News
At EUPOL COPPS Human Rights Day is every day
Accountable justice and security sector institutions are key for upholding international human rights and the rule of law. “As EUPOL COPPS we are committed to putting human rights at the forefront when supporting our Palestinian partners working in justice and security institutions”, says EUPOL COPPS Head of Mission, Karin Limdal, on the occasion of International Human Rights Day, marking this 10 December the 76th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. A human rights-based approach applies to all EUPOL COPPS’s actions and activities in support of the Palestinian justice and security institutions. Whether by standardizing legal procedures, by clarifying the roles and responsibilities of the justice institutions, by partnering up with civil society when training security forces on the Convention against Torture, or by training officers of the Correctional and Rehabilitation Centers on the Mandela Rules and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Mission aims to help build an effective and accountable Palestinian state apparatus. As such, EUPOL COPPS continues to intensify its capacity-building efforts, ensuring these principles translate into improved delivery of justice and security services for the Palestinian people. This reflects the Mission’s commitment to its Palestinian partners and to the broader society they serve. #HumanRightsDay #StandUp4HumanRights]
Building Bridges among key Palestinian criminal justice and civil society actors
Fostering cooperation and deepening mutual understanding among key Palestinian criminal justice stakeholders and civil society in view of the establishment of a functioning and sovereign Palestinian state is high on the EU agenda. This is why EUPOL COPPS on 3-5 December organised “Building Bridges in Bethlehem”, a three-day workshop aiming at creating a strategic network between Palestinian entities representing the whole criminal justice chain and other key social actors, playing a central role in promoting rule of law, stability, trust, and community cohesion. The Palestinian Civil Police (PCP), the Justice institutions (Courts and prosecutors), and essential partners such as Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Palestinian Bar Association (PBA) and The Environment Quality Authority (EQA) participated in the event, in addition to several EU representatives. The sessions focused on targeted, cross-sectional discussions and provided deeper insights and understanding of how to fight back log problems across the criminal justice chain, increased knowledge of practices related to handling and management of criminal evidence at crime scenes, enhanced local investigative practices to investigating domestic violence cases, gave increased understanding of the environmental hazards and safety risks and improved understanding and practical application of Community Policing principles within the PCP and on ways to strengthening a sustainable partnerships between the PCP and Civil Society Organizations, resulting in coordinated efforts that support community safety and trust. Commenting on the need for inter-institutional cooperation along the criminal justice chain, Karin Limdal, Head of EUPOL COPPS, said during the inauguration of the event that “Police work is going nowhere without prosecution, courts, penitentiary, civil society and a legislative framework”. Brigadier Mohammad Tayyem, who represented Chief of Palestinian Civil Police, commended EUPOL COPPS efforts in organising the Bethlehem event which would contribute to “developing mechanisms for mutual cooperation and coordination” between the PCP and the other criminal justice sector institutions and to improve the services presented to the public in line with international standards. The PCP, judges, prosecutors, lawyers and CSOs, expressed their gratitude towards EUPOL COPPS and underlined that the workshop had contributed to building trust and knowledge within the criminal justice chain. They stressed that they are looking forward to transforming the insights and knowledge gained into actions and real mechanisms and asked for more cross-sectoral events like this. Within the framework of the EU action in Palestine, EUPOL COPPS plays a key role as a facilitator of cooperation and adviser on reforms within the security and justice sectors. As part of this mandate, EUPOL COPPS will continue to facilitate exchanges between criminal justice actors and civil society also in other West Bank districts, and share advice and knowledge to fostering stability, transparency, and community engagement.
EUPOL COPPS joins Palestinian police to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities
EUPOL COPPS Community Policing Advisers joined the Palestinian Civil Police to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) to honour the resilience, contributions, and leadership of persons with disabilities, on 03 December in Jericho. The event, which serves as a reminder of collective commitment to promoting inclusivity, and creating equal opportunities for all, is meant to strengthen ties between the PCP and the public, especially the IDPD. Over 500 persons with disabilities from all Palestinian districts participated in the activity. EUPOL COPPS advisers, were side by side with their Palestinian counterparts and interacted in many informal conversations with the children and their parents.
