The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Government of Canada and the European Union, celebrated the graduation of 59 Municipal Police officers from the Internal Security Forces (ISF) Academy. These officers, representing 24 municipalities in Lebanon, have completed a training program centered on human rights. This training underscores their pivotal role in their communities and emphasizes a people-oriented approach to policing.Municipal police serve as the primary responders to their communities’ needs, particularly in suburban and rural regions. Their mandate is to operate based on community policing principles. The onset of COVID-19, coupled with the country’s compounded crises, has heightened the visibility and significance of their role.In this context, the transformation of the the municipal police into a professional community police force has become even more important. Since 2016, UNDP with the generous support of Canada has worked on a strategic framework to profes
sionalize the work of the municipal police. This includes the introduction of standardized operational procedures, a standardized Code of Conduct, provision of civilian uniforms, the implementation of human-rights based trainings, and a commitment to recruit more women officers. Additionally, multiple tools have been developed to translate this reform into action and develop new oversight tools. Since 2016, more than 500 municipal police officers have undergone a human-rights based training, with 77 new municipalities committing to this approach in 2023.”During these difficult times we were delighted to resume training for the municipal police, bringing together those who work closeset with the community. It is a stepping stone to professionalize the municipal police and equip them with tools to better serve their people. This would not be possible without the support of the local authorities who have proven their commitment to this reform since 2016″ Melanie Hauenstein, UNDP Resident Representative.’The Muni
cipal Police is at the forefront of engaging communities, ensuring public safety, and serving the population. They are often the first point of contact between the citizens and the state, and have the opportunity to build trust and confidence between them.’ Stefanie McCollum, Canada’s Ambassador to LebanonCanada is one of the committed partners of UNDP, both regionally and globally. Our long-standing partnership has been vital to the objectives of eradicating poverty and building a more peaceful, inclusive and prosperous world. In Lebanon, we have been working since 2017 on advancing gender equality, women empowerment, community security, and access to justice.UNDP is working in Lebanon since 1986 as a development partner supporting economic recovery, including working with municipalities to deliver basic services to host communities, promoting clean energy and solid waste management, strengthening governance and rule of law, providing support to elections, and working on empowering women and youth.
 
Source:
National News Agency-Lebanon