FIFTH COMMITTEE COMPLETES FIRST READING OF SIX BUDGET SECTIONS

1 November 1995

Press Release
GA/AB/3011

FIFTH COMMITTEE COMPLETES FIRST READING OF SIX BUDGET SECTIONS

19951101 Concern Expressed for Adequate Resources to Carry Out Mandates of UNCTAD, UNEP, Habitat, Crime and Drug Control

Concerns were expressed that the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) might not have the resources it needed to carry out its mandated duties, as the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) this morning continued its first reading of the proposed 1996-1997 United Nations budget.

The meeting concluded detailed reviews of six of the budget's sections. They were section 10A, UNCTAD; 10B, the International Trade Centre UNCTAD/General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT); 11, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); and 12, the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat). The others were sections 13, crime control and 14, international drug control.

The budget proposes inflation-adjusted sums of: $116.8 million for UNCTAD; $21.6 million for the International Trade Centre UNCTAD/GATT; almost $10 million for UNEP; $14.8 million for Habitat; $4.9 million for crime control; and $16.4 million for international drug control. [Discussions during the first reading of the budget are largely couched in terms of inflation-adjusted figures.]

The concerns were expressed by groupings of Member States during discussions on UNCTAD's estimates. The Group of 77 developing countries and China, speaking through the Philippines, said UNCTAD was the sole United Nations entity that could serve as a "think tank" on global development issues and reflect the developing countries' views. The conclusion of the Uruguay Round of tariff negotiations and the creation of the World Trade Organization had reinforced the need for agencies expert in development matters, its representative added.

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The 13 members of the Caribbean Economic Community (CARICOM) which were United Nations Member States, spoke through Trinidad and Tobago. They expressed concern that UNCTAD would not have the means to fulfil mandates from international conferences, including the Barbados Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States.

At their recent Cartagena, Colombia, meeting, India added, the heads of State and government of the Non-Aligned Movement had emphasized UNCTAD's role as an appropriate focal point within the United Nations for the integrated treatment of development and related issues in trade, finance, technology and sustainable development. UNCTAD should be supported adequately and its work not be underestimated due to the creation of the World Trade Organization, Cuba said, adding that the two should complement each other.

The United States said the resources for UNCTAD were excessive and efforts should be made to create a leaner and more efficient structure. Programme overlap and redundancies should be scaled back and UNCTAD's proposed budget closely scrutinized.

A common theme in the discussions on other budget sections such as those on UNEP, Habitat, crime control and international drug control was that they should be adequately financed to carry out the tasks they had been assigned by the Assembly, the Economic and Social Council or international conferences.

Representatives of the following countries also spoke at the meeting: Swaziland, China, Uganda, Egypt, Russian Federation, Japan, Ukraine, Brazil, Barbados, Kenya, Brazil, Algeria, Costa Rica, Spain, Canada, on behalf Australia and New Zealand, Bahamas, Bolivia and the United Republic of Tanzania.

The Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), C.S.M. Mselle, introduced his Committee's views. United Nations Controller, Yukio Takasu, and the Director of the Programme Planning and Budget Division, Jean-Pierre Halbwachs, answered questions from delegations.

When it meets again at 3 p.m. today, the Fifth Committee will review sections 15 to 19 of the programme budget.

Committee Work Programme

The Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) met this morning to continue its first reading of the United Nations proposed budget for the 1996- 1997 biennium, involving its section-by-section review.

For its first reading of the proposed budget the Committee had before it the Secretary-General's proposals (document A/50/6/Rev.1 Vols. I and II) and the views of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) (document A/50/7) and the Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC) (document A/50/16). The Secretary-General proposes a budget of $2.51 billion (in 1994-1995 dollars), before adjustments for inflation and exchange rate fluctuations. The ACABQ's recommendations are largely in 1996-1997 figures, adjusted for those factors. (For background on the proposed budget, see Press Release GA/AB/3017 of 4 October.)

