Fourth Committee Approves Draft Resolution on Special Political Missions as Speakers Urge Better Funding, Bigger Role for Women
The Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization), acting without a vote, today approved a draft resolution on United Nations special political missions, following a general debate that underscored their key role as versatile peacebuilding tools which require adequate funding — and a bigger role for women — to ensure success.
By the terms of “Comprehensive review of special political missions” (document A/C.4/77/L.8), the General Assembly would request the Secretary-General to hold a regular, inclusive and interactive dialogue on overall policy matters pertaining to special political missions, and request the Secretariat to reach out to Member States to ensure wide and meaningful participation in that dialogue.
By other terms, it would encourage stronger coordination between the Security Council and General Assembly with the Peacebuilding Commission and encourage special political missions to continue fostering inclusive partnerships with regional and subregional organizations. The Assembly would also request the Secretary-General to submit a timely, results-based report on the implementation of the text, including information on the impact of reforms at Headquarters on the delivery of relevant mandates in the field.
Introducing the text, Mexico’s representative, speaking also on behalf of co-sponsor Finland, said the draft resolution remains relevant 11 years after the first resolution on this agenda item was adopted. However, the United Nations has yet to find consensus on a way to address resource needs, she said, noting also the need for greater transparency and accountability.
At the start of today’s meeting, Miroslav Jenča, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Department of Peace Operations, introduced the Secretary-General’s report titled “Overall policy matters pertaining to special political missions” (document A/78/307). Among other things, he said that Tor Wennesland, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, is working with all sides to de-escalate the situation in Gaza, with other envoys attempting to prevent a further regionalization of the conflict.
Atul Khare, Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support, discussed the diverse array of support services offered by the Department of Operational Support, from a talent pipeline to increase women’s participation to information management services for the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (UNITAD). The Department also played a role in the evacuation of 1,125 people by convoy from Khartoum to Port Sudan at the outset of the conflict in Sudan this April, he said.
In the ensuing debate, Morocco’s representative, speaking on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, said that greater coherence between mandates and resources is paramount, especially as the financial requirements of special political missions continue to increase. Like other speakers, she also emphasized the need for greater women’s representation, especially in appointments to senior leadership positions.
Colombia’s representative said that her country is an example of what can be achieved through the strengthening of democratic institutions with help from a special political mission. The recently renewed mandate of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia is an illustration of Member States’ commitment to peace in her country, she added.
Iraq’s delegate commended the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) for helping rebuild critical infrastructure, facilitating the return of displaced populations and enabling the development of stronger public institutions and a more stable security environment. For peacekeeping missions to succeed, however, they must adhere to the Charter of the United Nations, international law and their assigned mandates while also respecting national sovereignty. They should also be open to dialogue with host Governments, he added.
Sudan’s representative, recalling his country’s experience with the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), said that special political missions should support the strategic objectives set by the Governments of host countries. They must avoid politicization, “resist any political recipes” proposed by donor countries and respect national laws, he said.
Egypt’s delegate said that while most missions are created through Security Council resolutions, they are funded out of the Organization’s regular budget. They should be appropriately financed through an autonomous budget, he suggested, recalling that the Council has called for necessary financial resources to be made available, particularly in transitional periods.
The Fourth Committee will reconvene at 3 p.m. on Friday, 3 November, to begin its consideration of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Special Political Missions
MIROSLAV JENČA, Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas, Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, introduced the Secretary-General’s report titled “Overall policy matters pertaining to special political missions” (document A/78/307), noting that this year marks the seventy‑fifth anniversary of special political missions. However, the world today is one of heightened uncertainty, volatility and rapid transformation, with conflicts growing exponentially, creating massive humanitarian disasters that are testing the international community’s collective capacities to respond. While military expenditures are soaring, funding for humanitarian aid, peacemaking and peacebuilding is shrinking, and the world is growing more divided just when collective action is needed most.
The Secretary-General's policy brief “A New Agenda for Peace” envisions how Member States can work together to rebuild trust and revitalize multilateral action for peace, he said. Highlighting the contributions of special political missions, he said that from Libya and Somalia to Syria, Iraq and Yemen, the Secretary-General’s special envoys and special representatives are supporting political processes. Tor Wennesland, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, is working with all sides to de-escalate the situation in Gaza, with all UN envoys in the Middle East trying to prevent further regionalization of the conflict. The United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia has facilitated the resumption of peace talks between the Government and the National Liberation Army, resulting in a six-month ceasefire. In the Great Lakes Region, the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy has undertaken a series of good offices missions to prevent escalation of tensions between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda. Other special political missions are exploring and piloting new approaches to conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding, he said.
