STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA BY MS. DAYANA RIOS, MINISTER COUNSELOR IN THE PERMANENT MISSION OF THE PLURINATIONAL STATE OF BOLIVIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEMS 132 AND 66, PROGRAMME BUDGET IMPLICATIONS OF DRAFT RESOLUTION A/69/L.3, PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DECADE FOR PEOPLE OF AFRICAN DESCENT, AT THE FIFTH COMMITTEE DURING THE MAIN PART OF THE SIXTY-NINTH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY (New York, 30 October 2014)

Mr. Chairman,

1. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda items 132 and 66, programme budget implications of draft resolution A/69/L.3, on the programme of activities of the International Decade for People of African Descent.

2. The Group would like to thank Mr. Johannes Huisman, Director, Programme Planning and Budget Division, for introducing the statement A/C.5/69/4, in accordance with rule 153 of the rules of procedure of the General Assembly. The Group also wishes to thank Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, for his introduction of the report of the Advisory Committee.

Mr. Chairman,

4. The Group of 77 and China attaches great importance to the International Decade for People of African Descent, established by Resolution 68/237 commencing on 1 January 2015 and ending on 31 December 2024, with the theme "People of African descent: recognition, justice and development".

5. In the same vein, the Group is deeply committed to the Programme of Activities for the implementation of the International Decade, which will contribute to the full implementation of the Durban Declaration and to its Programme of Action and raise awareness in combating prejudice, intolerance and racism.

6. The Group notes the additional requirements in the amount of $1,080,600 under the programme budget for the biennium 2014-2015, including $196,000 under section 2, General Assembly and Economic and Social Council affairs and conference management, $796,100 under section 24, Human rights, and $88,500 under section 28 Public information, as well as an additional amount of $70,300 under section 36, Staff assessment, as well as the request to approve the establishment of three pots under Section 24, Human Rights.

7. The Group fully supports the provision of the resources requested by the Secretary-General, which were endorsed by ACABQ, should the General Assembly adopt draft resolution A/69/L.3.

Mr. Chairman,

8. The Group of G77 and China call for all mandates approved by intergovernmental bodies of the United Nations to be provided with adequate resources from the regular budget for their implementation.

9. In conclusion, I wish to assure you of the readiness of the Group of 77 and China to engage constructively on the negotiations on this very important agenda item.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman.