October 23, 2021

Open Society Urges Turkish President to Stop Efforts to Obscure the Facts in Kavala Case

New York, Oct. 22, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Open Society Foundations urged the president of Turkey today to stop invoking George Soros’s name in an effort to obscure the facts around the case of Osman Kavala, the businessman and philanthropist who has spent four years in prison there on bogus charges.

In comments broadcast on Thursday, the Turkish president described Kavala as “Soros scum” after 10 Western countries, including the United States and Germany, urged Turkey to release him. He also compared Kavala’s four years behind bars to the treatment of “bandits, murders, and terrorists” in other countries.

“President Erdogan’s insulting language about George Soros, a man his government welcomed to Istanbul, is an effort to distract from the simple fact that Osman Kavala is innocent and should be released,” said Mark Malloch-Brown, president of the Open Society Foundations.

“These toxic comments from the president about a case currently before the courts are one more assault on Turkey’s supposedly independent legal system. We urge the Turkish authorities to free Osman now.”

Kavala was one of a number of leading Turkish figures who served on the advisory board of Open Society’s national foundation in Turkey before it closed down in 2018.

Kavala was originally arrested on charges of financing and organizing the anti-government Gezi protests in Istanbul in 2013. In February last year, a court acquitted him and other defendants of all the charges.

Kavala was subsequently released from prison but rearrested a few hours later—on new charges in connection with the 2016 coup attempt against Erdogan by military officers linked to the Islamist Gullenist movement, and espionage charges.

In January this year, an appeals court overturned the first acquittal. Kavala faces life in prison if convicted on the espionage charges.

Before its 2018 closure, Open Society’s Turkish foundation worked with a wide range of local partners. The foundation was closely involved in supporting Turkey in the long, and currently stalled, EU accession process. Its other priorities included strengthening education standards protecting women’s rights, combatting discrimination, and helping with the response to the Syrian refugee crisis.

All the activities of the Open Society Foundations in Turkey were regularly audited and approved by both the Ministry of the Interior and the General Directorate of Foundations.

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October 23, 2021

30th Paris Peace Accords anniversary rings hollow for many Cambodians

Protesting wives of jailed politicians were roughed up by police in the Cambodian capital Phnom Penh, while hundreds of exiles from the country rallied in Washington Friday, demanding that their government uphold the 1991 pact that ended war in the country and promised democratic freedoms and human rights.

The Paris Peace Accords, signed by the United Nations and 19 countries on October 23, 1991, ended the Cambodian-Vietnamese War and helped rebuild a country ravaged by that conflict and the genocidal late 1970s rule of the Khmer Rouge, while also providing democratic rule with a constitution and elections.

The 20 women protesting at the French Embassy in Phnom Penh were demanding that peace talks host Paris pressure Prime Minister Hun Sen and his increasingly autocratic government to return to compliance with the accord.

“The Paris Peace Accords signatories promised to protect and strengthen democracy in Cambodia. But Cambodia has totally lost its democracy and pluralism,” one of the women told RFA’s Khmer Service.

The 20 women were part of a group called the “Friday Women,” who often brave rough police treatment to protest for the release of their detained husbands and sons, victims of a sweeping crackdown on the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) and most major players in civil society.

Police — who outnumbered the women five to one — seized banners, pushed some of the women to the ground, and stepped on them to hold them down, injuring several. National Police spokesman Chhay Kim Khoeun refused to comment on the incident.

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Crushing a protest that should have been protected by the Paris pact is just the latest evidence that “Hun Sen’s government has now diminished those guarantees to absolutely nothing,” said Phil Robertson, Deputy Asia director for the New York-based Human Rights Watch.

“Basic civil and political liberties are endangered across the country and Hun Sen has reduced the Paris Peace agreement to a shadow of what it was supposed to be by creating a Cambodia that is neither democratic nor rights respecting,” he said in a statement.

In Washington, about 200 people gathered on Capitol Hill to commemorate the 1991 signing. They urged Hun Sen to respect the accords, but also called on the U.S. Congress to enact sanctions against Hun Sen’s regime.

The election in 1993, held under the auspices of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), was contested by multiple political parties.

The most recent election, in 2018, came a year after Cambodia’s supreme court beholden to Hun Sen banned the CNRP, and his ruling party won all 125 seats in parliament.

“Cambodia can no longer be considered a multi-party democracy,” Sorpong Peou, a Cambodian scholar from Canada’s Ryerson University, told a panel at the U.S. Institute of Peace, an institution funded by Congress.

“There has been the transition backward to a one-party democracy with elections held without any credible opposition parties in the last election,” he added.

Hun Sen.jpg — Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen signs 23 October 1991 in Paris the peace treaty which ended 21 years of civil war in Cambodia. Credit: AFP

Ariel Eckblad, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Conflict and Stabilization Operations, said the country had achieved notable economic and social development, but that much of the progress made under the accords had been erased in recent years.

“Rather than realizing the competitive multiparty democracy envisioned 30 years ago, today Cambodia is witnessing increased repression and democratic backsliding,” she said.