Turning to the thematic issues in this year's report, the first of which is women, peace and security, he said that structural inequalities which deny women their rightful place at the peace table must be addressed. Special political missions have enabled women's participation in negotiating delegations in Iraq, Libya, Sudan and Syria and are doing their utmost to reverse an attack on basic women's rights in Afghanistan. A second issue is youth, peace and security, he said, noting that missions are adapting their approaches to harness the positive potential of young people. In Libya, United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) regularly engages with youth representatives on ways to build consensus regarding the legal framework for national elections, he said.
Turning to the third thematic area, supporting Member States in building sustainable peace, he said that during the reporting period, the Peacebuilding Fund approved $37.4 million for projects in Colombia, Haiti, Libya, Somalia and Sudan. These projects supported reconciliation initiatives as well as the participation of women and youth in public life and political transitions. In the Horn of Africa, the Special Envoy for that region has established a climate, peace and security hub to support efforts by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) to address the impacts of climate change on peace and security in the subregion. Special political missions will continue to play their role in carrying forward multilateral diplomacy and operationalizing Chapter VI of the Charter of the United Nations, he said.
ATUL KHARE, Under-Secretary-General for Operational Support, said that the Secretary-General’s report is a good overview of the breadth and complexity of the tasks that the special political missions undertake. It is also an opportunity to reflect on their important contributions in a challenging geopolitical environment. In recent years, the Department of Operational Support has streamlined its strategic planning function and formulated three key priorities: delivering holistic support solutions, meeting the needs of all clients and improving service delivery through technology, skills and approach. The Department continues to support the women, peace and security agenda through the management of the Senior Women Talent Pipeline project, he said, also noting management of the standing surge capacity, which recently assisted the work of the special political missions in Libya, Sudan and Haiti.
The Department is strengthening technology-related assessment and advisory services to special political missions, he continued, highlighting in this regard support in data and information management, including evidence, to the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (UNITAD). All missions have been issued updated casualty evacuation procedures, while online training in women’s health has been launched to ensure availability of gender-sensitive medical services in the field. Turning to aviation support, he said that the Department provides eight dedicated aircraft operating in six special political missions, and another 22 aircraft assigned to the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).
He went on to discuss the Department’s efforts to facilitate sustainable, multidimensional support responses for special political missions, including the evacuation of 1,125 people by convoy from Khartoum to Port Sudan — an arduous journey of more than 35 hours — at the outset of the conflict in Sudan this April. Following the Derna flood crisis in eastern Libya, the Department supported 17 mission deployments and 79 humanitarian assistance missions, including deliveries of first aid, medical equipment and consumables. Turning to environmental management, he said that the Department continuously tracks and reports on mission environmental performance, including in Iraq, Afghanistan, Colombia and Libya.
MOUNA OUAZZANI CHAHDI (Morocco), speaking on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, said that special political missions are central to overcoming conflict and supporting national efforts at sustainable peace. However, the importance of respecting the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of all States must not be overlooked. The Security Council and the General Assembly must ensure the objective adoption of achievable mandates, with sufficient political bases and appropriate resources for all components of a special political mission. “Greater coherence between mandates and resources is paramount, especially as the financial requirements of special political missions continue to increase.” Missions should be financed using the same criteria, methodology and mechanisms as those used for peacekeeping operations. She also emphasized the need to improve transparency and to balance geographical and women’s representation, especially in appointments to senior leadership positions, including special representatives and envoys, as well as members of group of experts on sanctions.
ARRMANATHA CHRISTIAWAN NASIR (Indonesia), speaking on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said that the flexibility of special political missions makes it possible to achieve a variety of outcomes, from maintaining peace and preventing conflict to addressing its root causes. Underscoring the importance of national ownership in sustaining peace, he said that peacebuilding must be homegrown. The views and needs of the host countries matter most, he said, adding that while international support can play a catalytic role, it must be provided in line with nationally identified priorities and nationally owned initiatives. Special political missions must cultivate the culture of peace and intercultural understanding across the national and local context of the mission. He emphasized the importance of strong coordination between missions, the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, adding that this is a central theme in the Secretary-General’s policy brief “Our Common Agenda”. Regional organizations such as ASEAN have ample experience in promoting peace efforts, he added, also expressing support for the full, effective and meaningful participation of women in all stages of peace processes.
