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31 July 2024, 9:00pm
Feature

Commemorating 60 years of Australian Police Peacekeeping

This year marks 60 years since the first contingent of Australian police were deployed to Cyprus as part of United Nations peacekeeping efforts.

Since then, thousands of Australian police have deployed across the world, helping countries navigate the difficult path from conflict to peace. Often this is alongside policing colleagues from other counties as well as military/defence personnel.

Commemorative events

We’re commemorating these efforts over 60 years through several publications and events across the country. These include:

Service at Australian Peacekeeping Memorial on Anzac Parade followed by a luncheon at the National Gallery of Australia

Dates and details to be advised

Dates and details to be advised

Dates and details to be advised

Dates and details to be advised

Dates and details to be advised

Whether you’re a current or former peacekeeper, family member of a current or former peacekeeper, or part of the policing and/or peacekeeping community more broadly, you‘re welcome to join us for at the commemorative events. If you are yet to receive your invitation to the national event please contact events@afp.gov.au.

Missions and contingents

Missions and contingents with Australian policing involvement and presence include:

  • Afghanistan
  • Bougainville (TMT / PMT)
  • Cambodia
  • Cyprus
  • East Timor | Timor-Leste
  • Haiti
  • Jordan
  • Liberia
  • Mauritius
  • Mozambique
  • Solomon Islands (RAMSI)
  • Solomon Islands (IPMT)
  • Somalia
  • South Sudan
  • Sudan
  • Thailand (UNBRO)

The role of police peacekeepers

Police peacekeepers reinforce and re-establish security through patrolling, community policing and other operational support. They also advise domestic police services, assist with capacity building, increase compliance with international human rights standards, and restore and promote public safety and the rule of law.

This is a diverse and intense experience for our peacekeepers – stories that should be memorialised, reflected upon and shared with generations to come.

Image gallery

In Cambodia in 1992 and 1993, 20 Australian police peacekeepers lived in Thmar Puok village and helped build the capacity and capability of Cambodian police. The Australians also took it on themselves to donate educational materials and toys to local school children.
Australian police peacekeepers handing out lollies at a community engagement event in Cambodia, in 1992. Cambodians had few luxuries and struggled for food in a war-ravaged environment.
United Nations missions use aircraft for mobility and transport purposes. Here an Australian police peacekeeper and a colleague are standing near a Super Puma UN helicopter, in East Timor in 2000
An Australian police peacekeeper with women and a child in Kurmuk, the Sudan. The Australian Federal Police provided officers to the United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS), between 2005 and 2007
As part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), Australian police assisted in delivering supplies to members of minority Greek Cypriot communities situated in the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Here, a wheelbarrow was used as the woman lived atop a steep hill
State police officers being sworn in as special members of the Commonwealth Police, in a ceremony in Canberra in 1965. A few days later these officers flew to Cyprus, to commence duties as peacekeepers
Australian and international police on the streets in Dili, Timor-Leste, in the wake of chaos and violence in 2006. International police and military forces assisted Timorese authorities in restoring order and calm, after a near total collapse in security due to violence between Timorese military and police forces.
An Australian police officer talking to Cambodian children in Kdol Village, Banteay Chhmar Province. The Australians taught Cambodian police how to gain the trust and respect of their communities.
Australian police officers receiving a UN campaign medal for their service as part of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, in 2000
Three members of the Queensland Police Service who were part of the first Australian police contingent to Cyprus, in 1964
The then United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, with police peacekeepers from Australian and other nations, in Timor-Leste
Community engagement was an important part of duties for police peacekeepers attached to the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). Australian police peacekeepers served in UNMISS between 2011 and 2014
A UN medal parade in Nicosia, Cyprus, in 1988. Receiving her medal is Sergeant Kathy Burdett, the first female Australian police officer to deploy overseas on a United Nations peacekeeping operation
An Australian police peacekeeper sharing some food with a Greek Cypriot couple, in northern Cyprus. The UN retains responsibility to check on the welfare of minority communities across the island
Sheep in Cyprus cross infront of a UN jeep

Contact us

Any questions relating to the 60-year Australian policing peacekeeping commemorations should be directed to events@afp.gov.au.

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