Annual Report 2024-2025: International Police Peacekeeping and Peace Operations Program
Canadian Police Arrangement
Supporting international peace and stability through policing partnerships
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Annual Report 2024-2025: International Police Peacekeeping and Peace Operations
Aussi disponible en français sous le titre : Rapport annuel : Programme d’opérations policières internationales de paix et de maintien de la paix
For more information, contact: ipobadmin-sdmpiadmin@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Government of Canada, 2025
- ISSN 2819-7127
- Catalogue number PS61-60E-PDF
List of acronyms and abbreviations
- BINUH
- UN Integrated Office in Haiti
- CNAP-3
- National Action Plan
- CPA
- Canadian Police Arrangement
- CPMU
- Canadian Police Mission in Ukraine
- EUPOL COPPPS
- European Union Coordinating Office for Palestinian Police Support
- IACCC
- International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre
- IARD
- immediate action rapid deployment
- ICC
- International Criminal Court
- INTERPOL
- International Criminal Police Organization
- IPP
- International Police Peacekeeping and Peace Operations
- MONUSCO
- UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
- OSCSEA
- Office of the Special Coordinator on improving the UN’s response to sexual exploitation and abuse
- OVRA
- Office of the Victims’ Rights Advocate
- PICP
- Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police Secretariat
- Pre-SAAT
- Pre-UN Selection Assistance and Assessment Team
- PRMNY
- Permanent Mission of Canada to the UN in New York
- RCMP
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police
- SWAT
- Special Weapons and Tactics
- UN
- United Nations
- UNITAR
- UN Institute for Training and Research
- UNMIK
- UN Mission in Kosovo
- WATCH
- Women Against Transnational Corruption Hub
- WPS
- Women, Peace, and Security
The Canadian Police Arrangement - International Police Peacekeeping and Peace Operations Program
The Canadian Police Arrangement (CPA) - International Police Peacekeeping and Peace Operations (IPP) Program supports Canada’s commitment to building a more secure world by deploying police officers and civilian experts to serve in international peace and stabilization operations. The CPA-IPP is part of a whole-of-government integrated approach to respond to the security needs of fragile and conflict-affected states. It aims to strengthen democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, as well as advance Canadian values and interests.
The CPA refers to the broader program partnership between the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Global Affairs Canada, and Public Safety Canada, while IPP refers to the operational program administered by the RCMP’s International Peace Operations team. With unique but integrated roles, the CPA partners collaborate to deliver the program—the RCMP is the lead on operations, Global Affairs Canada is the lead on Canadian foreign policy, and Public Safety Canada is the lead on domestic security benefits.
A message from the leadership
We are proud to share with you the 2024–25 Annual Report of the CPA-IPP: a reflection of where we’ve been and where we’re heading together.
Canada has a longstanding tradition of international police peacekeeping, having deployed over 4,600 police officers to peace missions in more than 53 countries since 1989. These contributions are made possible through the dedication of Canadian police—federal, provincial, regional, and municipal—who bring professionalism, empathy, and leadership to complex missions abroad. The impact of this work extends beyond international borders, enriching Canadian policing with global experience, new or improved transferrable skills, and cross-cultural insight.
In 2024–25, over 150 police officers and civilian experts—39% of whom were women—served internationally across 12 missions. These numbers represent more than operational metrics; they reflect the courage, commitment, and compassion of individuals making a tangible difference in fragile contexts. We are especially proud of the rise in women’s participation, which has almost doubled over the past decade. We know that peace operations are more successful when women are fully engaged in leadership and decision-making roles. We are committed to exceeding global targets in this area.
As we reflect on this year’s accomplishments, we also turn our attention to the future. The global landscape is shifting rapidly, and peace operations are evolving to meet increasingly complex challenges. Today’s missions extend beyond conflict resolution to include governance reform and the stabilization of societies facing sudden upheaval. Meanwhile, large-scale United Nations (UN) peacekeeping deployments are becoming less common, requiring more agile and specialized approaches. Meeting these demands calls for innovation, inclusiveness, and strong collaboration across institutions and borders.
This report invites you to explore who we are, what we’ve accomplished, and where we’re headed. The successes of this year are a testament to the dedication of our deployed personnel, our Canadian police agency partners, and our support teams—individuals who exemplify the very best of what we can achieve through shared purpose and collective action.