Ms. OLIVEIRA (Canada), speaking also on behalf of Australia, and New Zealand, said that adequate human and financial resources, timely deployment and unwavering political support are essential for special political missions to succeed. Member States and the United Nations have a shared responsibility to provide personnel with adequate mental health and psychosocial support, she said, adding that Member States need to fulfil their financial commitments to enable missions to carry out their mandates. In addition, more women leaders must be appointed to special political missions, alongside the involvement of more diverse women in all levels and roles. “We need to see more women in UN special envoys, mediation and dialogue initiatives,” she added, also encouraging greater engagement with youth. She also voiced support to the role of special political missions in promoting the protection of civilians and human rights, as these efforts are critical for sustainable peace.
TOUFIQ ISLAM SHATIL (Bangladesh), associating himself with the Non‑Aligned Movement, underscored the critical role of the Special Envoy to Myanmar vis-à-vis the sustainable return of the Rohingya to their homeland, Myanmar. However, Bangladesh is disappointed that the position is vacant, he said, urging that it be filled urgently. He emphasized the need for clear and achievable mandates as well as resources for their delivery. He encouraged the role of regional and subregional organizations in conflict prevention, mediation and recovery support, adding that his country wishes to see missions prioritize implementation of the women, peace and security agenda. He also emphasized the potential of the Peacebuilding Commission and its advisory, bridging and convening role to reinvigorate the work of special political missions.
SARAH AHMED AHMED AL-MASHEHARI (Yemen), associating herself with the Non‑Aligned Movement, reiterated her Government’s commitment for peace and all efforts to achieve an overarching ceasefire in Yemen. She encouraged the Special Envoy for Yemen to continue his efforts and underscored the importance of the Agreement on the City of Hodeidah and Ports of Hodeidah, Salif and Ras Isa in achieving that goal. She also called for stronger collaboration with the Government as well as steps to pressure the Houthi militia to stop the killing of civilians, including women and children, and to cease using the city of Hodeidah to launch missiles and drones, which threaten Red Sea navigation. That militia must also allow humanitarian aid and support to reach all areas of Yemen, she said, calling as well for more locally hired staff and technical experts, particularly women and younger people.
WAEL MAHMOUD ABDELAZIZ ELDAHSHAN (Egypt), associating himself with the Non‑Aligned Movement, urged United Nations agencies to work alongside special political missions, adding that the international community should put financing in place to ensure that missions can fulfil their mandates. He recalled that the Security Council has called for necessary financial resources to be made available to missions, particularly in transitional periods. It is also essential to refine the mechanism by which special political missions are financed, he said, recalling that most missions were created through Council resolutions, yet are financed from the Organization’s regular budget. This must be reviewed, he said, adding that missions should be appropriately financed through an autonomous budget.
LUIS UGARELLI (Peru) said that political missions should implement holistic strategies that enable post-conflict recovery while also addressing the causes of conflict, such as poverty, inequality and exclusion. Underscoring the importance of sufficient, predictable and sustainable financing, he said that missions cannot be merely reactionary. By focusing on the root causes of conflicts, and by working in coordination with host countries, special political missions can prevent the outbreak, intensification and recurrence of violence. He also urged missions to prioritize projects focusing on civilian protection, the disarming, demobilization and social reintegration of combatants, and capacity-building in the areas of justice and security.
ADRIAN DOMINIK HAURI (Switzerland) said that the UN Verification Mission in Colombia, by working closely with the Government, can nurture dialogue and ensure that key aspects, such as the gender dimension, are taken into account on the road to peace. Highlighting the transition of two major missions, in Mali and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, he said that while they cannot replace the security functions of peacekeeping operations, they can support affected countries in the areas of conflict prevention, mediation, good governance and human rights monitoring. Each mission should be designed according to its specific context, with a clear and realistic mandate, based on the principle of the primacy of politics. Strong partnership with national governments and regional and subregional organizations, as well with as UN resident coordinators, country teams and civil society, is crucial to missions achieving their mandates, he added.