Head of EUPOL COPPS says Palestine sets an example for adopting strategy to combat violence against women
“Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a global issue,” EUPOL COPPS Head of Mission, Karin Limdal told representatives of Palestinian institutions on the margines of 16 Days of Activism round-table dialogue on 28 November in Ramallah. Despite years of EUPOL COPPS work in Palestine, a legal framework for family protection from violence is still not in place. This gap remains a critical issue, which EUPOL COPPS consistently emphasises in meetings with the Palestinian counterparts, alongside the importance of increasing women’s participation. The event provided invaluable insights and an overview of the challenges in the field. The Family and Juvenile Protection Department of the Palestinian Civil Police (PCP) highlighted the challenges with movement restrictions, staffing shortages and the absence of a comprehensive legal framework. The Ministry of Social Development echoed similar concerns, noting that women would be more willing to seek justice if adequate legal and social protection were in place. However, social stigma and fear remain as major obstacles, as emphasised by the Female Lawyers Network. Judges from Sharia and Ecclesiastical courts added that legal pluralism complicates matters, as the Palestinian Authority lacks sovereignty in all areas. Challenges in the National Referral System, such as transferring GBV survivors, the high cost of legal fees compounded by limited free legal aid, further hinder access to justice. Women’s Centre for Legal Aid and Counselling (WCLAC) emphasised the importance of strengthening collaboration between Civil Society Organisations and the PCP to effectively address gaps in protecting women All participants agreed that it starts with a legal framework for protection as a fundamental pillar; to support closer coordination and cooperation; to institutionalise a rights-based approach as a praxis; to support the social services deliver adequate social protection and for Palestine to once again lead the way as the regional role model on women’s rights because Palestinian women deserve the protection of the law.
Meet our Advisers
Meet our Senior Police Adviser - General Policing
The Press and Public Information Office is pleased to introduce the next Advisor in our ‘Meet our Advisors’ section. Christian is a German colleague, very soft spoken and kind, and we are very much in awe of his years of experience and interesting expertise as a Police Officer. 1. Tell us a little about yourself (nationality, professional background and experience and expertise) My name is Christian, I am a police officer from Duesseldorf in Northrine-Westfalia in the western part of Germany and can look back on a 30-year career. I have spent more than ten years in various (leadership) positions in the riot police and I served several years in a permanent service unit that supported the Chief of Police in large operations. Since 2017 I have been a senior police officer and have held different positions in crime fighting/prevention, operations and project management. I introduced the distance electro impulse device, also known as Taser, in my (last) Headquarter, and developed regulations as to how to use it. 2. Explain your portfolio here at EUPOL COPPS I have been a EUPOL COPPS Mission Member since August 2023. I am a Senior Police Adviser in the area of General Policing. In this position, there is no unit that I look after exclusively. Conversely, I support my direct superior in areas where there is a need. Before the 7 October, it was the Bethlehem Project, while currently I am responsible for Crowd Management and Information Led Policing. 3. What do you enjoy most about forming part of EUPOL COPPS, and about working in the Region? Due to the current situation, it is not easy to respond to this question in the manner it deserves. From a personal perspective, I like the flexibility in my position and that I can get to know different portfolios and counterparts. The people are very friendly, hearty and hospitable. In a way, people are more relaxed and take life easier. In Germany we have so many rules and sometimes we make it difficult for ourselves. I experience that difference here in a positive way. This region is so rich in history, I am grateful to be able to work in a CSDP Mission here. I understand the Middle East conflict more and more because I live and serve here. I get my knowledge and understanding of the conflict from the different people I talk to, who tell me their experiences and impressions. And not just from the media like many others who don't have the chance to be here on the ground. Of course, the events since 7 October have been dramatic and many people are suffering. That also has an impact on my daily work and feelings. 4. What are the challenges you face, and how, in your view, may they be overcome? I think the situation was already challenging before the eruption of the current crisis, but now it has become even more so. Despite the challenges and the evolving situation, which we cannot influence, we as EUPOL COPPS have remained on the ground the whole time. We are aware of our responsibility and, even in this difficult situation, I think it is important to show the PCP and our partners that we are there. We are not leaving our counterparts alone and continue to offer our support. In particular for the day after the war. The situation is also challenging for all of us advisers. At first our families just missed us after we have been deployed. Now they are very worried about the security situation. We see our counterparts and our local colleagues suffering. Many other people are suffering. I think it's important to strengthen your own resilience. We talk a lot about the situation and I experience a high level of mutual support. Despite all the tragedy, that is the positive side. Press and Public Information Office: Christian, many thanks for granting us the interview. It is a pleasure for us to get to know you further!