Speaking at the same Washington panel, Chum Sounry, Cambodia’s ambassador to the U.S. said Cambodia has been “well on track,” since UNTAC’s mission ended in 1993.

He denied that the government restricts civil and political rights, saying, “the space for a free political environment remains in Cambodia for citizens who respect the law.”

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On Thursday, U.S. lawmakers announced a resolution blaming the mixed record of the Paris accords on “Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s violations of Cambodia’s Constitution and effective one-party rule since 1993.”

Sen. Ed Markey, a resolution co-sponsor, said the U.S. must lead work to “halt the current assault on democracy by demanding that Prime Minister Hun Sen hold free and fair elections, drop politically motivated charges against political opponents, and respect Cambodia’s constitutional commitment to neutrality.”

A former Khmer Rouge commander who defected to occupying Vietnamese forces in 1977, the 69-year-old Hun Sen has ruled Cambodia since 1985, six years before Paris pact.

In 1997, Hun Sen staged a coup against his coalition partner in the government established by the first post-war elections, Norodom Ranariddh, son of the late King Norodom Sihanouk.

Adding insult to injury to many Cambodians who see him as the spoiler of Paris accords, the government issued a new 30,000-riel (U.S. $ 7.35) bank note to commemorate the accords, with images of Hun Sen and Sihanouk.

International watchdog groups that monitor justice, corruption, civil liberties and press freedom all give Hun Sen’s government low marks.

The Washington-based World Justice Project (WJP) ranked Cambodia next to last in the index — ahead only of Venezuela — in its 2021 Rule of Law Index, while Transparency International ranked the country 160^th out 180 countries in its Corruption Perceptions Index for 2020.

The U.S.-based Freedom House’s annual Freedom in the World index rated Cambodia “not free,” with dismal political and civil liberty rankings that tied it with Djibouti for 165th.

And Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranked Cambodia 144^th among 180 countries in its 2021 World Press Freedom Index.

Sophal Ear of the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University said Cambodia deserves equally dismal marks in implementing the Paris Peace Accords.

“It will provide for periodic and genuine elections. It will provide for the right to vote and to be elected by universal and equal suffrage. It will provide for voting by secret ballot, with a requirement that electoral procedures provide a full and fair opportunity to organize and participate in the electoral process,” said Ear, reciting key Paris provisions.

“Cambodia is today further from these objectives than it was in 2013 or 1993.”

Reported by RFA’s Khmer Service. Translated by Samean Yun. Written in English by Eugene Whong.

October 23, 2021

Delegates Underline Need for Equitable Use of Outer Space Technology, Welcome Innovative Digital Peacekeeping Tools, as Fourth Committee Continues Debate

Emphasizing the need to bridge the technological divide between developed and developing countries in the peaceful uses of outer space, delegates called for more capacity-building activities and technology sharing in that arena, as the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) continued its general debate today.

Noting that the use of space science technologies remains an invaluable tool to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the representative of Nepal called on spacefaring nations and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs to assist in technology transfer and bridge capacity gaps by boosting capabilities of developing nations.

Echoing that call, the representative of the Philippines stressed the need to bridge the technological space divide as well as to strengthen international cooperation. In that context, he also encouraged States to ensure safety, security and sustainability in the use and exploration of outer space and prevent an arms race on that crucial frontier.

The representative of India, also speaking on that issue, outlined her country’s spacefaring activities as well as efforts to share its experience with space-aspiring partner nations through the UNISPACE+50 initiative, which includes a capacity-building programme on small satellite building. India also shares its facilities and expertise in the application of space science and technology through the United Nations-affiliated Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific, she said.

Meanwhile, several speakers spotlighted the importance of embracing technology to better protect civilians and peacekeeping personnel, with many voicing support for the Strategy for the Digital Transformation of United Nations Peacekeeping, launched by the Secretary-General in August.

Among those was the representative of Bangladesh — a leading troop- and police-contributing country to United Nations peacekeeping — who welcomed the new strategy and pledged to remain engaged in overcoming the challenges affecting the safety and security of the peacekeepers.

Senegal’s representative, meanwhile, expressed appreciation for the development and promotion of telemedicine capacities in peacekeeping operations — especially in remote areas — while pointing to the need to further harness technology in such areas as strengthening early warning systems and protecting troops. In a similar vein, the representative of Venezuela said the use of information and communications technology became particularly crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic and must be employed responsibly and equitably.

Among other issues raised by speakers were the need to fulfil the promise of self-determination for the world’s 17 remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories; ensure uninterrupted funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA); and address the dire humanitarian challenges faced by Palestine refugees through common efforts.

Also speaking today were the representatives of Liechtenstein, Jordan, Mauritius, Iraq, Syria, Cambodia, Japan, Maldives, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Chile and Togo.

The representatives of Israel, the United Kingdom, Syria, Iran, Argentina and Mauritius spoke in exercise of the right of reply.

The Fourth Committee will reconvene at 3 p.m. on Monday, 25 October, to continue its general debate.

