EUOPL COPPS promotes stability and security, while advocating for Human Rights and Gender equality in Palestine. 

A Mission’s milestone for such endeavours is the Bethlehem Pilot Project, started during the 2022/3 mandate and officialy concluded this year with a round table discussion on 16 June in Bethlehem. On the occasion, representatives of the Palestinian Civil Police (PCP), the Bethlehem First Instance Court and the Mission shared reflections and views on lesson learned and ways forward. 

The Bethlehem Pilot Project developed based on needs assessments throughout 11 Palestinian Civil Police (PCP). Building on such findings, in cooperation and coordination with the PCP partners, EUPOL COPPS launched a multitude of joint activities focusing on advancing stability and security in Palestine. 

The Project included actions on gender awareness and representation, operational planning, command and control, community-led police activities aimed at strengthening public trust, enhancement of IT capacities in criminal investigation, coaching sessions on Family Protection, and setting up of a multi-purpose room. 

Additionally, within the framework of this pilot project, a series of Building Bridges events, aiming at promoting and increasing cooperation and communication amongst criminal justice and security actors, took place across the West Bank and East Jerusalem. As a result, an active networking between the Palestinian Police District Bethlehem, the Court of Bethlehem, the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Bethlehem and the Palestinian Bar Association is in place.  

A District Police model can now be used as a future paradigm for other Police Districts.  

In her opening remarks of the closing event, EUPOL COPPS Head of Mission (HoM), Karin Limdal, recognised the “extraordinary efforts and dedication of the Palestinian Civil Police and the judicial institutions, who continue to fulfil their responsibilities under exceptionally challenging circumstances”. 

Despite it, stressed Mrs Limdal, Palestinian police officers, judges, prosecutors, court personnel, and justice-sector practitioners have continued to carry out their duties with professionalism, resilience, and commitment. Such dedication in upholding the rule of law, supporting access to justice, and serving the people of Palestine deserves sincere respect and appreciation, remarked the HoM. 

As she is about to conclude her tenure as Head of Mission of EUPOL COPPS, Mrs Limdal also expressed sincere gratitude to all Palestinian partners and colleagues. Her words were matched by the representative of the Chief of the PCP, who also underlined the HoM and the Mission’s commitment demonstrated during war times.