Australia launches 'landmark' UN police peacekeeping course for Pacific region
Photo:
Australian Federal Police
Australia has launched the world's first UN Police Peacekeeping Training course tailored specifically for the Pacific region.
The five-week program, hosted by the Australian Federal Police (AFP), is underway at the state-of-the-art Pacific Policing Development and Coordination Hub in Pinkenba, Brisbane.
AFP said "a landmark step" was developed in partnership with the United Nations, and brings together 100 police officers for training.
AFP Deputy Commissioner Lesa Gale said the program was the result of a long-standing, productive relationship between Australia and the United Nations.
Gale said it was launched in response to growing regional ambitions to contribute more actively to international peacekeeping efforts.
Participating nations are Samoa, Kiribati, Fiji, Timor-Leste, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Tonga, Tuvalu, Federated States of Micronesia, and Nauru.
"This course supports your enduring contribution and commitment to UN missions in supporting global peace and security efforts," AFP Northern Command acting assistant commissioner Caroline Taylor said.
Pacific Command commander Phillippa Connel said the AFP have been in peacekeeping for more than four decades "and it is wonderful to be asked to undertake what is a first for the United Nations."
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