International cooperation is vital to tackle cybercrime, trafficking, terrorism and organised criminal networks…reports Africa Daily News Desk
The United Nations on Sunday marked the International Day of Police Cooperation, highlighting the growing need for law enforcement agencies to work across borders to tackle organised crime, cybercrime, terrorism, human trafficking and other transnational threats.
Observed annually on September 7, the day recognises the importance of international cooperation in supporting national police forces as criminals increasingly operate across multiple jurisdictions.
According to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), organised crime is responsible for around 95,000 homicides every year, accounting for approximately one-fifth of intentional killings worldwide.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said stronger cooperation between countries was essential to protect communities and disrupt criminal networks.
“By working together across borders, law enforcement agencies can better support survivors, apprehend perpetrators, disrupt criminal networks and advance safety for all,” he said.
Modern crimes are increasingly international in nature, with cybercrime, fraud, terrorism and human trafficking often extending beyond national boundaries. International police cooperation enables agencies to exchange intelligence, coordinate investigations and pursue criminal networks operating across jurisdictions.
INTERPOL remains one of the key platforms for such cooperation, connecting police forces across 196 countries and facilitating the sharing of information on crimes and suspected criminals.
The UN stressed, however, that its police personnel do not operate as a global police force or replace domestic law enforcement agencies. Instead, UN Police officers work alongside national authorities to protect civilians, strengthen policing institutions and support countries emerging from conflict.
More than 7,700 UN Police personnel are authorised to serve across 14 peace operations worldwide, assisting efforts to protect human rights, improve national policing services and restore public confidence in the rule of law.
This year’s theme, “Protecting against Vulnerability – Building Trust and Legitimacy in Policing,” focuses on the importance of public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, UN Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, said police forces faced a dual responsibility to protect communities while demonstrating fairness, accountability and transparency.
International cooperation has already produced tangible results. A joint operation involving police in Côte d’Ivoire and Switzerland, coordinated through INTERPOL, helped dismantle a phishing network that defrauded victims in Switzerland of more than $1.4 million.
The UN also highlighted efforts to protect vulnerable communities, particularly in conflict-affected regions where criminal groups exploit weakened institutions and displacement.
UN officials said professional and accountable policing, combined with international cooperation, was critical to tackling evolving security threats and ensuring communities — particularly vulnerable groups — could place their trust in those tasked with protecting them.
