The Australian Federal Police (AFP) is celebrating its 60th anniversary of involvement in the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP).
Established in 1964, UNFICYP marked a historic milestone as the first mission to include Australian police officers. This contingent arrived in May of that year, playing a crucial role in preventing further conflict between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities.
AFP Superintendent Jason Byrnes, who served in Cyprus with the 62nd contingent, shared his experience. "The initial landscape struck me," he said, describing the stark contrast between the airport and the capital, Nicosia. "It was quite something to drive through."
Byrnes further elaborated on the complexities of his deployment, particularly during his time in Pyla, a unique bi-communal village with both Greek and Turkish Cypriot residents. "It was a very dynamic and challenging environment, demanding sensitivity to political and cultural nuances," he explained.
Pyla's unique situation, nestled within the buffer zone and surrounded by landmines, presented the challenge of ensuring peaceful coexistence between the two communities, each with its own mayor and law enforcement. "Our role was to maintain awareness and ensure mutual respect between the parties," Byrnes noted.
Cyprus has become one of the world's longest-running peacekeeping missions, with Australia contributing significantly. Over 111 Australian police contingents have served in the mission, totaling over 1,600 officers. While the majority came from the AFP and its predecessors, contributions from state and territory police forces were also significant, particularly before 1976.
Beyond monitoring ceasefire lines and conducting patrols, Australian police officers played a vital role in community policing initiatives. Their efforts aimed to foster trust and cooperation between the divided communities, promoting stability and laying the groundwork for future reconciliation.
The expertise of these officers in community policing and conflict resolution has extended beyond Cyprus. Thousands of Australian police personnel have gone on to serve in peacekeeping and capacity building missions around the world, including Timor-Leste, Haiti, Mozambique, and many others.
This anniversary serves as a testament to the enduring commitment of the Australian Federal Police and its officers to international peacekeeping and conflict resolution efforts.
(Source: AFP)
