UNODC calls for stronger international police cooperation to counter cross-border crime

Nairobi, Kenya - The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has called for enhanced international police cooperation to combat cross-border crime, particularly in light of rising conflicts, displacement, and other global crises that heighten people’s vulnerability to criminal activities. The UNODC made this plea on Monday as the world commemorated the 2026 International Day of Police Cooperation, with the theme "Protecting against Vulnerability – Building Trust and Legitimacy in Policing."

Monica Juma, UNODC's Executive Director and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna, emphasized that effective policing relies on public confidence and respect for human rights, which stems from fair, accountable policing and respect for human dignity. Juma affirmed UNODC's dedication to bolstering law enforcement institutions through technical assistance, training, and policy guidance.

The UN highlighted that vulnerable populations are becoming increasingly susceptible to cross-border criminal threats due to conflicts, displacement, and other global challenges, necessitating greater collaboration among police agencies across borders. It stressed that UNODC, INTERPOL, and regional policing organizations must work together to protect victims, share intelligence, disrupt criminal networks, and enhance law enforcement capabilities.

The UN also underlined that police effectiveness should not be solely assessed by operational capacity but equally by public trust, which is crucial in today's complex security environment. Building and maintaining public trust is not just a moral obligation but a practical requirement for effective policing, especially when dealing with vulnerable groups.

The International Day of Police Cooperation, observed annually on September 7 since 2022, underscores the importance of international cooperation in supporting national police and law enforcement agencies. This observance emphasizes cross-border police collaboration in promoting peace, security, and justice, uniting the UN, INTERPOL, member states, and regional organizations in their efforts to strengthen international policing.

The day also honours the work of the United Nations Inter-Agency Task Force on Policing, established in 2021 as the UN system's primary mechanism for coordinating policing-related assistance and ensuring policy coherence.