AL-HARITH IDRISS AL-HARITH MOHAMED (Sudan), associating himself with the Non‑Aligned Movement, expressed concern about the lack of adequate funding for special political missions. Highlighting their flexibility, he said that such missions enable the United Nations to deal with new facts on the ground. Recalling his country’s experience with United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), he said that it is important to consult with the concerned country before heads of missions are appointed. Special political missions should support the strategic objectives set by the Governments of host countries and they must avoid politicization. They must “resist any political recipes” proposed by donor countries and they must also respect national laws, traditions and customs, he added.
HASANAIN HADI HASAN AL-DAHLAKI (Iraq), associating himself with the Non‑Aligned Movement, lauded the efforts of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) in calling upon the international community to rebuild critical infrastructure, such as schools and hospitals, and to facilitate the return of displaced populations. As a result of UNAMI’s work, Iraq has witnessed the development of stronger public institutions and a more stable security environment. For peacekeeping missions to succeed, they must adhere to the Charter of the United Nations, international law and their assigned mandates while also respecting national sovereignty. Additionally, missions should be open to dialogue with host governments, particularly when it comes to quarterly reports, which must reflect the real situation in the field, he said.
NITISH BIRDI (India), associating himself with the Non‑Aligned Movement, said many of the 41 special political missions operate in complex national and regional security situations, often in the midst of transnational organized crime and terrorism. A range of new threats, or old threats with new dimensions, are increasingly complicating conflict dynamics, he said, pointing to climate change, growing inequalities, the weaponization of new technologies and hate speech and disinformation. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of States in which these missions operate must be respected and the principles of impartiality, consent of parties, national ownership and national responsibility should be paramount at all stages. He underscored the need for a genuinely transparent and consultative process when missions are established and their mandates formulated. The fragmented manner in which their funding is handled outside the Organization’s regular budget cycles must also be addressed, he said.
EGRISELDA ARACELY GONZÁLEZ LÓPEZ (El Salvador), associating herself with the Non‑Aligned Movement, said that special political missions are a key instrument for overcoming conflicts and building a sustained peace. Reaffirming her country’s commitment to their work and thanking their staff, she said that mandates must be rooted in objective analysis and that missions must be planned and appropriately financed to ensure good results. Sufficient and predictable financing for special political missions remains a huge challenge that all relevant stakeholders must overcome. There are other forums, such as the Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary), for addressing financing questions, but the Fourth Committee is a good place to discuss where the problems are and consider how Member States can strengthen the Secretariat’s efforts, she said.
LEONOR ZALABATA TORRES (Colombia) said that her country is an example of what special political missions can achieve in terms of the rule of law and strengthening democratic institutions. The Security Council’s renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia is an unequivocal sign of Member States’ commitment to peace in her country, she said. Colombia’s experience can be an inspiration in many other contexts, she added. This year, Colombia participated in two thematic sessions of the Peacebuilding Commission — on the question of transitional justice and on the contributions that Indigenous Peoples can make during peace negotiations — giving it the chance to install the hope of peace for those who are searching for best practices.
CHRISTOPHER PIERRE (Haiti), associating himself with the Non‑Aligned Movement, said that recent efforts by the United Nations in the area of peace and security have been met with numerous challenges, the tragic consequences of which are borne by innocent citizens. The UN, together with regional and subregional organizations, must ramp up its efforts and prioritize conflict prevention policies. He encouraged special political missions to collaborate with Member States to strengthen the promotion of human rights, democracy and rule of law, and emphasized the need for greater and more meaningful participation of women and young people in political and peace processes. The Secretary-General’s visit to Haiti in July symbolized international solidarity, he said, adding that the renewal of the sanctions regime and reports of the Group of Experts are means that could ease the sociopolitical climate in the country.
KAREN JEAN BAIMARRO (Sierra Leone), associating herself with the Non‑Aligned Movement, emphasizing the critical role of special political missions in this age of increasing fragility and violence, said that the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Sierra Leone (UNIPSIL) is working to strengthen the Organization’s partnerships with regional and subregional organizations. Mediation efforts and the provision of good offices are key in enhancing regional processes. She welcomed the Secretary-General’s recommendation for States to commit to developing national prevention strategies to address enablers of conflict and violence, adding that special political missions can support and implement such strategies. Noting that most special political missions have regional mandates, she emphasized the need to identify tools that can address emerging issues. She also welcomed efforts to mainstream participation by women and youth, adding that further categorizations of these groups, based on age and ethnicity, could also deepen engagement.
