory reduction of military and police personnel in high-risk zones.
- Civilian Staff Cuts: Significant downsizing of the civilian workforce essential for mission support.
- Mandate Vulnerability: A direct threat to the UN’s ability to fulfill its primary objective: the protection of civilians.
“Efficiency is necessary… However, this drive cannot substitute for predictable and sustainable financing,” Mr. Lacroix stated. He called on Member States for the “full and timely payment of assessed contributions” to prevent a total breakdown in mission delivery.
The Indispensable Role of UNPOL
United Nations Police remain the backbone of community engagement and institutional reform. Their roles include:
- Conflict Prevention: Mitigating intercommunal violence and transnational organized crime.
- Protection of Vulnerable Populations: Managing security in high-density displacement camps.
- Future-Proofing Security: Addressing emerging threats such as cyber-enabled crime and climate-related insecurity.
A Call for Political Unity and A4P+
Mr. Lacroix highlighted the Action for Peacekeeping (A4P+) initiative as the primary framework for reform. He noted that while the 2025 Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting in Berlin saw record pledges for specialized roles and training, these gains remain “fragile,” particularly regarding the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.
“We must ensure that mandates are matched with adequate resources,” Lacroix concluded. “We must protect the institutional gains achieved under A4P+ and equip United Nations Police to meet the demands of tomorrow.”
About UNPOL
The United Nations Police (UNPOL) work to enhance international peace and security by supporting Member States in conflict, post-conflict, and other crisis situations to realize effective, efficient, representative, responsive, and accountable police services that serve and protect the population.