The CPA-IPP is evolving to meet today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities. Canada’s leadership in capacity building and knowledge sharing will remain essential as we work to strengthen global peace and security. Our agility, our partnerships, and our unwavering commitment to meaningful impact will continue to guide our path forward.
On behalf of the CPA-IPP, thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we are making a difference and shaping a more peaceful world.
Liam Price
Director General - International Special Services
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
Mike McGuire
Director General - International and Border Policy
Public Safety Canada
Giles Norman
Director General - Transnational Threats and Conflicts Bureau
Global Affairs Canada
2024-2025 year at a glance
London UK
- International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre (IACCC)
- Rotated: 4 personnel
Netherlands
- International Criminal Court (ICC)
- Rotated: 13 personnel
Ukraine / Poland
- Bilateral Canadian Police Mission in Ukraine (CPMU Poland)
- Rotated: 22 personnel
Switzerland
- UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
- Rotated: 5 personnel
New Zealand
- Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police Secretariat (PICP)
- Rotated: 1 personnel
Kosovo
- UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK)
- Rotated: 2 personnel
West Bank
- EU Coordinating Office for Palestinian Police Support (EUPOL COPPPS)
- Rotated: 3 personnel
- Operation PROTEUS (Canada’s contribution to the Office of the U.S. Security Coordinator)
- Rotated: 35 personnel
Haiti
- UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH)
- Rotated: 2 personnel
- Haiti Mission Support
- Rotated: 40 personnel
New York
- Permanent Mission of Canada to the UN in New York
- Rotated: 1 personnel
- UN Gratis Positions
- Rotated: 2 personnel
Democratic Republic of the Congo
- UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO)
- Rotated: 17 personnel
Zambia
- UN Leadership Training
- Deployed: 4 personnel
Women, peace, and security
Women play a vital role in peace operations—offering diverse perspectives, strengthening situational awareness, and building trust with local communities—and evidence shows that their inclusion also increases the likelihood of agreements and promotes enduring peace. Recognizing this, the UN adopted Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), which underscores the disproportionate impact of conflict on women and girls and the need for their participation in peace efforts.
Canada reaffirmed its commitment to WPS through the launch of its third National Action Plan (CNAP-3) in March 2024, building on lessons from previous plans to advance gender equality and diversity at home and abroad. Canadian police officers are internationally recognized for integrating gender perspectives into operations and empowering women in partner countries through training and mentorship.
Canadian women leading the way
Canadian women police officers serve as role models and mentors in host nations, often providing local male officers their first opportunity to work alongside women counterparts. This fosters mutual respect, broadens perspectives, and helps bridge gender divides within policing communities. In 2024–25, the program actively supported Canadian women in senior positions, including 3 Contingent Commanders leading missions. Inspector Blayr Schmidt is the first woman Contingent Commander for the Canadian Police Mission in Ukraine (CPMU), marking a significant milestone in leadership and gender representation. Inspector Schmidt actively collaborated with Coalition 1325 Committees across Ukraine, a network of Ukrainian civil society organizations and activists working to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on WPS, within the Ukrainian context.
Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations
Through the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations, Canada continues to champion gender-inclusive policing in Zambia. In Fall 2024, 3 RCMP instructors delivered the Women’s Leadership Training course to 27 mid-level management women officers from the Zambia Police Service. The training equipped participants with critical leadership skills, boosting their confidence and preparing them for senior roles within the Zambia Police Service and future UN peace operations. Moving forward, the CPA-IPP will continue to explore opportunities to contribute to the Elsie Initiative through training and technical assistance.
Pre-UN Selection Assistance and Assessment Team Training
In 2024–25, the CPA maintained a roster of 30 certified Pre-UN Selection Assistance and Assessment Team (Pre-SAAT) trainers. This ensured continued readiness to support future deployments aligned with the WPS agenda. However, Pre-SAAT sessions were not delivered in 2024–25 as a result of UN financial constraints. Nonetheless, the program remains well-positioned to support the preparation of women police peacekeeper candidates from various contributing nations. These efforts may be pursued in partnership with individual countries or through collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, which shares Canada’s commitment to advancing gender equality in peace operations.
