ADMINISTRATIVE AND BUDGETARY COMMITTEE TAKES UP REVISED 2000-2001 BUDGET FOR SIERRA LEONE MISSION

Resumed Fifty-fifth General Assembly

Fifth Committee

51^st Meeting (AM)

ADMINISTRATIVE AND BUDGETARY COMMITTEE TAKES UP REVISED

2000-2001 BUDGET FOR SIERRA LEONE MISSION

The structure of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), its personnel and operational requirements, the self-sufficiency of its contingents, and the effectiveness of its procurement procedures were among the issues discussed by the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) this morning.

As it began its consideration of the proposed revised budget of that Mission for 1 July 2000 to 30 June 2001, several speakers supported the recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) to approve an appropriation of $550 million gross for the Mission, inclusive of the appropriation of some $476.72 gross already made by the Assembly –- an increase of some $73.3 million.

They also agreed that the General Assembly might wish to consider assessing, at this time, an additional amount of some $36.6 million gross, representing half of the increase recommended by the Advisory Committee.  The balance of the assessment would be subject to a report to the Assembly in the context of its review of the proposed budget for UNAMSIL for the period 1 July 2001 to 30 June 2002 to be submitted later in the year.

The representative of Sierra Leone said that a critical stage in the search for peace had been reached.  He appealed to members of the international community who had pledge assistance to UNAMSIL to speed up the deployment of troops so that Sierra Leone could rightfully claim democracy and sustained peace for its future.

On the issue of procurement for the Mission, the representative of Norway said that the Board of Auditors had identified poor inventory management, lack of procurement planning, delay in delivery of goods and shortage of trained procurement staff in UNAMSIL.  Steps should be taken to ensure that the field assets control system installed in April 2000 was effectively maintained, and that available staff were trained to address weaknesses in the system.

The representative of Sweden, speaking on behalf of the European Union and associated States, said that an overall policy review of so-called “wet-lease” arrangements was needed.  [Under such arrangements, troop-contributing countries assume responsibility for maintaining and supporting their contingents and equipment.]  Those wet-lease problems could be dealt with by pre-deployment inspection of the contingents for their capability to be self-sustaining, he said.

The reports before the Committee were introduced by the Director of Peacekeeping Financing Division, Bock Cheng Yeo, and the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), Conrad S.M. Mselle.  James Mutiso, of the Finance Management and Support Service, Department of Peacekeeping Operations, responded to questions from the floor.  The representative of China also spoke.

The Committee will continue its work at 10 a.m. Monday, 26 March, when it is scheduled to begin its consideration of the United Nations Fund for International Partnerships, questions related to the application of Article 19 of the Charter, and the report of the Secretary-General on the activities of the Office for Internal Oversight Services.

Background

As the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) met this morning, it was expected to begin its consideration of the financing of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL).

The Committee had before it a report of the Secretary-General containing the revised budget for the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) for the period 1 July 2000 to 30 June 2001 (document A/55/805, issued 26 February).  In May 2000, the Security Council expanded the military component of UNAMSIL to a maximum of 13,000 military personnel up from the previously authorized strength of 11,100 personnel, which had formed the basis for the initial appropriation of resources for the Mission for the financial period 2000-2001.

According to the report, the revised budget for UNAMSIL's operation for

1 July 2000 to 30 June 2001 amounts to some $562 million gross (about

$558.1 million net), exclusive of budgeted voluntary contribution in kind of some $2.02 million.  This represents an increase of some $85.27 million or 17.9 per cent in gross terms over the amount of $476.73 million gross ($472.9 million net) already appropriated for the Mission.  Of the total revised budget, some 64 per cent of resources relate to military personnel costs, 28 per cent relates to operational requirements, while civilian personnel costs reflect 7 per cent of the budget.

In the report, the Secretary-General asks the General Assembly to appropriate and assess the additional amount of $85.27 million gross (

$85.12 million net) for the maintenance of UNAMSIL for the period from 1 July 2000 to 30 June 2001.