Meet our Head of Security Sector Reform Section
Despite the turbulent times here in the Mission Area and beyond, EUPOL COPPS very recently welcomed our new Head of SSRS (Security Sector Reform Section). Our Finnish colleague Kai joined us from Finland. Kai has served in the region before, also within EUPOL COPPS, and as a Mission, we are very fortunate to have him back in our midst. Press and Public Information Officer spent some time with Kai to get to know him a bit better, and we would like our audience to get to know him too. Tell us a little about yourself (nationality, professional background and experience and expertise) I come from Finland. I am a serving police officer with over 33 years of professional experience of which 17 years in senior management level. My current job is in the National Police Board which is the supreme command of Finnish police. My special responsibilities are the strategic management of national K9 activities, national procurement and budgeting of protective gear and weaponry and Nordic countries uniformed policing co-operation. I’m also one of the supreme command national duty officers. My background contains experience from almost all aspects of policing: uniformed policing, criminal investigations, technical surveillance, immigration and weapons administration, all in both operational and supervisory positions. I have worked as a teacher in the Police College of Finland teaching operational leadership and management. I have also worked as a head of drug investigations department of the Finnish Customs. On an international perspective I have lived away from Finland for some time of my life. As a child I lived in Australia for five years, one year in Saudi Arabia and two years in Iraq. After that I spent one year in the USA as an exchange student. As an adult I have spent one year in South Lebanon in the UN peacekeeping mission. In 2011-2012 I was seconded to the USSC Ramallah -mission as a senior police advisor with the responsibility of assessing and validating the Intermediate Leaders Course for the PA security forces. And my latest secondment here was 2016-2017 when I was the senior police advisor for community policing. So in a way my current post as the Head of SSRS seems to be a logic continuation. My expertise is widespread and I have a good understanding on almost all aspects of policing as well as their interconnectivity and dependence. I have management and leadership skills of both police and civilian personnel. Explain your portfolio here at EUPOL COPPS My post within EUPOL COPPPS is the Head of Security Sector Reform Section (SSRS). The job description contains the leadership and management of the section as well as providing expertise in the issues needed. Within SSRS, I am very fortunate to have an excellent team of Police Advisors coming from all sectors of expertise. What do you enjoy most about working in the Region, given that this is not your first experience here? The people are very friendly and hospitable and easy to talk to. For a Finn (we are mostly regarded as mute) this is very refreshing and on the other hand also slightly intimidating! I am intrigued by the history and complexity of the region. The historical sites all around the region tell stories of different times and reigns. I see them as monuments of the rise and fall of eras. I also think that the landscape is one of the most beautiful in the world, in all of its ruggedness and with all its different features from the northern mountains to the rolling hills towards the Dead Sea, the Mediterranean seashore and deserts towards the Gulf of Aqaba. What are the challenges you anticipate facing, and how, in your view, may they be overcome? I think we are witnessing the greatest challenge in EUPOL COPPS history at the moment. The situation has dramatically and sadly taken a horrendous turn in the past days and weeks. Despite the challenges, we as a Mission continue to implement our mandate with our counterparts, notwithstanding the trying times we find ourselves in. It comes as no surprise that the focus of our counterparts is very much on the current situation. However, life needs to continue and it is clear that most of the people want stability and safety in life. I believe that EUPOL COPPS, together with our counterparts are making a grand effort in making this possible. How will this challenge be overcome is a million dollar question… I believe we need to “keep on keeping on” and try to think about the “day after”. When this is over the time will come for reconciliation and stabilisation. In my perspective we play an important role. Every individual EUPOL COPPS family member has her/his part to play in supporting the communities and people. Press and Public Information Office: Kai, thank you very much for granting us this interview! It is indeed a pleasure to welcome you back to EUPOL COPPS. Within the PPIO Team, we are proud to work alongside you and the SSRS Team, and sincerely look forward to building upon our excellent collaboration.
