Fifty-eighth General Assembly

Fifth Committee

19^th Meeting (AM)

ADEQUATE RESOURCES MUST BE PROVIDED TO ENSURE SUCCESS OF UN

PEACEKEEPING MISSIONS, BUDGET COMMITTEE IS TOLD

Vacancy Rate in Democratic Republic of Congo, Delayed Downsizing

In Timor-Leste Are Noted; Issue of Sexual Exploitation Also Discussed

As the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) took up several aspects of peacekeeping financing this morning, speakers in the debate stressed the importance of providing adequate resources to ensure success of individual United Nations missions, and focused on the measures to prevent sexual abuse of refugees, as provided for in General Assembly resolution 57/306.

Normally the Committee takes up peacekeeping financing during its resumed session in May, but today, in view of the changing situation on the ground, it had before it the revised budgets of the Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission, as well as the Missions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Timor-Leste.

The revisions have been presented to the Committee following recent decisions by the Security Council to expand operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to delay the downsizing of operations of the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET).  As the United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission (UNIKOM) was unable to fulfil its mandate, it had been extended for a final period until 6 October 2003, and no estimates would be submitted to the Assembly for the rest of the period ending on 30 June 2004.

Several representatives of African countries welcomed the additional mandates granted to the Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo -– said to be one of the most complex peacekeeping operations of the United Nations –- stressing that the situation on the ground remained serious and a durable solution to the problems that afflicted the country and its neighbours had not yet been achieved.

In this connection, the representative of Uganda said the allocation of adequate resources for the Mission would go a long way in creating peace and security in that country.  He hoped the high vacancy rates in MONUC would not be allowed to recur when the Mission expanded to its full capacity.

Rwanda’s representative pointed out that the key task for MONUC was disarmament, demobilization, repatriation, resettlement and reintegration of the foreign armed militias.  It was important to enable the Mission to accomplish that vital aspect of its mandate, since the presence there of tens of thousands of foreign armed, genocidal militias was a serious challenge to peace, security and development of the country and the wider Great Lakes region.

The representative of Australia, speaking also for Canada and New Zealand, cited the Organization’s work in Timor-Leste as an example of the crucial work it could do in conflict and post-conflict situations.  Nonetheless, the situation remained fragile and the delay in downsizing the Mission was an appropriate response in that respect.

Japan’s representative also supported the view that the United Nations needed to continue to play an important role in East Timor and that the proposed budget would serve that purpose.

On another issue, members of the Committee said great importance should be attached to the measures against sexual exploitation and abuse of refugees.  They welcomed a recent bulletin on the matter, which reinforced accountability and a zero-tolerance approach.

Also addressing the Committee this morning were the representatives of Italy (for the European Union), Botswana (for the African Group), South Africa, India, Syria, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand and Morocco (for the Group of 77 and China).

Documents before the Committee were introduced by Catherine Pollard, Director of the Peacekeeping Financing Division; Conrad S.M. Mselle, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), and Rosemary McCreery, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Resources Management.

The Committee will continue its work at 9:30 a.m. Friday, 21 November.

Background

This morning the Fifth Committee was expected to begin its consideration of items related to the financing of United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.

Before the Committee was the report of the Secretary-General on the budget for the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) for the period from 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004 (document A/58/381).  The budget proposed for this period amounts to $677,312,300, inclusive of budgeted voluntary contributions in kind in the amount of $2,274,000.

In a related report (document A/58/447) the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) recommends a reduction of $34 million, or approximately 5 per cent, with respect to the proposed requirements.

Also before the Committee was a report of the Secretary-General on the revised budget for the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor for the period from 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004 (document A/58/192).  The initial budget of the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET) for the period from 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004, contained in document A/57/689, amounted to $188,229,200 gross, inclusive of budgeted voluntary contributions-in-kind amounting to $60,000.  However, owing to the evolving security situation in the region, it is recommended that the General Assembly approve an additional amount of $23,827,500 gross for the maintenance of the Mission for the 12-month period, bringing the total budget to $208,887,500 gross.

An addendum to the report (document A/58/192/Add.1) provides information on the proposed donation of assets of UNMISET to the Government of Timor-Leste.  The inventory value of the assets proposed for donation amounted, as at 30 June 2003, to some $35.3 million and represents 67 per cent of the total inventory value of UNMISET assets.  It is recommended that the General Assembly approve the donation of assets with an inventory value of $35,262,900 and corresponding residual value of $15,879,900 to the Government of Timor-Leste on a free-of-charge basis.