Also before the Committee was the related report of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) (document A/55/839).  According to the report, the proposed revised budget for UNAMSIL provides for 13,000 military personnel, including 260 military observers and 60 civilian police advisers and a civilian staffing establishment of 1,078 personnel, including

385 international staff, 601 local staff and 92 United Nations Volunteers.  The proposed staffing requirements reflect an increase of 140 new international staff posts, 295 local posts and 13 United Nations volunteers.  As of 31 January 2001, some $588.1 million had been assessed for the operation of the Mission since its inception, against which payments of $329 million had been received, leaving an outstanding balance of $259.1 million.  The Mission's cash position as of

21 February 2001 was some $73 million, with unliquidated obligations amounting to around $166.8 million as of 31 January 2001. 

Regarding military personnel costs, the report says that full reimbursement for troop costs had been made to the troop-contributing countries through

31 August 2000, amounting to some $78.8 million.  An estimated $63.9 million is due for troop costs for the period ending 31 January 2001.  No reimbursement for contingent-owned equipment and self-sustainment had been made to troop-contributing countries.  The initial assumption that all troop-contributing countries would operate on a wet lease agreement had not materialized.  [In a wet lease agreement -- a contingent-owned reimbursement system -- the troop-contributing country provides and assumes responsibility for maintaining and supporting major items of equipment, together with associated minor equipment.  The troop-contributing country is entitled to reimbursement for providing this support.]

As there had not been a general pre-deployment inspection of the capability for wet lease/self-sustainment of all contingents, it was discovered after deployment that not all contingents could meet the requirements of self-sustainment, the report continues.  The United Nations had to provide some contingents with a number of services, including medical services, communications, accommodation and field defence stores.

The report says that should the United Nations take over responsibility for providing additional services covered under a wet lease arrangement, it would be necessary for the Mission to carefully review its capacity in terms of qualified personnel and other requirements for the discharge of these functions.  The Mission may have to consider contracting out some of its services so as not to delay support to the troops concerned.  The Mission should also ensure proper oversight of the provision of services.  The Advisory Committee recommends accepting the proposed requirements for contingent-owned equipment (some

$63.68 million) and self-sustainment (about $52.64 million).

According to the report, some 9,544 troops were deployed in the Mission area as of 26 February 2001, and full deployment could be take place sometime in May 2001.  In light of experience, however, the ACABQ notes that the deployment of the remaining contingents may not match planned deployment schedules.  As a result, the additional amount requested for military contingents-- some $2.2 million -- may not be fully committed.

On civilian personnel costs, the report says that the proposed requirements of some $40.5 million reflect an increase of $5.38 million and provide for

60 civilian police, 385 international staff, 601 local staff and 92 United Nations volunteers.  The increase of 1,900 personnel in the military component of UNAMSIL is accompanied by a proposal for 448 additional civilian personnel. 

The report states that a large number of new posts are proposed as a result of the termination of the logistical support services contract on 21 November 2000.  The decision to terminate the contract does not appear to have been preceded by a careful study by the Mission and Headquarters.  The Mission appears to have assumed the cost of hiring and managing a large number of local personnel.  Because the ACABQ did not receive information on the budgetary implications of the termination of the contract, the next budget proposals should include information on the total number of personnel both on the established staffing table and on special service agreements handling functions taken over from the contractor. 

The report goes on to say that although the Mission was expected to have the necessary number of staff on board by March and June 2001, in light of past experience, the Advisory Committee urges the Secretariat to accelerate the recruitment and placement of civilian personnel.  The ACABQ doubts whether changes made since last July in the Mission's operations warranted the extent of the reclassification proposed in the revised estimates.  The majority of requests for reclassification are couched in terms of broad generalities.  While the ACABQ acknowledges the expanded operations of the Mission, it questions the proposed changes in the post grades and structure for a number of organizational units.