Meet our Senior Police Adviser -Institutional Development - Human Resources
In our interviews so far, we’ve encountered a number of EU colleagues, as well as a Turkish colleague. Nevertheless, here at EUPOL COPPS, we are also fortunate to have two Canadian colleagues forming part of our Security Sector Reform Section (formerly named the Police Advisory Section); Canada being one of the three Third Contributing Countries to EUPOL COPPS. Our dear colleague Shelly has been with us for over a year. Always ready with a helping hand, our counterparts not only benefit from Shelly’s long years of experience and expertise, but also her kind and soft spoken approach. Tell us a little about yourself (nationality, professional background and experience and expertise) Thank you for this opportunity. I have over 35 years of policing experience with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canada’s National Police Service and 5 years’ experience as a Vancouver City Police Reservist. As a result, I have been afforded many opportunities that have provided me with a diverse background of experience, ranging from serving in Indigenous/Diverse communities, at Municipal, Provincial and National levels and at various ranks. This has provided me with comprehensive experience in multiple fields of expertise. I have worked at the strategic, tactical and operational levels throughout my career and have been afforded the experience to develop and work with strategic frameworks at Provincial/Federal government levels in Canada. I have a comprehensive back ground in a variety of specialties in policing: General Duty Policing, Crime Scene Analysis, Community Policing, Crime Prevention/Crime Reduction, to name a few. All from operational, tactical, philosophical and strategic perspectives; as well as extensive knowledge of Police Administration, Conduct and Human Resources practices and procedures. At a Federal level in Canada, I was seconded to the Office of the Federal Interlocutor for Metis and Non-status Rights (now Indigenous and Northern Affairs). I worked on and participated in the development of multi-jurisdictional social programs for Indigenous peoples at both the Federal and Provincial levels. Cultivating and fostering strategic long term partnerships was a critical component of achieving success. Prior to arriving in Mission, I was the acting Criminal Operations Officer in New Brunswick. In this role I was responsible for all operational, tactical and police operations responses in the RCMP jurisdictions of New Brunswick, including Gold Commander (Critical Incident Command) during a national incident. My substantive position was the Officer in Charge of the RCMP North-East District in New Brunswick. There, I was responsible for the operational and administrative policing functions for one third of the Province. I had a team of 181 employees. My area of responsibility consisted of 10 detachments, 5 Indigenous communities, approximately 99 communities/villages, with a land radius of approximately 20,000 square miles. I have a Masters in Consitutional Law and Certficate in Human Rights law. Explain your portfolio here at EUPOL COPPS During my nearly year and a half in Mission, I have been holding the following portfolios: Institutional Development - Human Resources In this portfolio, I have been actively working with my counterpart on the development of individual performance assessments. This project is being piloted in Jenin and Bethlehem, and will train unit leaders on supervision and performance indicaters of their team members. Accountability The project in this portfolio started with a baseline study of public complaints and was done in conjunction with my counterpart in the Grievance and Human Rights‘ Department. The project is in phase 4 of 7 phases. Field visits to police detention/holding cells have also been conducted to look at their processes. The Palestinian Police Women’s Network I was honoured to be part of the original organizing group for the conference held in May 2022, and since that time I have been the portfolio lead, assisting the 25 founding members to develop their Terms of Reference, elect their Board Members and assist with their official launch in January 2023. To date they have organized their application processes, logo and communication, whilst work is continuing on their annual plan. What are the challenges you face, and how, in your view, may they be overcome? At times I found it difficult when other international stakeholders are working on same or similar projects and there was no communication or coordination. This has been overcome by cultivating and fostering relationships/partnerships, along with increased communication. What do you enjoy most about forming part of EUPOL COPPS, and about working in the Region? I most enjoy the people here, my counterparts in the region, as well as my colleagues from around the world who join me here in the Mission. The Region is filled with so much history, that prior to arriving here, it was a bit of a mystery to me; however now seeing and hearing from the people here, as well as forging what I believe will be long lasting frienships, the history and culture have come alive for me. It truly is an honour to be here working alongside my colleagues and with our counterparts.
