A Senegalese police officer serving with the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has beenawarded special recognition for her outstanding service to the Congolese community and national police.
Major Seynabou Diouf was announced the 2019 UN Female Police Officer of the year on Friday.
She currently leads a task force that helps prevent and end sexual exploitation and abuse as part of the UN Mission in the DRC(MONUSCO), in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.
“It is a deep honour to receive the UN Female Police Officer of the Year award. It means a lot to me”, she saidin response to the news, adding that sexual abuse prevention is a priority for herself and her team, and said she believed the hard work is paying off.
Major Seynabou Diouf, of the Senegal National Police, leads a task force that helps to prevent and end sexual exploitation and abuse with the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) in Goma, North Kivu.
She also manages the UN Police Women’s Network, which connects female officers for mentoring, training, professional development and mutual support.
In choosing Major Diouf, out of 30 nominees from eight missions, the selection committee commended her exemplary service as having a direct and positive impact.
Senegal is the largest contributor of police to UN peace operations, whose nearly 10,000 officers help to enhance international peace and security by supporting Member States in conflict, post-conflict and other crisis situations. It is also among the top five contributors of female police officers.
While more than 1,400 female police officers currently serve in UN peace operations, by 2028, the Organization is aiming to bring the level among individual officers who are women up to 30 per cent, and 20 per cent more among formed police units.
The award will be presented at a ceremony on 5 November at UN Headquarters in New York during the 14th UN Police Week, when heads of UN police components and police experts from 14 peacekeeping operations, special political missions and regional offices, will discuss topics related to performance, conduct and discipline strengthening and sustaining peace through human rights.
Source UN.