In the report, while the ACABQ recommends accepting the request for a new

P-5 post in the Office of the Special Representative, it does not support the reclassification of the post of Senior Legal Adviser to the D-1 level.  The Advisory Committee recommends acceptance of the request for six new posts for the Office of the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Operations and Management.  It also recommends acceptance of the new posts for the Office of the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Governance and Stabilization.  Stressing the importance that all actors in Sierra Leone accept the coordinating role of the Deputy, the Advisory Committee recommends a review of the structural arrangement of the functions of that office to avoid duplication and ensure efficiency.

Further, according to the report, although the position of Deputy Force Commander was not new, the funding of this military position under the assessed budget would be an innovation.  The ACABQ requested, but did not receive, a satisfactory explanation for this proposal.  The Advisory Committee, therefore, recommends that consideration of the funding method be deferred until the UNAMSIL budget proposals for 2001-2002.  It agrees with the proposed additional D-1 and General Service posts for the Office of the Police Commissioner.  Given the specific need in the Mission, the ACABQ also recommends approval of the upgrading of the post of Chief of the Human Rights Office from P-5 to D-1.  It recommends against upgrading the post for the Chief of Civil Affairs from P-5 to D-1.  Regarding the Chief of the Public Information Office, the Advisory Committee is not in favour of upgrading that post.  The Chief could also act as the Mission's spokesperson. 

While recognizing the importance of an effective public information programme for the Mission, the ACABQ notes that that programme has not been adequately justified in the budget estimates, nor has it been submitted in time for examination.  The Advisory Committee recommends exploring local opportunities to establish public information facilities.  In the meantime, the ACABQ recommends the establishment of 24 out of the 47 additional posts requested.  Regarding the Office of the Director of Administration, while the Advisory Committee recommends the addition of one P-4, one P-3 and four General Service posts for the Office, it does not favour upgrading the post of the head of the Office from D-1 to D-2.

The Advisory Committee recommends acceptance of proposals concerning the Security Section and the Office of Administrative Services, with the exception that the post for the Office of Administrative Services be at the P-5, not D-1, level.  Regarding the Procurement Section, personnel must have the right mix of expertise to manage the procurement and inventory of the Mission.  The ACABQ requests that steps be taken to ensure that the field assets control system is effectively maintained and that staff be trained to address weaknesses.  It recommends acceptance of proposed additional staff for that Office. 

The report concludes by saying that the ACABQ recommends that the General Assembly approve an appropriation of some $550 million gross for the maintenance of the Mission from 1 July 2000 to 30 June 2001, inclusive of the appropriation of $476.73 million gross already made for UNAMSIL and assessed on Member States.  The General Assembly may consider assessing, at the current time, an additional amount of $36.6 million gross, representing half of the $73.3 million additional appropriation recommended by the ACABQ.  The balance of the assessment would be subject to a report to the Assembly in the context of its review of the proposed budget for UNAMSIL for 1 July 2001 to 30 June 2002, to be submitted in the autumn of 2001.

Introduction of Reports

Introducing the report of the Secretary-General, BOCK CHENG YEO, Director of Peacekeeping Financing Division, Office of Programme Planning, Budget and Accounts, said that as a result of decisions taken by the Security Council, the Secretary-General had informed the Chairman of the ACABQ that pending submission of the revised budget, additional costs for the expansion of the military component would be covered within resources already approved.  The revised amount represented an increase of some 17.9 per cent in terms of the current approved appropriation.  The overall increase reflected repatriation of two contingents and the induction of replacement troops.

CONRAD S.M. MSELLE, Chairman of the ACABQ, then introduced that body’s report.  The latest Secretary-General report to the Security Council conveyed the possibility of increasing troop strength to some 17,500.  If the Security Council were to expand the Mission’s military strength, a separate submission would be made to the ACABQ and General Assembly.  The Advisory Committee agreed with the revised estimate for military costs. 

