• Saturday, September 07,2024

MOI marks the International Day of International Police Cooperation

The Ministry of Interior, through its International Affairs Office, hosted a hybrid workshop on the International Day of International Police Cooperation, titled "The Role of Police Agencies in Preventing and Reducing Environmental Crimes." This event featured both virtual and in-person participation from international organizations, institutions focused on policing, various sectors of the Ministry of Interior, General Police HQs, the Ministry of Justice, the National Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management Authority, the Youth Council of the Ministry of Interior, and students from the Police College.

Moderated by Major Ali Khamis Al Yamahi, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department, the workshop included discussions on environmental crimes and strategies for enhancing the capabilities of law enforcement personnel to address these issues. Major Dana Al Marzouqi, Director General of the International Affairs Office, opened the workshop with a speech emphasizing the significance of this event. She stated: We are honored to host this international workshop on the International Day for Enhancing International Police Cooperation, celebrated each September. This day provides a valuable opportunity to showcase our collaborative efforts in bolstering global police cooperation and its critical role in safeguarding societies from various threats.

Al Marzouqi continued: This year's theme, The Role of Police Agencies in Preventing Environmental Crimes,’ highlights the pressing need to address environmental crimes that directly threaten societal safety, especially in light of the security challenges posed by climate change. We firmly believe that collective global action is the most effective way to tackle these challenges and work towards a crime-free world.

She also highlighted several pioneering Emirati initiatives, such as the International Law Enforcement Initiative for Climate (I2LEC) launched in 2023 by the UAE Ministry of Interior in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. This global platform aims to raise awareness, build capacity, and research crimes impacting the environment and climate change. These initiatives have garnered global support and success, enhancing the capabilities of law enforcement through workshops and lectures conducted worldwide by experts from the Ministry of Interior and leading countries in this field.

Lt. Colonel Dana Al Marzouqi stressed the Ministry's commitment, under the guidance of Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, to enhancing international security cooperation. This commitment is aimed at achieving the highest levels of sustainable international security and stability.

Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Ahmed Saleh Al Zarouni, Director of the Police Representation Department, discussed the I2LEC, emphasizing its role in supporting the United Nations’ environmental strategy by enhancing law enforcement capabilities to tackle environmental crimes. The initiative includes five key efforts: the Climate Operations Unit led by INTERPOL, the Global Preparedness Assessment, environmental crime research by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, a global training center in Abu Dhabi, and the Environmental Preparedness Initiative aimed at reducing carbon emissions.

Amerik Salmoni, representing the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, reiterated the UN’s ongoing efforts to combat environmental crimes through various international initiatives and integrated programs via the United Nations Environment Programme. The UN also supports countries in developing effective strategies against crimes like poaching and illegal trafficking of endangered species and collaborates with INTERPOL to improve international coordination and information exchange.

First Lieutenant Ibrahim Hassan Abdullah, Head of the Permanent Alliances Section, highlighted the Green Justice operation led by the UAE in coordination with I2LEC. This operation uncovered significant environmental crimes in the Amazon region, involving law enforcement agencies from Brazil, Peru, and Colombia, as well as the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and the Ecosystem Research Institute. It targeted regional environmental criminal networks involved in smuggling, illegal hunting, deforestation, and illegal mining.

Dr. Salama Suhail Al Muhairi from the National Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management Authority emphasized the rapid advancements in climate change and the necessity for strengthened, unified national and international efforts. She underscored the role of the national emergency management system in preparing for and addressing potential risks, highlighting the importance of innovation and integration among various entities to ensure community safety and effective responses, ultimately contributing to a safer and more stable world