The budget sections to be reviewed today fall under Part IV and V on international and regional cooperation for development. They are section 10A on the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD); 10B on the International Trade Centre UNCTAD/General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT); 11 on the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP); and 12 on the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat). The others are sections 13 on crime control; 14 on international drug control; 15 on the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA); and 16 on the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

Section 10A. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development: The Secretary-General proposes $110.6 million for UNCTAD before adjustment and after a cut of some $3 million. The cut is mainly due to the proposed abolition of seven General Service posts that have become redundant due to technological improvements.

A major factor influencing the proposals for UNCTAD for 1996-1997 is the new mandates given it in 1994 by the Trade and Development Board, especially in conjunction with the conclusion of the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations and the establishment of the World Trade Organization on 1 January. Under those mandates, UNCTAD is to emphasize in its policy analysis, new issues on the international trade agenda and on consensus-building on trade and economic policy issues before they become the subject of negotiation in the World Trade Organization. It will give priority to assisting developing countries.

The ACABQ does not cut the proposed sum and the CPC recommends that the Assembly approve the section's narrative on the basis of assurances that the proposed reduction in resources would not curtail any mandated activities.

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Section 10B. International Trade Centre UNCTAD/GATT: The International Trade Centre is directed jointly by UNCTAD and GATT, with its primary objective to promote the trade and export development of developing countries and improve their import operations and management. Its budget is funded equally by the United Nations and GATT, with the United Nations share being $20.9 million at 1994-1995 rates. The ACABQ approves the sum. The CPC recommends that the Assembly approve the section.

Section 11. United Nations Environment Programme: The Secretary-General proposes $8.9 million for UNEP before adjustment and after a cut of $784,900 relating to reduced requirements for the meetings of its Governing Council, the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation and the proposed abolition of a P-5 post. In 1996-1997, UNEP will continue focusing its activities on environmental assessment, management and institution- and capacity-building. The ACABQ does not trim the proposed amount and the CPC approves the section.

Section 12. United Nations Centre for Human Settlements: The Secretary-General proposes $13.1 million for United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (Habitat) before adjustment and after cutting $426,200. The cut is due to the fact that most of the preparatory work for the United Nations Conference for Human Settlements (Habitat II) has been done during the biennium 1994-1995 and since the Conference is due in June 1996, it would cover only part of 1996. The ACABQ approves the sum and the CPC approves its programme narrative.

The Centre is responsible for implementing the Global Strategy for Shelter to the Year 2000 and is the ad hoc secretariat for Habitat II, scheduled to take place at Istanbul, Turkey, from 3 to 14 June 1996. The work programme for 1996-1997 reflects Habitat II's two themes: adequate shelter for all and sustainable human settlements in an urbanizing world.

Section 13. Crime control: For the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, the Secretary-General proposes $4.5 million before recosting and after cutting $391,600. The latter represents the halting of a non-recurrent provision for holding the Ninth Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders in 1995, partially offset by changes such as the proposed upgrading of the Chief of the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Branch at Vienna to the D-2 level and the establishment of two additional P-3 posts.

In 1996-1997, the programme will emphasize helping Member States implement the Naples Political Declaration and Global Action Plan against Organized Transnational Crime and following up the recommendations of the Ninth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, held in 1995.

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The ACABQ recommends $4.8 million after adjustments, down from the Secretary-General's adjusted estimate of $4.9 million. It recommends that the upgrading of the Chief of the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Branch to a D-2 level be deferred to the fiftieth Assembly and that only one P-3 post be approved. The CPC states that the section's narrative should be reviewed.

Section 14. International drug control: For the United Nations International Drug Control Programme, the Secretary-General proposes $14.8 million before recosting and after an increase of $150,100. Two new P-3 posts are proposed, representing an increase from 71 regular budget posts in 1994-1995 to 73 posts in 1996-1997. A total of 208 posts are proposed to be paid for by extrabudgetary resources in 1996-1997,the same as that for 1994-1995. The ACABQ recommends only one P-3 post and an adjusted appropriation of $16.3 million at 1996-1997 rates, down from the Secretary- General's adjusted estimates of $16.4 million. The CPC approves its narrative.

