Mr. Chairman,

1. I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 146, administrative and budgetary aspects of financing United Nations peacekeeping operations, in particular cross-cutting issues.

2. We would like to thank the Under-Secretary-General for Field Support, Ms. Susana Malcorra, the Chief of the Human Resources Policy Service in the Office of Human Resources Management, Ms. Ruth de Miranda, and the Controller, Mr. Jun Yamazaki, for introducing the various reports of the Secretary-General. We would also like to thank the Under-Secretary-General for Internal Oversight Services, Ms. Carman La Pointe, and the Chair of the ACABQ, Mr. Colleen Kelapile, for introducing their respective reports.

Mr. Chairman,

3. The Group of 77 and China attaches great importance to the consideration of policy matters that are cross-cutting in nature and related to the administrative and budgetary aspects of the financing of the United Nations peacekeeping operations. The Group reaffirms that the Fifth Committee is the appropriate Main Committee of the General Assembly entrusted with responsibilities for administrative and budgetary matters, including for peacekeeping operations.

4. While we recognise that each peacekeeping operation has its own mandate, faces its own challenges, and functions in a unique environment, we believe that the cross-cutting resolutions can serve as an important policy tool providing comprehensive guidance to the DPKO and the DFS on issues that are common to United Nations Peacekeeping Missions.

5. The Group of 77 and China emphasizes that all peacekeeping missions should be provided with adequate resources for the effective and efficient discharge of their respective mandates. In this context, we express concern at the delays in the provision of adequate resources to some peacekeeping missions, in particular those in Africa.

6. The Group recognizes the valuable contributions and sacrifices made by troop-contributing countries to maintaining international peace and security. In this regard, we stress the importance of expediting the reimbursements to troop-contributing countries that bear additional burdens owing to overdue payments by Member States of their assessments.

7. The Group emphasizes the importance of maintaining close consultations with the troop-contributing countries on all matters related to the peacekeeping operations.

Mr. Chairman,

8. It is the position of the Group of 77 and China that the General Assembly must approve, during this second resumed session, an increase to troop costs. We would like to express our serious concern over the length of time that has elapsed since the last review of troop costs in 1992, and the subsequent ad hoc increase in 2002. This situation has placed a difficult financial burden on troop-contributing countries and poses a serious threat to the sustainability of their participation in peacekeeping operations.

9. The Group of 77 and China notes the review of the methodology for rates of reimbursement on account of troop costs and related allowances endorsed by General Assembly in its resolution A/63/285. We believe that the Working Group on Contingent-Owned Equipment must examine the results of the periodic surveys at the end of the current process and thereafter on a triennial basis in order to provide technical guidance to the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly.

10. The Group notes with concern the difficulties experienced by Member States in providing the data requested through the survey questionnaire. In this regard, the Group requests the Secretary-General to intensify his efforts to work closely with troop-contributing countries with a view to expedite data collection, including by making optimal use of the expertise of the Working Group on Contingent-Owned Equipment.

11. The Group of 77 and China reaffirms its unreserved support for the implementation of a zero tolerance policy to prevent acts of sexual exploitation and abuse within the United Nations System. In this context, the Group is deeply concern regarding the increased allegations involving civilian personnel acting on behalf of the Organization. Given the widespread presence of the human resources of the United Nations throughout the world, the Group calls upon the Secretary-General to ensure that the staff members shall exhibit respect for all cultures, shall not discriminate against any individual or group of individuals or otherwise abuse the power and authority vested in them.

12. The Group also emphasizes the need to prevent unsubstantiated allegations of misconduct from damaging the credibility of any United Nations peacekeeping mission or troop-contributing country or United Nations peacekeeping personnel.

Mr. Chairman,

13. The Group notes the increase in the level of compensation for all categories of uniformed personnel, contained in paragraph 3 of Section II of General Assembly resolution 64/269. We stress the need to establish a periodic review mechanism for the level of compensation for death and disability, taking into account the cost of living and inflationary factors.

14. Keeping in view the highest sacrifice of the troops in the field missions for the greater cause of peace and security, we stress the need for a comprehensive review of death and disability claims, elimination of existing backlog, simplified procedures and speedy disposal of death and disability cases.

15. We trust that the Secretary-General is fully abiding by the terms of resolution 64/269 in awarding death and disability compensation to all those who are in the service of the United Nations. We call for greater attention on this issue, as determined by resolution 64/269.

Mr. Chairman,

16. The Group of 77 and China expresses its deep concern over the information provided by the ACABQ on the implementation of resolution 65/248, in particular concerning the abolition of posts. We stress the need for the Secretary-General to fully respect the terms of said resolution, which determined that the implementation of the harmonization of the conditions of service must not impact the operational costs nor undermine the implementation of mandated programmes and activities. The Group will seek further clarification on this matter during informal consultations.

Mr. Chairman,

17. The Group assures you of its constructive approach in these negotiations, for a results-focused outcome that would enhance the ability of the United Nations peacekeeping operations to effectively deliver on their mandates.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.