STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA BY AMBASSADOR MOHAMED YOUSIF ABDELMANNAN OF THE PERMANENT MISSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE SUDAN TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON THE REPORT OF THE IAAC ON VACANT POSTS IN OIOS UNDER AGENDA ITEM 117: REVIEW OF EFFICIENCY OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL FUNCTIONING OF THE UNITED NATIONS, DURING THE FIRST PART OF THE RESUMED 63RD SESSION OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (New York, 9 March 2009)

Mr Chairman,

1. The Group notes that the Chairman has drawn the attention of the Committee to the report of the Independent Audit Advisory Committee (IAAC) on the vacant posts in the Office for Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) contained in document A/63/737. We thank the IAAC for highlighting this issue to the attention of the General Assembly.  The Group attaches importance to this issue, as it can potentially have a serious impact on the functioning of the Organisation.

2. The Group is of the view that it would be appropriate and meaningful for the Committee to consider in detail the issue of the vacant posts in the OIOS at the May resumed session in the context of the discussion on the management of OIOS under the Agenda Item 117: Review of efficiency of the administrative and financial functioning of the United Nations.   The Fifth Committee should avoid a piecemeal and ad-hoc treatment of this matter, so that Member States can make an informed decision after considering the full picture.

3. The Group is of the view that the Secretariat should comply with GA Resolution 63/265, which mandates the Secretary-General to make every effort to fill those vacant posts in OIOS as a matter of priority.  We would like to emphasize that the recruitment process must be fair and transparent and in compliance with the existing relevant provisions governing recruitment in the United Nations.  We stand ready to consider this issue in-depth in the coming May resumed session.  

Thank you, Mr Chairman.