Section 15. Economic Commission for Africa: For the Commission, the Secretary-General proposes $72 million before adjustments, after an increase of $386,900. He also proposes the establishment of a P-4 post to follow-up activities pertaining to small island developing States, and other posts for electrical and mechanical engineers (two P-3) and of elevator, audiovisual and air-conditioning equipment technicians (three local level) for the new conference facilities. With the completion of the ECA's conference facilities in Addis Ababa, he proposes to scrap four temporary posts (one P-5, one P-3 and two local level) in the Construction Unit. [Also reflected under section 15 is the provision relating to the Regional Commissions New York Office, which is kept at maintenance level.] The ACABQ does not object to the establishment of the posts and does not cut the budget proposed. The CPC approves the section's narrative.

Section 16. Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific: For the ESCAP, the Secretary-General proposes a pre-adjusted $61.6 million, after an increase of $287,000. He asks for one P-5 post for the Chief of Rural Development Section, one P-4 post to follow-up the Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States, the conversion of a temporary P-3 post to an established one in relation to the Transport and Communications Decade for Asia and the Pacific and a P-2 post for a building management officer. The ACABQ approves the four posts and the proposed appropriation, while the CPC approves the section's narrative.

Statements on section 10A. United Nations Conference on Trade and Development

C.S.M. MSELLE, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), introduced his Committee's report on sections 10

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to 14. Commenting on UNCTAD, he said that the ACABQ had been informed that while the primary function of the World Trade Organization was to act as an implementing instrument for contractual obligations of its member States, the General Assembly had reaffirmed UNCTAD's role as the appropriate focal point within the United Nations for the integrated treatment of development and interrelated issues in the areas of trade, finance, technology, investments and sustainable development. Moreover, a number of high-level vacancies in UNCTAD had been vacant and the ACABQ recommended that that be rectified according to the needs of the UNCTAD programme of work.

The ACABQ had commended the UNEP Executive Director's efforts to limit documents for the Governing Council, Mr. Mselle said. He went to review other comments and recommendations of his Committee. Administrative support previously provided for under Habitat and UNEP had been consolidated under section 26H, Administration, Nairobi. It had, however, been stated that the separate identities of UNEP and Habitat should be maintained.

Regarding crime control, the ACABQ had asked whether the proposal to upgrade the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Branch to a division warranted a D-2 post. In the absence of information on the Director-General's supervisory role, it had been difficult to evaluate whether upgrading a post to D-2 was justified. A decision on the matter should be deferred. The Committee approved the establishment of only one P-3 post.

On the drug control section, he said that the ACABQ recommended that the narrative of the proposed budget should clearly indicate the source of funding for various activities. For instance, it had not been clear which portion of the information activities were to be funded from the regular budget and which were to be financed from extrabudgetary resources. The amount for travel in the proposed budget should be kept under strict control.

MARY JO ARAGON (Philippines), speaking on behalf of the "Group of 77" developing countries and China, said that UNCTAD was an essential focal point in the United Nations system in the areas of trade, sustainable development and finance. It was the sole entity in the system that could serve as a "think tank" on global development issues and which could reflect the views of the developing countries.

The conclusion of the Uruguay Round of tariff negotiations and the creation of the World Trade Organization had reinforced the need for agencies expert in development matters. The UNCTAD had an essential role to play in providing developing countries with expertise with which to analyse the new rules governing international trade under the GATT. The World Trade Organization and UNCTAD complemented each other, she said.

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The planned UNCTAD IX in South Africa next year would give the Secretary-General of that agency the opportunity to express his views. The Group of 77 countries were concerned that UNCTAD would not have sufficient budgetary resources to continue its mission.

RAJIV RAMLAL (Trinidad and Tobago), speaking on behalf of the 13 members of the Caribbean Economic Community (CARICOM) which were Members of the United Nations, said CARICOM had yet to be convinced that adequate provision had been made for achieving the outcomes called for in the recent global conferences. The CARICOM was concerned that UNCTAD would not have sufficient resources to fulfil its mandate under those international conferences, including the Barbados Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States. He urged the Secretariat to explain how UNCTAD would fulfil its responsibilities under the Barbados Plan of Action.

