Mr. Chairman,

1. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 129 entitled "Programme Budget for the biennium 2010-2011", on the revised estimates for the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict. The Group welcomes the presence of Under-Secretary-General Margot Wallström in our meeting today. We also would like to thank the Controller, Mr. Jun Yamazaki, for introducing the report of the Secretary-General A/64/763, and the Chairperson of the ACABQ, Ms. Susan McLurg, for introducing the related report of the Advisory Committee A/64/7/Add.23.

Mr. Chairman,

2. The Group of 77 and China expresses its appreciation to the Secretary-General's budget proposal for the Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflicts. We stress the need to provide coherent and strategic leadership in the United Nations on the issue of sexual violence in armed conflict, while promoting cooperation and coordination of efforts among all relevant stakeholders.

Mr. Chairman,

3. The Group would like to express its deep concern about the violation of the procedure for establishing posts funded through extra-budgetary resources, in this case, the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, at the Under-Secretary-General level. We concur with the observation of the ACABQ in this regard, and recall the provisions of General Assembly resolution 35/217, pursuant to which the establishment of all extra-budgetary posts at the D-1 level and above are subject to the concurrence of the ACABQ. The Group requests a detailed explanation on the reasons for this violation of procedure.

4. In this context, the Group demands greater transparency and accountability over extra-budgetary resources. We urge that all extra-budgetary resources be administered and managed with the same rigor as regular budget funds.

Mr. Chairman,

5. In light of the recent creation of the UN-Women, and the work being carried out by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Children in Armed Conflict, we trust that the Secretary-General will take all steps necessary to ensure maximum level of cooperation, coordination and integration of efforts among these entities in order to avoid duplication and overlaps. In this regard, we kindly request the ACABQ, in the context of its forthcoming report on UN-Women, to look into the structural challenges that may arise among these entities.

Mr. Chairman,

6. The Group of 77 and China assures you of its constructive approach in these negotiations.

Thank you.