On contingent-owned equipment, and the difficulty in applying wet-lease arrangements, he said that the ACABQ had made a number of recommendation for implementing the budget and preparing future budgetary estimates.  Regarding the post of Deputy Force Commander, the ACABQ recommended that the method of funding for that post be deferred to enable the Secretariat to justify the proposed change when it examined the 2001-2002 proposed budget.  The Secretariat should continue to fund the position using the current method until a review was made by the ACABQ on the possible change of the funding method.  The ACABQ recommended $73.3 million more than current appropriation of the $476.7 million already assessed.  The adjustment of the revised estimate was about 2 per cent. 

He noted that peacekeeping budgets consistently reported underexpenditures.  Most recent examples included the missions in Kosovo and East Timor.  The ACABQ thought the same experience might be repeated by UNAMSIL.  The Advisory Committee invited the Assembly to consider assessing an additional $36.6 million for the Mission.  The cumulative total assessment for the period ending 30 June 2001 would be $513.4 million gross.  The Secretary-General would have authority up to

$550 million and would report in September on the basis of performance whether the balance of $36.6 million should be assessed to Member States.

Statements

Speaking on behalf of the European Union and associated States, MAGNUS LENEFORS (Sweden) said that the situation in Sierra Leone constituted a real challenge for the international community in the maintenance of peace in the region.  The UNAMSIL was now one of the largest peace operations, the size and complexity of which demanded the utmost efficiency in management.  He took note of the proposed revised budget of the Mission and the related report of the ACABQ.  The Union shared some of the ACABQ concerns, including those regarding the structure and management of the Mission, as well as its capacity to put on board the requested number of staff.

The wet-lease problems could be dealt with by pre-deployment inspection of the capability of the contingents for self-sustainment, he continued.  An overall policy review of those arrangements was needed.  The Union also regretted having to return to the problems of procurement for the period ended 30 June 2000, which included a lack of procurement planning and delays in delivery.  He wanted to know what measures were being put in place to remedy the situation.  Agreeing with the ACABQ request that steps be taken to ensure effective management of the assets control system recently installed in the Mission, he said that the system was only as good as those who used it.  For that reason, it was necessary to recruit qualified staff and train them to address the weaknesses noted by the Board of Auditors. 

In conclusion, he agreed with the proposed appropriation of some

$550 million gross for the maintenance of the Mission, inclusive of $476 million already appropriated by the General Assembly.  He also agreed that the General Assembly should, at this time, consider assessing an additional amount of over $36.6 million, representing half of the additional appropriation of some

$73.3 million additional appropriation recommended by the Advisory Committee.  He also agreed that the balance of the assessment would be subject to a report to the Assembly, in the context of its review of the proposed budget for UNAMSIL for

1 July 2001 to 30 June 2002, to be submitted in the autumn of 2001.

ANNE MERCHANT (Norway) said that the security situation in Sierra Leone was now better than it had been for some time.  Ongoing dialogue was opening roads for peace, and the elections were being discussed.  She strongly supported the Secretary-General’s request for the necessary strengthening of the Mission, which could make further deployment in the Revolutionary United Front (RUF)-held areas possible. 

Continuing, she noted that not all the contingents had been able to meet the requirements for self-sustainment, and agreed with the ACABQ recommendations in that respect.  It was important to review the capacity in terms of qualified personnel and other requirements for the discharge of those functions.  It was important not to delay the support to the troops concern, for it would adversely affect their capacity to implement the mandate.  As the ACABQ had pointed out, some of the services could be contracted out, as appropriate.  In the light of past experience, she also doubted whether the Mission had the capacity to recruit the requested number of personnel and put them in place in the short time between March and June this year.

The Board of Auditors had identified poor inventory management, lack of procurement planning, delay in delivery of goods and shortage of trained procurement staff in UNAMSIL, she said.  Steps should be taken to ensure that the field assets control system installed in April 2000 was effectively maintained.  Available staff should be trained to address the weaknesses. 

