Police
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International experience has shown that until nations have credible and trusted local police services, most other peace-related processes will not take root. The Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and its international partners are committed to the reconstruction of Somalia’s police services, respecting the social, cultural and gender needs of the communities served.

Before civil war overtook the nation in 1991, Somalia had an efficient and accountable police service of 20,000 uniformed officers. The service was emasculated by the loss of a central government authority, the rise of heavily armed militia under the control of warlords, and the looting and destruction of equipment and facilities. The United Nations is working to rebuild, train and equip an effective police service based on community consultation and participation to ensure accountability to the people it will serve. Police are just one facet of the criminal justice chain and it is vital that comprehensive efforts be made to to revive the entire criminal justice component including the judiciary and corrections.

The UN Political Office for Somalia is working with Somali and international partners. It is providing expert advisory assistance for a Somalia National Police Development Strategy and it is exploring avenues for sustained donor support for the revival of the criminal justice system.

A Rule of Law and Security (ROLS) Programme was established in 1997 by UNDP Somalia. It aims to help Somali efforts to restore a peaceful and secure environment that promotes social and economic recovery.

Contact:
Mr. Amod Gurung
Senior Police Adviser
Email: Amod.Gurung@unon.org