Global Increase in Gender-Based Violence Highlights Need for Police Capacity Building
A rising global trend in gender-based violence during the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the fragility of progress previously made against such violence. Women and girls, in particular, are increasingly becoming victims of gender-based violence that is subtly infiltrating our daily lives through information communication technologies and other digital tools.
In response to this alarming situation, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA) have launched a Police Capacity Building Program to combat gender-based violence in the digital sphere. This initiative aims to share the KNPA’s expertise in addressing technology-facilitated violence, enabling partner countries to strengthen their national capacities in tackling gender-based violence and related crimes.
The partnership between UNDP and KNPA seeks to enhance development efforts, with a focus on promoting the rule of law, gender equality, and police capacity building. By signing the partnership agreements, both organizations reaffirm their commitment to protecting the vulnerable and establishing transparent, effective, and accountable public institutions worldwide.
Haoliang Xu, the United Nations Under Secretary-General and Associate Administrator of UNDP, expressed gratitude for KNPA’s invaluable expertise and generosity in sharing it with UNDP. Xu emphasized the critical role of the rule of law, security, and effective policing in building the foundation for any development. He further commended the Korean Police for their inspiring transformation into one of the world’s most people-oriented and efficient police forces.
Commissioner General of KNPA, Hee Keun Yoon, highlighted the shared vision of UNDP and KNPA to create a safer world for all. Yoon affirmed the Korean Police’s commitment to share their knowledge and experience with other countries, thereby promoting peace, security, and stability. He emphasized that this collaboration aligns with the commitment of the Korean Police to leave no one behind and contribute meaningfully to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
This partnership builds upon KNPA’s longstanding collaboration with UNDP since 2017. Through various UNDP country offices and the SDG Partnerships program on gender-based violence, KNPA has shared its expertise with several countries, including Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Indonesia, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, and North Macedonia.
In conclusion, the global surge in gender-based violence necessitates urgent action, and the Police Capacity Building Program initiated by UNDP and KNPA is a significant step towards addressing this issue. By combining resources and expertise, this partnership aims to empower countries to effectively combat gender-based violence in the digital sphere and create an enabling policy environment. With the joint commitment of UNDP and KNPA, the global community can work towards building a safer and more equitable world for all.
