LYON, France - Around the world, thousands of police officers serving their fellow citizens and the cause of justice are killed or injured every year.
It is in their memory and on behalf of the global policing community that INTERPOL designated 7 March as the International Day of Remembrance for Fallen Officers.
Officials at all INTERPOL duty stations around the world will be holding a minute’s silence in memory of colleagues killed whilst in service.
This year, for the first time, the day of remembrance will also be marked at the United Nations (UN) supported by the Office of the Special Representative of INTERPOL to the UN in New York.
Amiera AlHefeiti, Deputy Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the UN, will host the event on 6 March, which will be attended by UN Police Adviser Luis Carrilho and police advisers to other permanent missions.
In addition to the day of remembrance, in 2020 INTERPOL launched a new initiative to award certificates and medals to the families of police officers who have died in the line of duty.
INTERPOL Secretary General Jürgen Stock said the International Day of Remembrance for Fallen Officers is an opportunity for people to reflect on the sacrifices made by police around the world.
“Serving and protecting our communities is a bond which joins police officers across the globe.
“However, this can be at the ultimate price for them, and their families. Too often I send condolences to a police chief in one of our 194 member countries after another officer has lost their life in the line of duty.
“On behalf of the international policing community, I salute the service of law enforcement officers in every country, working to make the world a safer place,” concluded the INTERPOL Chief.
For events marking the International Day of Remembrance, look for the hashtag #FallenOfficers, and retweet to show your support.