AUDREY NHLABATSI (Swaziland) expressed support for the statement of the Philippines on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. The UNCTAD was the focal point for the integrated treatment of development, trade, technology, investment services and sustainable economic development. Those were the key areas for the economic survival of developing countries, especially those of Africa. The fact that a Secretary-General for UNCTAD had not been appointed for some time had been a cause of concern. She wondered why that post had not been filled for so long, and why the person appointed to that position had been from a lower level. That ad hoc situation no doubt had affected the efficiency of UNCTAD.

The P-4 post for UNCTAD should be provided for under existing resources. She urged United Nations agencies to coordinate their activities with a view to reducing duplication of work.

DULCE BUERGO (Cuba) said her delegation attached great importance to the section for UNCTAD. She supported the views of the Group of 77 and of CARICOM. She expressed concern at the continued weakening of UNCTAD's structure and at the number of vacancies. The ACABQ advice on that should be supported. She was concerned about the lack of funding for the P-4 post on the follow-up of the Barbados conference on small island countries. That should be considered and the necessary appropriations made towards that end. The UNCTAD should be given support because of its importance and its work should not be underestimated due to the creation of the World Trade Organization. The two should have complementary roles.

SUSAN SHEAROUSE (United States) said the resources for UNCTAD were excessive, with staff costs accounting for some 90 per cent. Efforts should be made to create a leaner and more efficient structure. She did not support the classification of a D-2 post into a permanent post. Programme overlap and redundancies should be scaled back to make it more efficient. The UNCTAD

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could review its publications to see whether they were useful to readers. The proposed budget should be closely scrutinized.

VIJAY GOKHALE (India) fully supported the views expressed by the Philippines. At their recent Cartagena, Colombia, meeting, the heads of State and government of the Non-Aligned Movement had emphasized UNCTAD's role as an appropriate focal point within the United Nations for the integrated treatment of development and interrelated issues in trade, finance, technology and sustainable development. The views of the heads of State were relevant to the meeting; UNCTAD should be supported.

JU KUILIN (China) said he was concerned over budget reductions for the UNCTAD -- an agency essential for economic development. Such a budget reduction should implemented only with a legislative mandate. The proposed resource reduction might have a negative effect on the efficiency of the program. China did not share the view that UNCTAD programs were duplications of programs in place elsewhere. Those citing overlapping and duplication should back up their claims by facts. The UNCTAD had played a major role and had avoided duplication in its work.

Follow-up work was needed in connection with the plan of action adopted by the Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States. The First Officer (P-4) post associated with that task should be restored.

NESTER ODAGA-JALOMAYO (Uganda) endorsed the views on the UNCTAD budget section expressed by developing countries. All budgets should be closely scrutinized. Rather than reducing resources to UNCTAD, resources should be re-deployed to other units within UNCTAD, particularly those focusing on the least developed countries. The Committee was being advised of the re- deployment of posts within UNCTAD after the fact. He wondered why the Assembly had not been advised beforehand.

The ACABQ report had described a number of vacant, unoccupied posts. He wondered why they had not been filled on a timely basis. What impact had that fact had on the programme? he asked. Uganda was concerned that it had taken so long to fill the post of Secretary-General of UNCTAD. He was concerned that a First Officer (P-4) post had been left out of the budget. For a programme like UNCTAD -- which was of great interest to developing countries - - such a post was of great importance.

MOHAMED FATTAH (Egypt) expressed the hope that UNCTAD would become a better tool for the economic development of developing countries. Some had said that the creation of the World Trade Organization had rendered the UNCTAD redundant. That was not so. The agency was a unique forum for trade

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negotiation. It could become the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) of developing countries.

VLADIMIR V. KOUZNETSOV (Russian Federation) said he attached significance to UNCTAD activities and its coordination with other organizations such as the World Trade Organization. One of the main factors behind the proposal in the budget for UNCTAD was the new mandates given to UNCTAD in 1994 by the Trade and Development Board, especially in conjunction with the conclusion of the Uruguay Round of trade negotiations. The estimates were realistic and would allow UNCTAD carry out its tasks. Resources should be rationalized by cutting general temporary assistance, allowing a smaller increase in resources and the abolition of some posts. He supported the conversion of two Professional posts to established status, including that of a temporary Director (D-2) post dealing with transnational corporation activities. The structure of expenditures should be rationalized and the number of temporary assistance posts reduced. The UNCTAD activities and publications should also be rationalized. That matter should be resolved swiftly. The situation of seven posts that had been filled by lower-level staff should be studied. Some vacancies were inevitable, but measures must be taken, keeping in mind the views of Member States.