In a related report (document A/58/409) the ACABQ recommends that the Assembly appropriate the additional amount of $23,827,500 gross for the maintenance of the Mission for the 12-month period from 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004, and that the amount be assessed at a monthly rate of $1,985,625 should the Security Council decide to continue the mandate of the Mission.

The Advisory Committee also recommends that the Assembly approve the donation of assets with an inventory value of $35,262,900 and a corresponding residual value of $15,879,900 to the Government of Timor-Leste on a free-of-charge basis.

There was a note by the Secretary-General before the Committee on the financing of the United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission (UNIKOM) for the period from 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004 (document A/58/386).  The Security Council, in its resolution 1490 (2003), decided to continue the mandate of UNIKOM for a final period until 6 October 2003.  A one-month liquidation period will follow.  In view of the closure of the Mission, no revised budget will be submitted to the General Assembly for the period from 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004.

On the basis of the current level of expenditures for UNIKOM, a $12 million commitment authority approved by the General Assembly in its resolution 57/330 of 18 June 2003 would suffice to cover the remaining activities of the Mission, including its liquidation.  Actual expenditures incurred during this period will be reported to the General Assembly in the context of the performance report.

In a related report (document A/58/441) the ACABQ recommends that the Assembly take note of the information that no revised budget will be submitted to the Assembly for UNIKOM for the period from 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004.

Another Secretary-General’s note before the Committee was on Special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse (document A/58/559).  In its resolution 57/306 of April 2003, the General Assembly requested the Secretary-General to take a number of actions to investigate the sexual exploitation of refugees by aid workers in West Africa.

On 9 October 2003, the Secretary-General issued a bulletin (ST/SGB/2003/13) entitled “Special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse”.  The bulletin applies to all United Nations staff, including staff of separately administered organs and programmes of the United Nations.  It promulgates specific standards that reiterate existing general obligations under the United Nations Staff Regulations.  These standards determine that sexual exploitation and sexual abuse constitute acts of serious misconduct and are therefore grounds for disciplinary measures, including summary dismissal.

The bulletin specifies that heads of departments, offices and missions are responsible for supporting and developing systems that maintain an environment that prevents sexual exploitation and sexual abuse, and for ensuring that all staff are informed of the contents of the bulletin.  It lays down the procedures for receiving reports of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse and for taking action on reports received.  The bulletin also requires non-United Nations entities or individuals that enter into cooperative arrangements with the United Nations to abide by its provisions.

In a letter dated 21 October 2003, the Under-Secretary-General for Management assigned to the Office of Human Resources Management the responsibility for collecting and maintaining information concerning investigations into cases of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse and the action taken as a result of such investigations.  Heads of departments, offices and programmes are requested to submit information relating to the period from 1 January 2003 until 31 December 2003 to the Assistant Secretary-General for Human Resources Management before 30 January 2004.  The report requested by the General Assembly will be prepared on the basis of that information.

Introduction of Financing Reports

CATHERINE POLLARD, Director of the Peacekeeping Financing Division, introduced the reports of the Secretary-General on the financing of the United Nations Organization Missions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (document A/58/381), and East Timor (documents A/58/192; A/58/192/Add.1) and the financing of activities arising from Security Council resolution 687 (1991) (a) United Nations Iraq-Kuwait Observation Mission (document A/58/386).

CONRAD S.M. MSELLE, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), introduced the relevant reports of the Advisory Committee (documents A/58/447 and Corr.1; A/58/409; A/58/441).

Statements

ROBERTO MARTINI (Italy), speaking for the European Union and associated States, commended the Secretariat for its attempt to prepare the budget estimates in a results-based format and strongly encouraged further improvements in that field.  At the same time, he said, it was important to implement more visible benchmarks, which would enable the Organization to monitor the accomplishments of administrative strategies and related budgetary investments.  Moreover, he endorsed the Advisory Committee’s comments concerning the efficiency gains, which could be achieved by reducing the number of staff travelling to the same meetings and using videoconferencing.