2024-2025 mission results
The Canadian Police Mission in Ukraine: 10 years of partnership
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the CPMU — a milestone that reflects Canada’s enduring commitment to international police cooperation and institutional resilience. Since the CPMU’s inception in 2015, more than 130 Canadian police personnel have been deployed to Ukraine. Canadian policing has left a lasting and transformative impact on the National Police of Ukraine over the last decade—a sentiment strongly echoed by National Police of Ukraine leadership during the 2025 visit of the RCMP’s Director General of International Special Services.
Following a pause in operational engagement, Canadian police officers were deployed to Warsaw, Poland in 2024 to re-establish operational ties with the National Police of Ukraine after the Russian invasion. These officers delivered specialized training programs tailored to the evolving operational and humanitarian challenges faced by Ukrainian police. In 2024–25, 22 police officers participated in international assignments with the CPMU, representing the RCMP (17), Peel Regional Police (2), Regina Police Service (1), Toronto Police Service (1), and West Vancouver Police Service (1). Additional personnel will be required in 2025–26 to meet operational demands, support member wellness, and increase mission resilience to help stabilization efforts.
2024–25 highlights
- Enhanced school safety through tactical training
- Delivered 16 immediate action rapid deployment (IARD) training sessions to School Safety Officers, Patrol Police, and tactical units of the National Police of Ukraine. These sessions directly supported Ukraine’s national initiative to deploy 2,000 specially trained officers to schools.
- Leadership development for school safety supervisors
- Led leadership training for new school safety supervisors, enhancing student engagement and fostering international collaboration on school safety.
- Trauma response capacity building
- Delivered the Trauma Equipment Instructor Training course in Lviv and Kyiv, accrediting 120 trainers through a comprehensive train-the-trainer model.
| Training | Sessions delivered |
|---|---|
| Immediate action rapid deployment | 16 |
| Education Safety Officer Leadership Program | 3 |
| Police Stabilization Program | 5 |
| Trauma equipment instructor training | 6 |
| Basic trauma equipment training | 6 |
| Community policing | 3 |
| Facilitation of adult learning | 3 |
United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) plays a critical role in promoting stability and reinforcing state institutions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its mandate prioritizes key governance and security sector reforms, while also ensuring the protection of civilians in conflict-affected areas. In 2024–25, 17 police officers completed international assignments with MONUSCO, representing the Service de Police de la Ville de Montréal (7), Service de Police de la Ville de Québec (5), Sûreté du Québec (3), and RCMP (2).
2024–25 highlights
- Expanded sexual and gender-based violence training and legal reform
- Canadian personnel more than doubled sexual and gender-based violence training activities for the Police Nationale Congolaise, reaching remote, high-risk areas affected by conflict-related sexual violence.
- Operational resilience amid crisis
- Canadian personnel conducted 49 mentoring sessions with over 30 judicial police officers across 7 districts. These efforts advanced 12 sexual and gender-based violence investigations and enhanced local police capacity under challenging conditions.
Haiti
The CPA-IPP plays a vital role in supporting multilateral and bilateral efforts aimed at Haiti’s stabilization and development, through its active participation in the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) and direct engagement with the Haitian National Police.
Under BINUH’s mandate, efforts focused on advising Haiti’s government on stability, governance, and reform. In parallel, CPA-IPP expanded its Caribbean presence to deliver tailored training and mentoring to the Haitian National Police. Despite rising violence, Canadian personnel adapted strategies to maintain effective support.
In 2024–25, 40 police officers and civilian experts completed international assignments in support of Haiti through the crisis, representing the RCMP (35) and the Sûreté du Québec (5).
2024–25 highlights
- Strengthened vetting and training foundations
- Canadian personnel strengthened ties with the Haitian National Police Vetting Unit, helping to identify top training candidates and enhance professionalism and operational capacity within the force.
- Strategic regional engagement
- Targeted deployments in Miami, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and the Turks and Caicos Islands enhanced collaboration with local partners, boosting coordination and advancing a unified regional security approach.
- Delivered specialized and tactical training
- Specialized and tactical training programs were delivered to 141 Haitian National Police officers, covering critical areas such as drone operations, polygraph techniques, and source development. These training sessions gave officers the advanced operational skills they needed to handle Haiti’s complex security environment, helping keep people safe and strengthening key institutions.
