Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA BY MR LUKE DAUNIVALU, DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF FIJI TO THE UNITED NATIONS ON AGENDA ITEM 134 IN PARTICULAR - REVISED ESTIMATES RESULTING FROM THE ENTRY INTO FORCE OF THE OPTIONAL PROTOCOL TO THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANT ON ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL RIGHTS AT THE FIFTH COMMITTEE DURING THE MAIN PART OF SIXTY-EIGHT SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (New York, 18 November 2013)

Mr. Chairman,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 69(a) and 134 in particular on the revised estimates relating to the proposed programme budget for the biennium 2014-2015 resulting from the entry into force of the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

The Group would like to thank the Controller for introducing the report of the Secretary-General A/68/385 and the Chairman of the ACABQ for presenting the related report of the Advisory Committee A/68/7/Add.5.

Mr. Chairman,

The Group would like to reaffirm its position on the need to provide the necessary and adequate resources to implement mandates arising from decision of intergovernmental bodies.

The Group has taken note of the additional requirement in the amount of $839,200 resulting from additional ratifications or accession as part of the implementation of the Optional Protocol.

The Group will examine careful the Secretary-General's proposal as well as seeking understanding of the recommendations of ACABQ in this regard during our informal deliberations.

Mr. Chairman,

The Group of 77 and China would like to assure you of our continued commitment to participate in constructive deliberations with the aim of reaching a positive outcome on this important agenda item.

I thank you.