He went on to say that standard ratios should be applied for such items as information technology and transport.  Citing the United Nations Logistics Base at Brindisi as an example of efficient practice, he pointed out that operations there were coordinated more effectively, in part due to a substantial investment in information technology and transport.  For that reason, he said he endorsed, whenever possible, greater use of that Base for coordination of new synergies in the peacekeeping sector.  A fundamental condition for success of peacekeeping was provision of sufficient resources, and the European Union was concerned that missions were often cash-strapped as a consequence of non-payment of assessments by Member States.

The ACABQ had commented extensively earlier this year on cross-cutting issues, such as training, information technology, recruitment and travel, he continued.  Subsequently, the Assembly had adopted, for the first time, a resolution focusing solely on such issues.  Despite that, the Advisory Committee had again felt compelled to refer to its previous comments in respect of some of the budgets before the Committee now.  He would welcome assurances from the Secretariat that those comments, and the contents of the resolution, had been taken into account.

He fully supported the comments of the Advisory Committee in respect of UNMISET as far as the need to take forward the issue of disposal of assets in the context of a slower-than-expected drawdown.  There must be some form of legally binding agreement regarding the handover of weaponry.

Turning to MONUC, he said he welcomed Security Council resolution 1493 (2003), which had reinforced the mandate and staffing of the Mission.  The text also gave the Secretary-General’s Special Representative the authority to coordinate the efforts of the international community.  That would be important during the difficult transitional phase.  He also recalled that in May this year, the European Union had said that a reduction in the time for filling vacancies was crucial to the effectiveness of peacekeeping.  He hoped that the Galaxy personnel recruitment system would be rapidly improved and that the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) would not rely on having to use its own separate monolingual system.  The principle of equality of the working languages was of particular importance for the staffing of the Mission. 

Also in respect of the Mission for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he said he was concerned over the ACABQ’s comments about persistent overbudgeting.  Notwithstanding the slower-than-anticipated build-up, it was worrying that the underspending for the last financial year amounted to some 20 per cent.  He supported the recommendation on the proposed revised budget level for the Mission.

COLLEN VIXEN KELAPILE (Botswana), speaking for the African Group, stressed the importance of peacekeeping operations in the maintenance of international peace and security.  He welcomed the efforts being made by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations in ensuring peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and appreciated the progress made so far in the process of deployment of the Mission’s staff.  He said MONUC was a complex mission and the United Nations had to ensure its successful conclusion. 

He recalled that in its last statement on this subject in May 2003, the African Group had asked for sufficient troop deployment to ensure full compliance with the ceasefire and the success of the disengagement plan.  In this connection, the Group welcomed the adoption of resolution 1493 by the Security Council in July, which had enhanced troop strength in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  The Group appreciated the reduction in vacancy rates for international staff but further steps should be taken to ensure that the Mission operated at full strength.  Steps should be taken to enhance the Galaxy system in order to speed up the placement and recruitment of mission personnel. 

The African Group noted the information provided in the Secretary-General’s report on the steps being taken regarding the airfield service contract for MONUC.  Many of the shortcomings in this area could hamper effective and efficient support to the Mission and should serve as a lesson not to be repeated elsewhere.  The African Group underlined the importance of allocating adequate resources to peacekeeping missions, which was essential in creating an enabling environment for peace.  The Advisory Committee, however, had recommended an amount 5 per cent less than the recommendation of the Secretary-General; the Group wished for further information on this matter. 

KAREN LOCK (South Africa) said that since its establishment, the primary role of MONUC had been to facilitate the implementation of the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement and supplementary bilateral agreements that provided the framework for addressing the military dimension of the conflict.  The peace process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo had now moved beyond the Lusaka framework and begun a new chapter that would require the assistance of the United Nations and the international community at large.  The budget rightfully reflected the consequential readjustment of MONUC’s structure from that based on the Lusaka agreement to one that was geared towards meeting the needs of the changing political and military situation on the ground. 

She said that while her delegation was encouraged by the reduction of the vacancy rate for international staff, the rate was still too high.  The Secretariat should take the necessary steps to increase recruitment and improve the vacancy situation.  To this end, her delegation looked forward to receiving the views of the ACABQ following its envisaged review of the implementation of the Galaxy system in peacekeeping operations.

The South African delegation took note of the recommendations of the ACABQ whereby it reduced the proposed requirements of MONUC by $34 million and intended to pursue this proposal further during informal consultations with a view to ensuring that the Committee reached a decision that would guarantee that MONUC continued to receive sufficient and predictable financing at this crucial juncture.  Her delegation asked for further information and analysis in this regard. 

