Deputy Secretary-General, at Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Event, Says Better Use of Crisis Management Resources Key to Address Current Realities
Following are UN Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson’s remarks to the ministerial event on “the force of civilian crisis management — strengthening the capacities of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) as a Chapter VIII organization”, in New York today:
I thank the Government of Germany for taking this initiative and for its leadership as the Chair-in-Office of the OSCE in 2016. You send a very important message — reminding us of Chapter VIII of the United Nation Charter which talks about regional arrangements. This meeting, therefore, has particular significance. Minister Steinmeier and Secretary-General Zannier have been driving this work, and I will do my best to continue that tradition in my remaining three months in office.
Many of today’s conflicts are complex, protracted and often lead up to difficult political transitions. They also increasingly take place within rather than between States. Yet, their effects are felt well beyond national borders, sometimes destabilizing entire regions.
With this background, it is necessary to reflect how the United Nations and regional actors such as the OSCE can best work together to prevent, manage and resolve crisis.
The OSCE’s holistic approach to security is an interesting example. Its work ranges from conflict prevention and countering terrorism, to fostering economic development, promoting respect of human rights and assisting States to fight corruption and build strong institutions. In fact it is a model of no peace without development, no development without peace, and none of the above without human rights.
For us working in this field, the “primacy of political solutions” must guide our efforts. This means that we need, above all, to find and implement negotiated solutions. To achieve this requires resources and capacities — particularly in areas fundamental to sustaining peace. I think of such areas as mediation, electoral assistance, constitutional work, institution-building and security sector reform.
We also need specialized capacities to respond to the realities of today’s conflicts, including violence against civilians, mass atrocities and sexual and gender-based violence.
The United Nations has taken a number of steps to respond to these requirements. We have professionalized our mediation expertise, with a stand-by team of experts ready to deploy at short notice. Our electoral assistance staff have continued to provide critical support to more than 60 Member States.
The creation of the Global Focal Point for police, justice and corrections has allowed us to offer integrated support to our field operations in these critical areas. Our support for conflict prevention has also advanced substantially, for example through the Joint United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)-Department of Political Affairs Programme on Building National Capacities for Conflict Prevention.
Still, the resources we spend on prevention are minimal compared to how much we spend on peacekeeping. And we have to go further. Too often, conflict prevention and crisis management are approached in an ad hoc manner. We need to use resources more effectively, avoid duplication and better utilize our comparative advantages.
The partnership between the United Nations and the OSCE in Europe and Central Asia reflects this realignment. The establishment in Vienna of a United Nations Secretariat liaison on Peace and Security, with a special focus on the OSCE, is another step in this direction.
Yet, we know that serious challenges remain. We see increasing national, regional and international polarization and divisions. Norms are being challenged. States far too often disregard international law, leading to vicious cycles of abuse and retribution. Fear and uncertainty are exploited by extremist forces which thrive in such an environment.
As we go forward, we will need to focus on certain key questions. How can we reinvigorate multilateral efforts to resolve violent conflicts? How can we best defend our shared norms? How can we maintain trust in our institutions and restore respect for international law?
These are some of the challenges we face. I strongly believe that through the collective work of the United Nations, the OSCE and other partners, we will be able to meet these challenges.
As our organizations work to reinforce the links between security, development, human rights and the rule of law, we will be able to sustain peace and more effectively tackle crises in the future. By that, we can really live up to Chapter VIII of the United Nations Charter.