- Enhanced intelligence capabilities
- Delivered the Operational Intelligence Analyst course and Open-Source Intelligence training to Haitian National Police personnel, strengthening their capacity to collect, analyze, and act on critical intelligence. These targeted training sessions have contributed to a more agile, informed, and intelligence-led policing model, better equipping the Haitian National Police to respond to Haiti’s evolving security challenges.
The International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre
The International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre (IACCC), hosted by the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency, is a global, multi-agency initiative that combats grand corruption and money laundering. By providing specialized expertise, intelligence sharing, and targeted training, the IACCC strengthens the capacity of fragile and conflict-affected states to investigate complex corruption cases. In 2024–25, 4 RCMP officers and civilian experts completed international assignments with the IACCC.
2024–25 highlights
- Leadership in anti-corruption
- Provided strategic leadership in coordinating 2 high-profile international investigations, significantly advancing global efforts to combat grand corruption.
- Established a targeted mentorship program
- Launched a tailored mentorship initiative under the Women Against Transnational Corruption Hub (WATCH) platform, delivering focused support and capacity-building to members of the Cayman Islands Anti-Corruption Commission, fostering leadership and institutional resilience.
- Led multi-agency international cooperation strategy
- Spearheaded a coordinated law enforcement strategy to strengthen global anti-corruption collaboration, including deepened engagement with the Organization of American States to align regional efforts and share best practices.
- Advanced intelligence-led investigations
- Produced high-value intelligence, directly contributing to the disruption of transnational corruption networks and enhancing operational impact.
WATCH was started because we noticed that women investigators were not advancing in their organizations even though they did excellent work. By empowering women within the anti-corruption agencies we support, we strengthen those agencies and help to tip the balance of power from corrupt politicians to the law enforcement agencies that are investigating them.
The International Criminal Court
The International Criminal Court (ICC), headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands, is mandated to investigate and prosecute individuals responsible for the most serious crimes of concern to the international community—including genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and the crime of aggression. Through the CPA-IPP, Canadian experts are deployed to provide critical support and specialized expertise to ICC investigative teams. These professionals play a pivotal role in ensuring that those responsible for these terrible acts are held accountable. In 2024–25, 13 police officers and civilian experts completed international assignments with the ICC, representing the RCMP (9), Peel Regional Police (2), Service de Police de la Ville de Montréal (1), and the Sûreté du Québec (1).
2024–25 highlights
- Strategic deployment to ICC investigative teams
- 6 Canadian personnel were deployed to the ICC and assigned to high-priority investigative teams under the Office of the Prosecutor. Their work supported cases related to Libya, Darfur, Côte d’Ivoire, the Planning and Field Operations Unit, and the Suspect-at-Large Tracking Team.
- Advancing investigations and trial readiness
- Deployed personnel secured critical evidence through priority witness interviews, generating key leads and accelerating active investigations. Their support to prosecution teams strengthened trial preparation and ensured timely, organized case management.
- Capacity building through specialized training
- Canadian experts delivered targeted training to local staff, improving notetaking and witness preparation skills. These efforts reflect Canada’s sustained commitment to advancing international justice through meaningful collaboration with the ICC.
The Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations in New York
The Permanent Mission of Canada to the UN in New York (PRMNY) advances Canada’s multilateral foreign policy priorities through diplomacy, negotiation, and strategic engagement at UN Headquarters. The Mission plays a central role in promoting Canada’s interests across key pillars—international development, peace and security, and human rights—while contributing to UN reform efforts aimed at modernizing the organization and enhancing its effectiveness.
In 2024–25, a Chief Superintendent-level officer was deployed as Senior Police and Corrections Adviser at PRMNY, serving as Canada’s focal point for UN policing and corrections matters.
2024–25 highlights
- Strategic engagement
- Engaged with over 5 UN entities and various Member States to identify opportunities for Canadian-led or -supported peacekeeping initiatives, including through capacity-building and gratis positions, addressing operational gaps during UN budget constraints.
- Priority alignment
- Actively promoted Canada’s commitments under key international frameworks, including the WPS agenda, the Elsie Initiative, the Vancouver Principles, the Protection of Civilians, and the Rule of Law.