FUMIAKI TOYA (Japan) said UNCTAD could play an important role in studying the impact of the Uruguay Round of tariff negotiations on the less- developed countries. That importance could be enhanced by making UNCTAD work more efficiently, with reforms to avoid duplication of work with other bodies, such as the World Trade Organization. Work could also be rationalized. The UNCTAD should continue to rationalize its activities by assigning priorities to its programmes and examining its publications. He would comment on specific proposals at a later stage.

EVHEN KOZIY (Ukraine) expressed support for the proposed budget for UNCTAD activities for the next few years. He welcomed the measures being taken to rationalize the financial resources planned for the 1996-1997 biennium. The creation of equal opportunities for all States, including those in central and eastern Europe, was important as an activity of UNCTAD. It was important for those countries, as trade was one of the main sources of their incomes. The UNCTAD could help enhance the reforms in those countries in transition.

JOSE ANTONIO MARCONDES DE CARVALHO (Brazil) associated himself with the statement by the Philippines. The UNCTAD was at a key moment in its history. A whole new set of tasks had been placed before it by the conclusion of the Uruguay Round of tariff negotiations and the creation of the World Trade Organization. The UNCTAD and the World Trade Organization would complement each other; there was no overlap in their mandates.

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Brazil was not convinced that UNCTAD would not have a role in the future. Clear evidence of alleged duplication should be presented, particularly the accusation that the role of UNCTAD was being played by other agencies of the United Nations system. Now was the time to give UNCTAD adequate resources to meet the development challenges before it.

YUKIO TAKASU, United Nations Controller, said that the Secretary-General had oriented United Nations activities in accordance with the wishes of Member States. There had been a significant shift taking place between those areas no longer considered priorities and those considered new priorities. That shift had been agreed upon by Member States.

The Secretary-General had taken a long time to find the most qualified candidate for Secretary-General of UNCTAD. He was well pleased with the candidate and with his performance. The proposed budget had proposed a $2.9 million reduction for UNCTAD. Some $500,000 had been reduced from policy planning because working groups had met this year. Other reductions had come about from reductions in General Service staff achieved through technological improvements. The program had suffered no real reductions in program spending. The budget reductions reflected productivity gains.

As to the post for the follow-up to the plan of action for small island developing countries, the secretariat would approve the recommendation of the ACABQ. Regarding the Director (D-2) post in the transnational corporations section, he said that two years ago that elimination had been proposed following the elimination of a programme dedicated to economic relations between socialist and developing countries.

The secretariat was aware of the need to reduce duplication, particularly in the area of publications. A review was being carried out; it would likely be completed by mid-1996.

NESTER ODAGA-JALOMAYO (Uganda) said that it was not clear whether the posts mentioned by the ACABQ report had been filled.

RAJIV RAMLAL (Trinidad and Tobago) said that he wished to know whether there were resources which could be redeployed within UNCTAD.

Mr. TAKASU said that it always took time to find the best candidate to fill empty posts. The Secretary-General had been appointed, as had most Directors. He understood that the First Officer (P-4) post in question would be filled through re-deployment.

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Statements on Section 11. United Nations Environment Programme

SAM ONGERI (Kenya) said he attached great importance to UNEP, which was based in his country. The organization should be strengthened and financed to carry through Agenda 21 of the Rio Conference. He supported the narrative of the budget proposals as UNEP would continue to play a leading role in liaison with governments on a wide range of environmental policies. Regarding institutional capacity-building, that was a new area which would help developing countries wrestle with environmental problems. He was concerned about the savings that were expected from UNEP. Any savings that might accrue should be spent on programme activities, which should be enhanced vis-a-vis administrative support costs. The proposals to save $784,900 should be reconsidered. He wanted information on the proposal to scrap a Senior Officer (P-5) post. Any savings from administration should be ploughed back to programmes or activities.

Mr. ODAGA-JALOMAYO (Uganda) said he was surprised that, when UNEP was expected to play an increased role in following-up on the implementation of Agenda 21, the conventions on climate change, biodiversity and desertification, it was being asked to take some cuts. The plan to cut money for conference services was not justified, as UNEP's role would increase. That proposal should be reconsidered in the light of UNEP's increased mandate.

The representative expressed concern at the plan to abolish a Senior Officer (P-5) post. He wondered why it took a very long time to fill some posts, such as that one, while others could be filled in a few days.

P. FONTOURRA (Brazil) associated his delegation with the views of Kenya regarding the role that UNEP would play. He agreed with Kenya's views on the savings to be made from UNEP.

Mr. FATTAH (Egypt) said that UNEP should be given enough resources to play its role.

LARBI DJACTA (Algeria) said he supported what previous speakers had said on the matter. Environmental issues should be handled through the United Nations system. The cut in resources and posts were worrying to his delegation. The resources UNEP needed to implement its programmes should be made available.

Ms. BUERGO (Cuba) said that she wished to be associated with the comments of Kenya and Uganda. The report of the Governing Council of UNEP should be examined in detail. Activities in the UNEP budget section were critical, particularly in light of numerous recent international agreements.

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Mr. TAKASU said that resource reductions had come about through efficiency gains, as described by UNEP. Technological innovations had reduced the cost of translation, he said. Translations were being done by remote, without sending translators to Nairobi. The amount of material published was also being reduced, at a savings of $415,000. The elimination of the Senior Officer (P-5) post in the energy area had been proposed by UNEP. The UNEP had sufficient experts to cover the work of that programme, and had decided to leave that post empty, and then to eliminate it.

When UNEP was created, it was agreed that programmes should basically be financed through the UNEP budget. The regular budget pays for only a small part of the UNEP workload. Recently, many agreements had been adopted in the environmental area. But the secretariat governing those agreements were covered by separate budgets -- they were not part of the regular budget itself.

Mr. ONGERI (Kenya) said that the host country of UNEP, Kenya, had contributed substantially to technological gains by the agency in the area of e-mail. That savings should have gone to other priority areas. There was no justification for freezing posts. The Senior Office (P-5) post being eliminated could be shifted away from energy to other priority areas, such as water or desertification.

He was puzzled that the empty Senior Office (P-5) post on energy was being eliminated. The Governing Council of UNEP had often discussed how that post should be filled, not how it should be phased out.

Statements on Section 12. Habitat

LARBI DJACTA (Algeria) said that this budget section should provide adequate resources for the holding of Habitat II.

Mr. ODAGA-JALOMAYO (Uganda) also urged that Habitat II be held as planned.

Mr. TAKASU said that the Habitat II would take place early next year. During the present year there had been a series of preparatory meetings. Additional work would be needed prior to the meeting next year, but there would not be as many preparatory meetings. That was why less money was needed. Follow-ups for a meeting taking place next year would be undertaken after that meeting. There was no reason for follow-up funding at present.

Statements on Section 13. Crime Control

NAZARETH INCERA (Costa Rica) said the proposal to upgrade the Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Branch to a division was justified as that

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would help countries that needed assistance to fight crime. There was an imbalance between the recommendations and the proposed resources. Adequate resources should be provided for the section.

LINDA SHENWICK (United States) said the branch's upgrade was not yet justified, as a lot of its money was spent on overhead and staff. As a result, few of its mandates were being carried out. Most activities were limited to providing documents for United Nations meetings. Certain benchmark actions must be taken before her delegation could approve an upgrade. They included full implementation of a strategic management plan and the setting of priority themes. The branch should also advise on the budget impacts of such a move before the Fifth Committee considered the matter. The United States would communicate its position after hearing how those benchmarks were being attained.

RAFAEL MUNOZ (Spain), also speaking for the European Union, recalled a General Assembly resolution asking the Secretary-General to upgrade the branch to a division. He asked for more details on the functions that would be assigned to a Second Officer (P-3) post, also.

SAM HANSON (Canada), speaking also on behalf of Australia and New Zealand, said that the challenge posed by crime must be met. He supported the upgrade of the crime Branch to a Division, and the upgrading of its leadership to a Director (D-2) level. Even with that upgrade taken into account, the budget section reflected a reduction. Canada supported the ACABQ request for relevant information. Unfortunately, the Advisory Committee had had to reiterate its request for that information. On the understanding that the information would be provided, Canada supported the upgrade.