Meet our Planning and Policy Advisor
Seeing a colleague sporting a Turkish uniform in the corridors of an EU CSDP Mission is not an everyday sight. Nevertheless, with Turkey being one of the three Third Contributing Countries to EUPOL COPPS, we are fortunate to have our dear colleague Ozkan in our midst. Always with a ready smile, Ozkan’s friendly approach is never failing. Despite his years of experience, Ozkan’s humility makes him an asset within the Mission, and we are fortunate to call him a colleague and friend. Tell us a little about yourself (nationality, professional background and experience and expertise) My name is Ozkan Baran and I am a National Police Officer from Turkiye. My rank is 2nd Degree Police Chief Superintend or Police Colonel. I have been a member of the Police Advisory Section at EUPOL COPPS since June 2022, where I am the Police Adviser for Planning and Policy. Turkiye is one of the third contributing countries to this Mission, together with Norway and Canada. I have more than 26 years of policing experience, both at the national and international levels. I managed many administrative and judicial responsibilities back in my country. On the international scene, I have been posted within the United Nations Missions in Kosovo and in Haiti and the NATO Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, and at the Turkish Embassy in Bangkok/Thailand. I have much experience on combating against human trafficking, drugs, illicit goods and weapons; armed robbery; counterfeit and money laundering and serious/organized/transborder crime investigations as well as planning and capacity building areas. I am currently the only Turkish Police Officer working in the mission area. I am very proud of being here in the Palestinian Territories and assisting the Palestinian Police both in their present responsibilities as well as in preparation for their future. Something that makes me very happy is the warm welcome of both our local counterparts as well as the Palestinian population, which certainly makes my work more pleasant. Explain your portfolio here at EUPOL COPPS Within the Police Advisory Section, I am the Police Adviser for Planning and Policy. Essentially, this means that my role is to assist the Palestinian Police improve the safety and security of the Palestinian population, as well as to support the Palestinian Civil Police reform and development, not least by contributing to the PCP Strategic Plan for the coming years. What are the challenges you face, and how, in your view, may they be overcome? I am very happy to be here and working with very professional Mission Members from EU Countries. Working with different colleagues hailing from varied cultural understanding and different working habits of law enforcement only serves to enrich my experience. The Mission is taking an important role to make the Palestinian Territories more stable and secure and also to improve the Institutions under Palestinian ownership. I am here to support them in assisting in the building of their institutions. Being part of this Mission is a great opportunity and I enjoy all my time working with my international colleagues and Palestinian counterparts, in addition to enjoying the close and warm relationship with the Palestinian citizens during our activities. What do you enjoy most about forming part of EUPOL COPPS, and about working in the Region? I consider myself fortunate not to face many serious challenges during the daily execution of my responsibilities. Of course, being far from home and my family sometimes causes a degree of stress, as expected. However, the plus side is that, these days, long distance communication has definitely made our lives easier. A special thanks goes to my wife for always handling all kinds of challenges back home, in my absence. I would like to end by wishing all the very best to my local counterparts and Palestinian citizens, as well as a safe and secure return back home to all my international colleagues. Press and Public Information Office: Ozkan, many thanks for taking the time to grant us this interview. Your positive approach and outlook are undoubtedly examples for all of us to follow!
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