- Leadership in advocacy
- Successfully co-hosted the Group of Friends of Corrections annual advocacy meeting and the Justice and Corrections Women Trailblazer of the Year Award, reinforcing Canada’s leadership in promoting gender equality, inclusive governance, and innovation in corrections and justice reform.
Gratis Positions to the United Nations
In October 2023, the CPA-IPP deepened its collaboration with the UN by deploying 2 gratis position personnel. One officer was assigned to the Office of the Victims’ Rights Advocate (OVRA), supporting a victim-centred approach to sexual exploitation and abuse by ensuring access to medical, psychosocial, and legal support. The second officer was deployed to the Office of the Special Coordinator on improving the UN’s response to sexual exploitation and abuse (OSCSEA), advancing the Secretary General’s zero-tolerance policy and strengthening accountability mechanisms. The Office of the Special Coordinator position was extended through April 2025, underscoring Canada’s sustained commitment to global sexual exploitation and abuse prevention and victim advocacy.
2024–25 highlights
- Strengthened UN-wide accountability
-
Canadian personnel at the OSCSEA as well as at the OVRA collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement system-wide measures, including:
- Creation of sexual exploitation and abuse investigation manuals
- Revision of the Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse Action Plan
- Development of training programs focused on elevating victims’ rights
- Policy leadership in mission transitions
- At the OSCSEA, Canadian personnel contributed to a task force updating the 2013 UN Transitions Policy. They led a working group to draft standard operating procedures ensuring sexual exploitation and abuse protection activities are properly resourced during and after UN mission drawdowns or withdrawals.
West Bank – Operation PROTEUS (OP PROTEUS)
Operation PROTEUS represents Canada’s contribution to the Office of Security Coordination for Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Under the authority of the United States Department of State, this Office is responsible for ensuring international support for and a partnership between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Through this mission, Canada supports the development of the Palestinian Authority Security Forces by promoting police primacy and building long-term institutional capacity.
35 Canadian police resources completed assignments with this mission in 2024–25 from the RCMP (25), the Sûreté du Québec (5), the Peel Regional Police (4), and the Service de Police de la Ville de Québec (1). All held key leadership positions within the team, interacting directly with over 60% of all elements of the Palestinian Authority Security Forces.
2024–25 highlights
- Enhanced Police Training
- Canadian personnel led two 7-week Enhanced Police Training courses to equip experienced Palestinian Civil Police officers with advanced policing skills for semi-permissive environments like refugee camps.
- Intermediate SWAT training
- Canadian personnel delivered intermediate Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) training to the Palestinian Authority Security Forces in April and November 2024, equipping them for advanced instruction with less reliance on external support.
- Community emergency response
- Canadian personnel trained and equipped 15 Community Volunteer Teams to provide emergency services in remote areas impacted by movement restrictions and settler violence.
- Support to Palestinian Authority Customs Police
- Canadian personnel equipped the Palestinian Authority Customs Police with advanced first aid kits, high-intensity flashlights, and protective gear to enhance emergency response and support for civilians and officers in crisis.
The European Union Coordinating Office for Palestine Police Support
The European Union Coordinating Office for Palestine Police Support (EUPOL COPPS) supports reform of the Palestinian Authority’s policing and justice systems. This reform will focus on strengthening the Palestinian Civil Police as a professional, accountable force contributing to a 2-state solution. Canadian personnel play a key role through training, Human Resources policy development, and mentoring Palestinian Civil Police officials to build institutional capacity and sustainability. In 2024–25, 3 RCMP officers completed international assignments with EUPOL COPPS.
2024–25 highlights
- Train-the-trainer workshop
- Delivered a 4-session workshop to select Palestinian Civil Police officers under the Information-Led Policing portfolio, strengthening their capacity to manage and apply intelligence operationally.
- Leadership development
- Collaborated with Palestinian Civil Police leadership to deliver Executive Leadership Training and introduced a Canadian leadership model within the Criminal Investigations Department as an alternative framework for success.
- Strategic partnerships
- Canadian personnel fostered strong collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation and the Leadership Institute at the Palestinian Civil Police Police Academy in Jericho—an initiative developed with the German government—to reinforce institutional ties and promote Canadian policing leadership principles.
United Nations Institute for Training and Research
Headquartered in Geneva, the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) is a specialized UN agency focused on helping countries make better decisions and take action through innovative learning. Its mission is to build the capacity of individuals, organizations, and institutions to effectively address global challenges through high-quality training, knowledge sharing, and strategic innovation.
