Mr. Chairman

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on this important item.

2. We thank Officer-in-Charge of Human Resources Management Ms. Sandra Haji-Ahmed, and the Chairwoman of the ACABQ Ms. Susan McLurg, for introduction of the respective reports on this item.

3. The Group of 77 and China values the work of staff, and consider the staff as the most valuable asset of the United Nations, and without whom it would be impossible to deliver the mandates that we place upon the international organizations.

4. The Group of 77 and China would like to extend that sentiment to the staff of the International Tribunals for the Former Yugoslavia and Rwanda. In resolution 61/274, the General Assembly has already expressed its concern over the possible difficulties in retaining and recruiting staff that would be key in the completion of the mandates of the Tribunals.

5. We welcome all the non-monetary incentives that the Tribunals have initiated to retain staff, but we believe that is not sufficient and we are concerned over the increasing financial costs that could stem from staff shortages as the completion dates for the work of the Tribunals approach and the mandates could be left without being accomplished.

6. The Group of 77 and China note that the Secretary-General has presented us with three possible options of a retention incentive, and we will favour the payment of such an incentive, as an ad hoc decision of the General Assembly and without amending the Staff Rules. We have noted that the ACABQ suggests a possible solution and we will look forward to engage in negotiations to adopt the best decision possible that allows the Tribunals to retain their valuable staff.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman.