Safety and Security

STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA BY MR. RICHARD TUR, SECOND SECRETARY OF THE PERMANENT MISSION OF CUBA TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM 134: REVISED ESTIMATES RELATING TO THE PPB 2024 UNDER SECTION 34: SAFETY AND SECURITY, AT THE MAIN PART OF THE SEVENTY-EIGHTH SESSION OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE OF THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY (New York, 28 November 2023)

Mr. Chair,

1. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. We would like to thank all briefers for introducing their respective reports.

2. The Group recognizes the important role of the Department of Safety and Security at coordinating and guiding security policies and practices through the United Nations Security Management System. We acknowledge the significant efforts in order to develop a robust know-how to manage physical risks to personnel and keep them safe, to the extent possible.

3. We recall the mandate of the Department deriving from the priorities established in General Assembly resolutions and decisions, including resolution 59/276, and the overall role of the Department in terms of operational support and oversight.

4. The Group notes that the Department is developing doctrines, planning approaches, tools and resources to focus on making the United Nations as effective as possible in high-risk settings, on the basis of strategic and operational resilience and rapid emergency responses.

5. We thank the Secretary-General for his report in this regard and look forward to having a productive exchange with relevant parties to help us make informed decisions on the proposal at hand. We would like to seek further information from the Secretariat during the Question & Answer session in order for us to pronounce a more defined position.

6. The Group would like to assure you, Mr. Chair, that we will constructively engage in the consultations ahead to have a clear understanding on this agenda item and to better assess the way forward.

I thank you.