United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, particularly in Africa

STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA BY MR. AWSAN AL-AUD, SECOND SECRETARY, PERMANENT MISSION OF YEMEN TO THE UNITED NATIONS, AFTER THE ADOPTION OF THE DRAFT RESOLUTION A/C.2/65/L.65 ENTITLED "IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION IN THOSE COUNTRIES EXPERIENCING SERIOUS DROUGHT AND/OR DESERTIFICATION, PARTICULARLY IN AFRICA", IN THE SECOND COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (New York, 1 December 2010)

Madam Chairperson,

Following the adoption of the resolution on the implementation of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought and/or Desertification, Particularly in Africa, I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Member States of the Group of 77 and China.

The Group welcomes the adoption of this draft resolution. However, the Group would like to reiterate its concern regarding the inclusion of phrase "within existing resources'' in the UNCCD resolution. This practice violates, among others, General Assembly resolutions 41/213, 42/211 and 45/248 B which clearly state that the "Fifth Committee is the appropriate Main Committee of the General Assembly entrusted with responsibilities for administrative and budgetary matters".

In addition, the insistence from developed countries to use that phrase, particularly when it comes to events related to development and of the utmost importance for the G-77 is regrettable, and it only demonstrates the lack of political will and commitment to allow for the allocation of appropriate resources for those activities.

We hope not to repeat this debate within the framework of this Committee in the future and to allow the Fifth Committee to fulfill its mandate with regard to this issue.

I thank you.