STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA BY MRS. AICHA AFIFI, MINISTER PLENIPOTENTIARY, PERMANENT MISSION OF MOROCCO TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON THE FINANCIAL SITUATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH AND TRAINING INSTITUTE FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN (INSTRAW), UNDER AGENDA ITEM 112: PROGRAMME BUDGET FOR THE BIENNIUMM 2002-2003, IN THE FIFTH COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (New York, 22 May 2003)

Mr. Chairman,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 112, "Financial situation of the International Research for the Advancement of Women" (INSTRAW).

In this regard, I would like to thank the Secretariat for introducing the report A/57/797 related to this important agenda item.

Mr. Chairman,

The Group of 77 and China attaches great importance to the issues concerning the promotion of gender equality and the advancement of women. In this regard, the Group fully supports the important work that INSTRAW is doing and supports the recommendations of the Working Group contained in documents A/57/330 and A/57/330/Add.1, as it was adopted by the General Assembly in its resolution A/57/175.

The Group of 77 and China takes note of the report of the Secretary-General contained in document A/57/797 and regrets that the nomination has not yet taken place even though there are enough resources to appoint a Director (D-2) for INSTRAW. Therefore, the Group of 77 and China requests the Secretary-General to appoint without delay the Director (D-2) to enable the Institute to effectively resume its work, as was decided in paragraph 9a) of General Assembly resolution 57/175.

Mr. Chairman,

The Group expresses its appreciation to all those Member States who through their voluntary contribution send a clear signal that INSTRAW can make a valuable and substantive contribution to the advancement of women within the United Nations system, and would do more so if it were provided with the necessary financial support. The Institute's unique role is further illustrated by the fact that it is the only UN entity located in developing countries with the mandate to carry out research and training on gender issues.

Consequently, the Group of 77 and China calls for the release of the amount of US$250,000.00 dollars in conformity with the provisions of General Assembly decision 57/580 of 20 December 2002. This would enable the Institute to continue its core activities in 2003, as was recommended by the Working Group in document A/57/330 and approved by the General Assembly in its resolution 57/175.

In conclusion, the Group wishes to thank those Member States that have since the adoption of General Assembly decision 57/580 of 20 December 2002 either made pledges or contributed financially to INSTRAW, and appeals to other Member States to do likewise.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.