Ms. BUERGO (Cuba) said that her delegation supported the activities carried out by the Crime Branch. She was concerned that resources for the budget section were insufficient to cover two sessions of the Crime Commission to be held during the biennium. The phenomenon of trafficking in children was a transnational crime. Future work should concentrate on that sub-program. Cuba opposed arbitrary connections, such as links between assistance to States and insistence on good governance.

HIDEKI GODA (Japan) endorsed the upgrading of the Crime Branch to a Division. He anticipated that there would be additional requirements for the program budget 1996-1997.

Mr. ODAGA-JALOMAYO (Uganda) supported the increase in resources for activities both at the regional and the global levels. The resources in Africa should be improved and the United Nations should take a leading role. He agreed with the ACABQ that the Secretary-General should define the role of the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna regarding a number

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of specialized units at Vienna. The proposal to establish two more Second Officer (P-3) posts for activities relating to crime prevention and criminal justice standards and norms should be clarified, as the ACABQ had said.

SHARON BRENNEN-HAYLOCK (Bahamas) said she wanted more information on why some resources should be given to upgrade the Branch to a Division. The role of the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna regarding a number of specialized units at Vienna should be explained.

Mr. TAKASU said that the crime prevention and criminal justice branch supported the Commission on Crime. It also provided technical support to countries. The staff had had a great impact through their networks with other entities. A lot of funds went for advisory services and support to the Commission. As to the post level of the programme's head, that was being proposed in response to several Assembly and Economic and Social Council resolutions calling for strengthening of the programme. The Assembly, for instance, had in 1994 repeated its request for an upgrade of the Branch to a Division. The Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna also supervised the outer space programme and drug control, among other duties. Activities of the crime prevention programme had increased threefold after the conference in Naples and the Ninth Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders of 1995. The staffing should be enabled to handle the increased workload. A Second Officer (P-3) post was related to a subprogramme on cooperative action against transnational crime. The other Second Officer (P-3) post was for the subprogramme on crime prevention and criminal justice management. Both had been requested by Assembly or Economic and Social Council resolutions.

The section's first reading was completed and referred to informal consultations and action.

Section 14. International Drug Control

MARTHA MONTANO (Bolivia) said that she wanted clearer information on the sources of funding for the drug control programme.

RAFAEL MUNOZ (Spain), speaking on behalf of the European Union, said that he supported strengthening the capacity of the United Nations drug control programme. He endorsed the establishment of two additional Second Officer (P-3) posts, but requested more information concerning the functions of those posts prior to their establishment.

Mr. GODA (Japan) said that he generally supported the proposals of the Secretary-General, including the addition of two Second Officer (P-3) posts.

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Ms. BUERGO (Cuba) said that she was concerned that the drug control programme might not be able to fulfil its mandate, because no resources had been devoted to the subprogramme on technical cooperation. Cuba believed that to be the centre of the programme.

S.E.S. MONGELLA (United Republic of Tanzania) said that he was concerned at the level of resources allocated to technical cooperation. That section was critical to developing countries. Most of those countries had very low capacities to deal with the scourge of drugs.

Mr. ODAGA-JALOMAYO (Uganda) asked for clarification on the justification of the two additional Second Officer (P-3) posts proposed to be established in relation to subprogramme 8 on international monitoring and assessment of changes in the scope of control of substances under the 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances.

The representative asked that those who could provide extrabudgetary resources for the programmes under the section should do so, in particular for the programmes in the African region.

JEAN-PIERRE HALBWACHS, Director, Programme Planning and Budget Division, said that the international drug control programme, among others, helped with technical cooperation. The Secretariat would provide more information in informal consultations on the two Second Officer (P-3) posts requested. Only one of them was meant for subprogramme 8. The other was for subprogramme 7 on the international monitoring of the licit manufacture, trade and use of substances controlled under the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances. Other aspects of coordination by the section would be clarified at informal consultations.

The Committee concluded the section's first reading and referred it to informal consultations.

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