1. I have the honor to speak on behalf of the Group 77 and China on agenda item 138 entitled Joint Inspection Unit.

2. The Group would like to express its appreciation to the Chairman of the Joint Inspection Unit, Mr. Gerard Biraud, for introducing the Unit's Annual Report for 2009 and programme of work for 2010 contained in document A/64/34. The Group also thanks Mr. Kenneth Herman, Senior Adviser on Information Management Policy Coordination of the Secretariat of the United Nations System Chief Executives Board for Coordination, for introducing the note of the Secretary-General.

3. The Group of 77 and China attaches great importance and value to the work of the Joint Inspection Unit as the sole external and independent system-wide oversight body in the United Nations system. We are pleased to note that over the years, the JIU has shown commitment and made improvements in its working methods, tools and procedures, thereby ensuring that its work adds value to the participating entities that benefit from its programme of work, as provided for under the Unit's Charter.

4. The Group welcomes on-going internal reforms processed within the JIU and urges the Unit to intensify its efforts in this regard. The Group fully supports the Unit's strategic framework for 2010-2019 which has already been approved. It is therefore a matter of concern that the UN Secretariat did not propose, in the context of the 2010-2011 programme budget, the necessary resources that would have seen the Unit implement its annual programme of work on a scale and in a manner consistent with the strategic framework. The Group will seek clarification from the Controller on reasons behind the move. The Group remains ready to consider the requisite resources for JIU at the appropriate time.

5. The process of extensive consultations with all stakeholders when designing the programme of work of the JIU is of critical importance as it ensures that the Unit focuses its attention on issues of high priority, relevance and impact. We encourage the Unit to continue and enhance this interaction with the participating organizations.

6. The Group encourages the Unit to continue its active interactions with other oversight bodies such as the board of Auditors and the office of Internal Oversight services in order to ensure greater collaboration and avoid duplication.

7. The Group supports measures to strengthen system-wide evaluation. However, in doing so, care should be taken to guard against establishment of a multiplicity of structures, which will ultimately lead to duplication of effort with existing entities. In this regard, therefore, rather than establishing a new structure, the Group supports the strengthening of JIU, since it already has the mandate, the independence, expertise and necessary experience to carry out system-wide evaluation.

8. The Group will like also to emphasize that the mechanism to be created after the adoption of General Assembly resolution 63/311 on system-wide coherence should not lead to a creation of an entity that duplicates the already existing mandates when it comes to system-wide evaluations. The very same General Assembly reaffirmed in its resolution 63/272 that the JIU is "the only external and independent system-wide inspection, evaluation and investigation body". In this regard, the fundamental approach of avoiding conflict of interests should be taken, meaning that the UN organizations involved in the implementation of General Assembly resolution 63/311 should not be considered independents vis-à-vis the evaluation to be made.

Mr. Chairman,

9. Taking into account the important work of the JIU, it is a matter of great concern to the Group to note the persistent pattern of slow or non-implementation of accepted JIU recommendations, as well as those of other oversight bodies. This is unacceptable, and the Group will seek clarification on the issue of implementation of recommendations of oversight bodies within the context of the forthcoming discussions on the Accountability Framework.

10. In the meantime, the Group's expectation is that through the relevant mechanisms established by the Secretary-General and the CEB, management will ensure full expeditious implementation of all accepted recommendations.

11. The report before us highlights the need for a more effective system of follow-up on the recommendations of the JIU. The Group therefore notes with appreciation the commencement of the feasibility study on the web-based follow-up system. We urge that no effort be spared in expediting the implementation of the system as it will facilitate effective and 'real-time' monitoring of the status of implementation of recommendations and provide regular updates from individual organizations.

Mr. Chairman,

12. The Group of 77 and China recalls paragraph 16 of General Assembly resolution 63/272 and also recalls its concern over the violation of Article 19 of the Statute of the JIU with regard to the process of appointment of the Executive Secretary of the Unit in 2009.

13. The Group further regrets instances where Member States did not abide by General Assembly resolutions on the issuance of visas for the official travel of some Inspectors and members of the JIU secretariat. The Group urges all Member States to refrain from interfering with the affairs of the JIU and to extend, without any condition, the required facilitation to enable the individual Inspectors and members of the JIU secretariat undertake the tasks assigned to them.
Mr. Chairman,

14. In conclusion, the Group of 77 and China wishes to re-affirm its full support to the important work of the Joint Inspection Unit.

I thank you Mr. Chairman.