Canadian personnel play a key role in advancing UNITAR’s mission by contributing subject matter expertise, leading curriculum development, and aligning training programs with international standards and local priorities. In 2024–25, 5 police officers completed international assignments with UNITAR, representing the RCMP (4) and Service de Police de la Ville de Montréal (1).
2024–25 highlights
- Evaluation of the UN Police Training Architecture Program
- Designed and developed new UN police training materials in compliance with the Strategic Guidance Framework for International Policing and other relevant UN guidance. On behalf of UNITAR, led an independent field-based evaluation to assess whether this program was meeting its objectives to operationalize the Strategic Guidance Framework and provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities an Individual Police Officer needs to implement mission mandates.
- Global training leadership
- Provided coordination and implementation leadership for UNITAR’s Training of Trainers courses in Italy, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Nepal—delivering impactful training and advising on program design.
- Women Command Development Course
- Developed and delivered a 5-day leadership course for senior women police officers. The course was successfully implemented in Burkina Faso and Nepal to support gender-inclusive leadership in policing.
- Specialized curriculum design
- Contributed to the development of tailored training programs, including the UN Formed Police Unit logistics course—designed for units of 140 officers tasked with complex policing operations beyond the scope of individual officers.
United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo
The United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), established in 1999, plays a pivotal role in fostering peace, protecting human rights, and building inter-community trust in Kosovo, while contributing to broader stability across the Western Balkans. Since formalizing its partnership with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) in 2002, UNMIK has facilitated the exchange of police intelligence and access to global law enforcement tools. As part of this collaboration, Canada has deployed a CPA-IPP officer as an INTERPOL liaison, strengthening international cooperation and advancing shared priorities in criminal justice. In 2024-25, 2 police officers completed international assignments with UNMIK, representing the RCMP (1) and Peel Regional Police (1).
2024–25 highlights
- Extradition coordination
- Canadian personnel supported a complex INTERPOL Red Notice extradition between Vienna and Kosovo, improving the efficiency of cross-border law enforcement operations.
- Community engagement
- In response to the November 2024 attack on the Ibar-Lepenac water canal in Vragë, Kosovo, which led to widespread shortages of clean drinking water, Canadian personnel leveraged established local networks to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. Through direct collaboration with a local school principal, they secured access to clean water for students, while also strengthening community trust and raising awareness of UNMIK’s continued presence and support in the region.
Looking ahead
Evolution of peacekeeping
The global security landscape continues to evolve, reshaping the scope and complexity of peacekeeping operations. In response to shifting conflict dynamics and emerging transnational threats, modern peacekeeping has expanded beyond its traditional mandate of maintaining peace and security. Today’s missions are increasingly multidimensional, encompassing the protection of human rights, the restoration of the rule of law, and the support of democratic governance and institution building.
Since 2013, the UN has launched only 1 major peacekeeping mission—a stark contrast to the expansive operations of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. This shift reflects a broader transformation in global peacekeeping strategy. Despite there being fewer large-scale deployments, peacekeeping still plays an important role in multilateral diplomacy. Today’s missions are increasingly characterized by their smaller scale with a broader focus on political engagement, conflict prevention, and capacity building.
Peace is not just the absence of war, but the presence of justice—and police are its guardians.
The evolving role of police in peacekeeping
Similarly, the role of police in peacekeeping has transformed significantly since the early observer missions of the 1960s and 1980s. Initially focused on monitoring ceasefires and troop withdrawals, police now play a central role in training, mentoring, and institutional development in conflict-affected areas. This evolution reflects a broader understanding that sustainable peace requires strong, accountable policing institutions and the rule of law.
Police contingents now contribute critical expertise in community engagement, specialized investigations, and capacity building—helping to stabilize fragile environments and lay the groundwork for long-term peace.
Strategic adaptation in peacekeeping engagements
In response to these evolving dynamics, the CPA-IPP has adopted a more agile and impactful approach. Key developments include:
- Agile ancillary deployments
- Rapid, targeted responses to emerging strategic priorities.
- Specialized civilian expertise
- Leveraging Canada’s global leadership in integrating civilian experts within law enforcement frameworks to support a more holistic approach to peace and security strategies.
- Enhanced strategic partnerships
- Fostering deeper collaboration with multilateral and non-UN frameworks to expand operational reach and influence, as well as within UN specialized agencies and Secretariat entities, such as the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.
The adoption of a hybrid deployment model—involving long-term personnel and short-term specialists—has introduced new operational dynamics for RCMP headquarters. This approach enables greater flexibility and responsiveness to evolving mission requirements, allowing Canada to deploy targeted expertise where and when it is most needed. However, it also places increased demands on headquarters staff, who must manage more frequent onboarding, coordination, and logistical support for a diverse and shifting workforce. Despite these challenges, the model is expected to enhance mission agility, improve alignment with strategic priorities, and ultimately deliver more impactful contributions to international peace operations.
Priorities for the year ahead
Looking ahead, the CPA-IPP will continue to evolve in alignment with Canada’s global commitments and domestic security priorities. Key focus areas align with recommendations stemming from the 2025 Horizontal Evaluation of the CPA, and include:
- Mission agility
- Supporting well-mandated, adaptable peacekeeping missions aligned with Canada’s broader peacekeeping and foreign policy priorities, RCMP Federal Policing priorities, and the safety and security of Canadians.
- Canadian expertise
- Advancing initiatives that reflect Canada’s strengths in capacity building, technical assistance, training, and the disruption of transnational crime.
- Gender equality
- Promoting the WPS agenda through CNAP-3 and the Elsie Initiative, addressing systemic barriers to women’s participation in peace operations.
- Accountability and conduct
- Enhancing peacekeeper safety, performance, and discipline through strengthened oversight and accountability mechanisms.
- Digital transformation
- Integrating advanced technologies and digital tools to modernize peacekeeping operations.
- Data and performance frameworks
- Establishing a consistent and efficient approach to data management and updating performance measurement processes, to ensure relevant information is collected across all missions with an objective to inform decision-making and demonstrate impact.
- Financial governance
- Establish a streamlined and transparent financial framework by reviewing authorities and funding mechanisms for operational alignment, and implementing clear, consistent financial policies and procedures.
- Strategic communications
- Reinforcing global partnerships and improving communication strategies to support mission success, including a targeted recruitment strategy to attract skilled candidates.
Thank you to our partners
Canadian personnel from coast to coast are extending their reach far beyond national borders through a dynamic partnership with the CPA-IPP. In 2024–2025, a total of 19 police agencies—including provincial forces, regional agencies, and municipal services—united with the RCMP to amplify Canada’s influence globally. These dedicated and talented officers used their experience, unique perspectives, and specialized expertise to address complex international challenges and contribute meaningfully to global peace and security.
The CPA-IPP proudly welcomed 4 new partner agencies into the Program in 2024–25. We are honoured to include the Saint John Police Force, Niagara Regional Police Service, Correctional Services Canada, and the West Vancouver Police Department as valued partners in the CPA-IPP. Their commitment to international cooperation and capacity-building will undoubtedly enrich the Program’s impact and reach.
During my current deployment in Haiti I am gaining new skills, new perspectives, and new openness to what is going on in the world. All these skills are bringing my project management and analytical skills to a higher level. The network of contacts will undoubtedly be a major asset in my future career within my organization (Sûreté du Québec), as well as in my approach to partners who will be involved in any professional challenges in the future.
Canadian police personnel deployed abroad make diverse and meaningful contributions that extend far beyond traditional law enforcement. Their expertise spans a wide range of specialized areas—from instructing local police forces in high-risk environments on SWAT, to delivering advanced training in gender-responsive policing. These efforts enhance operational capacity in volatile regions and promote inclusive, community-oriented policing practices that align with international standards.
In early 2025, the CPA-IPP engaged police partner agencies to gather valuable insights into the successes and challenges experienced under the current agreement. The feedback highlighted the security-related benefits not only for Canada as a whole but also for individual jurisdictions. Beyond security, partners highlighted the broader value of the Program in fostering transferable skills and competencies among their members. These included strengthened community engagement, heightened cultural awareness, and sharpened problem-solving capabilities—all of which contribute to more effective, responsive, and adaptable policing within their respective agencies.
Peacekeeping is a win-win-win for Canada, our organizations, and our people.
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