She said South Africa welcomed the formation of the government of transition and viewed this as a first crucial step towards achieving lasting peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  It was necessary to support the security arrangements for the transitional government in Kinshasa as well as the work of the Ituri Interim Administration.  The new political developments afforded all stakeholders the opportunity to rejuvenate the process of disarmament, demobilization and reintegration in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

HITOSHI KOZAKI (Japan) thanked MONUC for its strenuous efforts in building peaceful and stable conditions in that country, in spite of the continuing difficulties that the Mission faced.  He said he highly appreciated that the proposed budget for the Mission was drafted in line with the result-based-budget format.  However, the linkage among expected accomplishments, indicators of achievement and outputs still remained abstract, he said, and there was room for improvement in examining the linkage between quality and quantity of resources required, in order to achieve the expected accomplishments of the Mission.

He said his delegation would like to see further efforts by the Secretary-General in enhancing efficiency in areas such as accumulation and distribution of supplies, bearing in mind the need for cost-effectiveness and higher efficiency in MONUC expenditure.  The Mission tended to be over-budgeted, he said, and his delegation emphasized the need for a more realistic budget estimate.  The Government of Japan attached great importance to the role of the ACABQ in the budget process, and felt it essential that that Committee be provided with accurate and sufficient information in a timely manner.

With regard to the financing of the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor, he said it was Japan’s view that the United Nations needed to continue to play an important role in East Timor and that the proposed budget would serve that purpose.  Regarding the financing of UNIKOM for the period from 1 July 2003 to 30 June 2004, he said his delegation fully supported the report of the Secretary-General.

WARREN SNOWDON (Australia), speaking also for Canada and New Zealand, said that the Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continued to face a tremendous set of challenges in fulfilling its mandates.  The political elements necessary for a durable solution to the problems that afflicted the country and its neighbours were not yet in place.  In that regard, he noted the importance of the proposed international conference on the Great Lakes region, which Canada, among others, was doing much to advance.

He said he was pleased that the results framework contained in the MONUC budget translated the Security Council resolutions into a very clear set of expected accomplishments and indicators of achievement that could guide the Mission’s work.  He also welcomed the inclusion of substantial components for building the structures and capacities that were essential for creating sustainable peace.  As the security situation improved, he hoped to see greater progress towards the relevant expected accomplishments.

The budget overall, he said, appeared to be well-justified.  He expected MONUC to continue to adapt its activities and resources to the situation on the ground and in the light of experience.  The ACABQ had offered some useful comments on specific points, with which the delegations he represented agreed.  In addition, he trusted that MONUC would move personnel and resources to the east, as the tempo of its operations increased in that part of the country.

He said the Organization’s work in Timor-Leste over the past few years stood as a benchmark and an example of the crucial work it could do in conflict and post-conflict situations.  Nonetheless, the situation remained fragile and the delay in downsizing the Mission was an appropriate response in that respect.  The United Nations should continue to contribute towards building the political and security institutions of Timor-Leste to preserve the progress achieved so far and to lay the foundations for future stability and prosperity.  The financial implications of delaying the drawdown were straightforward, as was the proposed donation of assets to the Government of Timor-Leste at the end of the Mission’s mandate.  He supported the recommendations of the ACABQ in that regard.

FRANCIS MUMBEY-WAFULA (Uganda) said the peace process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo was of specific interest to his delegation.  He welcomed the efforts of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the troop-contributors in that country.  The activities of MONUC were yielding some important results.  The Mission was one of the most complex peacekeeping operations of the United Nations, and he welcomed the additional mandates provided to the Mission.

As expressed by the African Group last May, he continued, his delegation hoped the high vacancy rates in the Mission would not be allowed to recur as the Mission expanded to its full capacity.  He also hoped that the shortcomings identified by oversight bodies would be adequately addressed.  In conclusion, he stressed the importance of allocating adequate resources to implement the Mission’s mandate.  They would go a long way in creating peace and security in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

NICHOLAS SHALITA (Rwanda) said that the presence of tens of thousands of foreign armed, genocidal militias in the Democratic Republic of the Congo presented a serious challenge to peace, security, reconciliation and development of the country and the wider Great Lakes region of central Africa.  The region would not be peaceful or stable until that problem was addressed.  The key task for MONUC in establishing peace and security in the country was disarmament, demobilization, repatriation, resettlement and reintegration of the foreign armed militias.  The Mission should be given maximum support from the international community to enable it to accomplish that vital aspect of its mandate.

