STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA BY MRS. NORMA TAYLOR ROBERTS, PERMANENT MISSION OF JAMAICA TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM 114: HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT, DURING THE SECOND PART OF THE RESUMED FIFTY-NINTH SESSION OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (New York, 16 May 2005)

Mr. Chairman,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 114 relating to (a) Gratis personnel and (b) Assessment of the system of geographical distribution.

The Group of 77 and China wishes to thank Ms. Sandra Haji Ahmed for her introduction of the Secretary-General's report on this item. We also thank the Chairman of the ACABQ, Mr. Vladimir Kuznetsov for introducing the related ACABQ report.

The Group of 77 and China takes note of the report of the Secretary General on Gratis Personnel and would like to emphasize the following concepts which were approved by the General Assembly in its resolution 51/243:

- The use of gratis personnel should be on an exceptional and temporary basis and for specialized functions only.
- Gratis personnel are not a substitute for staff to be recruited against authorized posts for the implementation of mandated programmes and activities, and that they should not be sought for financial reasons.
- The programme of work and mandates approved by Member States must be financed in the manner determined by the General Assembly, based upon proposals of the Secretary-General.

In this regard, the Group of 77 and China expects that these principles will be maintained in engaging gratis personnel in the work of the Organization and that personnel loaned are assigned to technical cooperation and extra-budgetary activities which are approved by the General Assembly

Mr. Chairman,

On the matter of the system of geographical distribution, the Group notes that this was recognized from the inception of the United Nations as a fundamental principle to be adhered to in keeping with the international character of the Organization. The Group of 77 and China therefore, attaches great importance to the adoption and implementation of a fair and effective system.

The Group has taken note of the various scenarios indicated in the Secretary General's report and intends to closely examine all the issues put forward therein. The Group looks forward to further deliberations on the matter.

I thank you.