Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba
Senior Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has joined the International Criminal Police Organisations in commemorating the United Nations International Day of Police Cooperation, a day that recognises the essential work of the world’s law enforcement community in global security.
The United Nations has designated September 7 as the International Day of Police Cooperation, which was commemorated for the first time in 2023.
The United Nations General Assembly designated it in a resolution on the International Day of Police Cooperation adopted on December 16 2022.
The resolution underlines ‘the need to strengthen international cooperation at the global, regional and sub-regional levels in various areas related to preventing and combating transnational crime, in particular transnational organised crime, and preventing and countering terrorism.’
This first ‘day’ took place on the day that INTERPOL celebrated its centenary – the then International Criminal Police Commission (ICPC) was created on 7 September 1923.
In a statement, Interpol said, “Today’s crimes cross borders physically and virtually; cybercrime, terrorism, organised crime and financial crime all have an international component. National police need intelligence and support from other countries to protect their citizens and bring criminals to justice.
“For example: New technologies. Organised criminal groups are taking advantage of increased digitalisation to carry out attacks and facilitate their illegal business.
“Social networks and technology platforms are also being used to target and exploit vulnerable victims.”
The organisation further said criminals often travel on stolen passports and ID cards to flee from one country to another, while trafficking in people and illicit goods often involves multiple countries at source, transit and destination.
“Criminals exploit weak links in global security so it’s important that all countries have the latest intelligence, access to policing information and databases and training on how to use this,” Interpol said.
INTERPOL-UN cooperation is enshrined in both UN General Assembly and Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, especially concerning terrorism and human trafficking.
“We also combine our capabilities in the form of Special Notices issued to alert police worldwide to individuals and entities who are subject to sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council,” Interpol said.
The organisation added, “Our seven Global Policing Goals (GPGs) developed alongside the UN agenda 2030 allow for a comprehensive approach to international police cooperation and safeguarding communities.
“They align with several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including: SDG 5 (Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls); SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions); and SDG 17 (Revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development).”
SDG focuses on building inclusive societies, reducing illicit financial and arms flows, fighting corruption, and promoting the rule of law.