He said Rwanda welcomed the adoption of Security Council resolution 1493 last July, which increased the troop strength and capability of MONUC and gave it a Chapter VII mandate.  His country also welcomed recent efforts to decrease vacancy rates within MONUC, and to address administrative problems there.  The Secretariat should intensify efforts to address those and other problems that had undermined the effectiveness of MONUC in the past. 

He said that while recognizing the achievements of MONUC so far, he was concerned about the slow progress on dealing with armed foreign militias.  It was his expectation that the new, more robust mandate of the Mission would allow for greater progress in that area, and he requested a detailed report on the matter next June.  He also drew attention to the fact that while MONUC expected to accomplish the voluntary disarmament of 4,000 armed foreign combatants, the actual number of foreign armed militias was significantly higher.  It should also be anticipated that not all the foreign armed militias would volunteer for disarmament; that could pose continued security threats.  The international community should therefore be prepared to give MONUC additional capacity, if necessary, to deal with that situation.

Note on Sexual Exploitation

ROSEMARY MCCREERY, Assistant Secretary-General for Human Resources Management, introduced the note of the Secretary-General (document A/58/559) on special measures for protection from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse.

Mr. SNOWDON (Australia), speaking also for Canada and New Zealand, said that resolution 57/306 constituted a landmark statement from the Assembly on the need to protect vulnerable people within its care from sexual abuse.  Recent publication of Secretary-General’s bulletin 2003/13 had been an essential step forward, appropriately reinforcing accountability and a zero-tolerance approach. 

Continuing, he said he also welcomed the steps taken over the last year by United Nations agencies and bodies to better address the issue of sexual abuse and exploitation, including the development of mechanisms, policies and procedures aimed at preventing incidents and responding effectively when they did occur.  The new guidelines by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees were illustrative of those efforts.  That essential work must continue.  The issue required coordination and cooperation among various international bodies, local authorities and troop contributors.  In short, he expected an organization-wide approach to the matter. 

Mr. KOZAKI (Japan) expressed his delegation’s concern with the problems of sexual exploitation in refugee camps and sexual misconduct by those involved in peacekeeping operations.  He welcomed the special measures taken by the Secretary-General in this area and expected that strict discipline would be maintained. 

JAIDEEP MAZUMDAR (India) asked why the note of the Secretary-General on sexual exploitation had been issued under agenda item 134 on peacekeeping. 

NAJIB ELJY (Syria) said his delegation had taken note of the Secretary-General’s bulletin to prevent sexual abuse and exploitation.  That bulletin set forth explicitly the actions to be taken to prevent those kinds of abuses.  There should be a special campaign of consciousness-raising in this regard, he said.  His delegation expressed its support to the request made to disseminate bulletins in the mission areas so that the Secretary-General’s mandate be made clear. 

MOVSES ABELIAN, Secretary of the Fifth Committee, replying to the question by India’s representative said that when the report of the Secretary-General on sexual exploitation was introduced next year, it would be dealt with under a number of relevant agenda items.

Other Matters

Mr. FARID (Saudi Arabia) expressed deep concern that no written explanation had been received to his request for an explanation of discrepancies in the data related to his country’s per capita and gross national income, which had been submitted to the Committee on Contributions and the Fifth Committee last month.  Saudi Arabia would not join a consensus on the draft on the new proposed peacekeeping scale of assessments, unless a clear and concise written explanation were provided by the Secretariat.

Mr. ABELIAN said a note requested by Saudi Arabia had been prepared by the Secretariat, and would be distributed at an appropriate time.

FELICITY BUCHANAN (New Zealand) made a request regarding the issuance of mock-ups needed for the preparation of the programme budget as an official document of the United Nations in all official languages.  She also addressed the issue of distribution of the Committee’s meeting time.

AICHA AFIFI (Morocco), speaking on behalf of the Group of 77 developing countries and China, expressed concern about the Committee’s programme of work.  She said there was little time left until the end of the session, and it was important to have a strategy for the completion of the Committee’s work.

Mr. ELJY (Syria) said he supported publication of mock-ups in all official languages, as well as the position of the Group of 77 and China.

* *** *