MOHAMMED WALID ALEM (Algeria) urged special political missions to intensify engagements with different actors in a balanced, neutral and unbiased manner to move peace processes forward. Their mandates need to be designed in ways that respond to needs on the ground and oriented towards supporting host Government efforts. Their crucial role in conflict prevention and management, peacebuilding and lasting peace stems from their flexible and responsive nature, which allows them to adapt to unpredictable situations and changing operational circumstances. Going forward, they should strengthen their cooperation with the UN agencies deployed on the ground as well as with resident coordinators and relevant regional organizations, he said.
YURIE MITSUI (Japan) called for strengthened cooperation between special political missions and other entities, including United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, international financial institutions, regional organizations and civil society. Such relationships are crucial to long-term peacebuilding, which takes time and requires the effort of various stakeholders. She warned against the hasty departure of missions from host countries and called for the full, meaningful and equal participation of women in political and peace processes. She went on to highlight progress made by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM) and the Verification Mission in Colombia in coordination with UN country teams and agencies.
ANNA M. EVSTIGNEEVA (Russian Federation) said that special political missions are a flexible tool to lend support to States as they strive to maintain peace and prevent situations from slipping into a new conflict phase. Their capabilities depend on close cooperation with host parties and observing the principles of national responsibility and respect for sovereignty. In recent times, the tasks of such missions have become more complex, as they now assist in maintaining law and order, security sector reforms, developing basic laws and constitutions, conducting elections, protecting human rights, addressing the impacts of climate change and advancing the women, peace and security agenda. Underscoring the prerogatives of various UN bodies and their individual functions and authority, she said that duplicative efforts cannot yield worthy results. Mandates must be clear and feasible, she added, and urged caution with regard to the recommendations contained in “A New Agenda for Peace” about special political missions and peacekeeping operations.
MARTHINUS CHRISTOFFEL JOHANNES VAN SCHALKWYK (South Africa), associating himself with Non-Aligned Movement, said that in a world of inequalities, refugee flows, climate change and violent extremism, it is essential to scrutinize the role of special political missions and ensure they remain fit for purpose. Well-defined and adequately resourced mandates are crucial, he said, adding that the flexibility and adaptability of such missions have made them an invaluable tool. Special political missions have embraced cooperation with regional organizations and are often mandated to support them in peacebuilding. Noting that they feature prominently in “A New Agenda for Peace,” he said that that policy brief urges the United Nations to help support national conflict prevention strategies. Special political missions must continue to promote women’s participation in conflict prevention and peacebuilding while also engaging with youth, who are the fastest growing demographic in Africa, he said.
FRANCISCO JOSÉ DA CRUZ (Angola) said that his country has been playing an important role in conflict prevention, management and resolution in Africa, especially in the Great Lakes Region, through diplomatic initiatives to enhance permanent political dialogue and build mutual trust and cooperation. This includes current efforts to assist the Democratic Republic of the Congo to address security issues in the eastern part of the country. Noting efforts by special political missions to improve their expertise, effectiveness, transparency, accountability and geographical representation, he encouraged the meaningful participation of youth and women as well as partnerships with regional and subregional organizations. He also encouraged cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union in establishing joint missions, adding that special political missions must be provided with adequate resources to implement their mandates.
MARIAM EISA AL ALI (United Arab Emirates), associating herself with the Non‑Aligned Movement, said that despite their efforts, special political missions face challenges in implementing their mandates, particularly due to the security situations in their regions. Due consideration must be given to the unique situation of each country, particularly its geographic, historic and social aspects. She highlighted her country’s efforts in supporting the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs in the area of women’s participation as well as in promoting technological innovations in peacebuilding. Special political missions must respect the national sovereignty of host and affected countries as well as relevant regions, she said, adding that their performance should be continuously reviewed to enhance their efficiency.
Action
The representative of Mexico, also speaking for Finland, introduced the draft resolution titled “Comprehensive review of special political missions” (document A/C.4/78/L.9). There is a solid consensus that special political missions remain a vital instrument for responding to peace and security challenges through preventive diplomacy, she said. At the same time, however, there is a need for more transparency and accountability. The text remains relevant 11 years after the first resolution on this agenda item was adopted. Providing an overview of the text, she said that it notes that financing for peacebuilding remains a critical challenge, as the General Assembly has not found a consensual way to address the need for resources. The draft resolution also requests the Secretary-General to submit a results-based report on how special political missions are delivering their mandates, she said.
The Committee then adopted “L.9” without a vote.