A successful disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme would be essential for the overall success of UNAMSIL, she said.  Ideally, it should be an integral part of all budgets for peace operations.  Pending such arrangements, she urged all countries that had pledged contributions to UNAMSIL’s disarmament, demobilization and rehabilitation programme to honour their promises.  Norway would continue to support those efforts.  She also supported the ACABQ’s recommendation regarding inclusion of information on the disarmament, demobilization and rehabilitation programme in the Secretary-General’s next budget submission for UNAMSIL.

Norway concurred with the ACABQ recommendation to approve an appropriation of $550 million gross for the Mission, inclusive of the appropriation of some $476.72 gross already made by the Assembly.  She also agreed that the General Assembly might wish to consider assessing, at this time, an additional amount representing half of the additional appropriation recommended by the Advisory Committee.  The balance of the assessment would be subject to a report to the Assembly in the context of its review of the proposed budget for UNAMSIL for

1 July 2001 to 30 June 2002 to be submitted later in the year.

SUN MINQIN (China) said that China had supported the democratic process in Sierra Leone.  She hoped that there could be appropriate strengthening of UNAMSIL resources.  At the same time, however, she hoped that resources would be reasonably utilized.  Regarding the incumbency situation, particularly of military personnel, the authorized level of military contingents was 12,740.  Why had that number of personnel not yet arrived?  Also, it was her understanding that up to

31 January 2001, the Secretariat had already dealt with two settlement claims.  Some 26 claims, however, had not been dealt with.  What progress had been achieved so far with regard to those claims?  China agreed with the ACABQ regarding travel costs.  Travel costs constantly increased.  Advanced communications should be fully utilized to reduce these costs.

NIKITA S. KHYNE-SAM (Sierra Leone) expressed gratitude for the international community, which had gone out of its way to provide much-needed resources.  Sierra Leone needed all the help it could get.  They had reached a critical stage in the search for peace.  He appealed to all members of the international community who had pledged assistance to UNAMSIL in the form of troops to speed up the deployment of those troops, so that the country could rightfully claim democracy and sustained peace for its future posterity.

JAMES MUTISO, Finance Management and Support Service, Department of Peacekeeping Operations, said that when expansion arrangements had started, the Secretariat was aware of the challenge it faced in terms of recruitment.  It was not a big challenge to recruit local staff and he expected that the Mission would meet that challenge.  Regarding international staff, the Secretariat had taken measures in that regard, including consultations with other agencies both at Headquarters and in the field, to find ways to second more staff from the agencies.  The Secretariat had also held consultations with the United Nations Volunteer programme. 

He believed they would be able to meet the challenge, and by the end of June the requisite number of staff would be on board.  The logistical support services contract had been terminated in November 2000.  The services provided by that contract had reverted to the Mission.  The Mission had engaged staff on short-term arrangements, called “daily-paid”, and services were being carried out successfully.  The Mission did have outsourcing arrangements for support to some of the contingents.  They had considered proposals for outsourcing of personnel and believed that it would enhance the Mission.

Regarding the field assets control system, he said that the system had been implemented in the Mission in April 2000.  Soon after, there had been a crisis in

Sierra Leone and it became difficult to track important assets.  The issue of qualified staff to manage the system had also been addressed.  The Secretariat had taken measures to identify and train staff to run the system.  Concerning weaknesses in the procurement programme, the Secretariat had undertaken measures to address that issue, including making sure that procurement staff were competent and could successfully carry out their functions.  Qualified procurement officers had been identified and would be posted to the Mission in the near future.

Regarding the level of military deployment, he said that the figure of 9,000 was as of February.  To date, the Mission had on board some 10,356 personnel.  The Mission did have clear commitments, and based on those commitments he believed that the authorized level would be reached, as indicated in the report, by the end of May.  Regarding the high cost of travel, the Mission had expanded.  He believed that investments in training of staff would enhance procedures. 

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