Statements

MATTHEW EDBROOKE (Liechtenstein) called on the international community to earnestly work to bring peace, justice and, most importantly, closure for Non-Self-Governing Territories, in order to fulfil the promise of self-determination conveyed in the United Nations Charter. Stressing that Liechtenstein remains committed to upholding the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, he reiterated that the annexation of territory, or any decision to change or amend the border between Israel and Palestine without the explicit consent of both parties, is in violation of international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, as is the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territories. He also pointed out the need for special political missions to continue to work closely with underrepresented groups, including women and young people. In that respect, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) exemplifies the vital role of the United Nations in upholding the human rights of all women and girls in Afghanistan and supporting their full and unhindered participation in decision-making.

ENRIQUE AUSTRIA MANALO (Philippines), associating himself with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), touched on the issue of international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space, noting that his country recently signed an agreement with the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs to collaborate in various strategic areas. He stressed the need to strengthen international cooperation; bridge the technological space divide between developed and developing countries through capacity-building; ensure safety, security and sustainability in the use and exploration of outer space and prevent an arms race. On peacekeeping, he underscored the Philippines’ support for the Secretary-General’s zero-tolerance policy and its victim-centred approach to all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse and reiterated the need to fully vet and train Member States’ troops before deployment. Encouraging greater collaboration between the United Nations and ASEAN in peace operations, he also noted efforts in peacebuilding and sustaining peace, performance and accountability, promoting political solutions, and the protection, safety and security of peacekeepers. Turning to special political missions, which should continue to serve as “forward platforms for conflict prevention”, he went on to address the matters relating to information. In that arena, he expressed supports for the work of the Committee on Information and the Department of Global Communications, calling on States and other actors to responsibly harness the power of information to promote peace, inclusivity and development.

MAHMOUD DAIFALLAH HMOUD (Jordan) said the war in Gaza in May reminded the world that the status quo there is untenable. Furthermore, Israeli violations of holy sites in Jerusalem are illegal under international law, and their consequences will extend throughout the entire world, constituting a provocation to all Muslims. Noting that Jordan will continue to work to preserve the historic status quo of the Al-Aqsa Mosque under Hashemite custodianship, he went on to voice his country’s steadfast support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), which provides health and social services to millions and must be allowed to continue its work until a resolution to the conflict is found. Its mandate is not merely humanitarian but is linked to the national identity of Palestinians. As such, any attempts to weaken the Agency would have grave repercussions and would further fuel the conflict. Turning to Western Sahara, he expressed support for Morocco’s proposed autonomy initiative, which he said would improve the situation of the Territory’s inhabitants and allow the Government of Morocco to address the COVID-19 pandemic in the region.

MD MONWAR HOSSAIN (Bangladesh), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, commended the work of the University for Peace, particularly for introducing three new courses in 2021 and ensuring the continuation of its activities during the pandemic. Welcoming the implementation plan of the “Space2030” agenda, he noted that his country recently launched its first communications satellite. He also praised the work of UNRWA, noting the pressures on its funding. Bangladesh will continue its modest support to the Agency, he said, urging the international community to come up with sustainable and predictable funding to enable it to continue its critical work for Palestine refugees. As a leading troop- and police-contributing country to United Nations peacekeeping, Bangladesh will remain engaged in overcoming the challenges affecting the safety and security of the peacekeepers, he said, welcoming the new Strategy for the Digital Transformation of Peacekeeping.

JOYKER NAYECK (Mauritius), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, voiced regret that the process of decolonization remains incomplete. Expressing solidarity with the people of the Non-Self-Governing Territories in pursuing their legitimate and inalienable right to self-determination, he said that any attempt aimed at the partial disruption of the national unity and territorial integrity of a country is incompatible with the United Nations Charter. Commending UNRWA for providing valuable humanitarian and essential services in health and education to Palestine refugees, he stated that the Agency should be supported and strengthened until there is a just and lasting solution. On the Chagos Archipelago, he recalled a decision of the International Court of Justice, which confirmed that decolonization was not conducted in a manner consistent with the right to self-determination and that the continued administration of the archipelago by the United Kingdom is a wrongful act. He further pointed to a United Nations map, published in 2020, which confirmed that the Chagos Archipelago is part of the territory of Mauritius. Expressing his disappointment by the failure of the United Kingdom to end its unlawful administration, he stressed that the “immoral legacy of the colonial past is still on our agenda” and urged States to eradicate colonialism in all its forms and manifestations, “once and for all”.

AMRIT BAHADUR RAI (Nepal) said that pending the decolonization of Non-Self-Governing Territories, the administering Powers should promote the political, economic, social and educational advancement of their inhabitants and ensure the legitimate rights of those Territories to their natural resources. On outer space matters, he noted that the use of space science technologies remains an invaluable tool to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. In that context, he called on spacefaring nations and the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs to assist in technology transfer and bridge capacity gaps by boosting capabilities of developing nations. As for peace operations, Nepal has contributed more than 151,000 peacekeepers to date and is currently the world’s third largest contributor of troops and police. However, lack of mandate clarity, resources and technological enablers is placing peacekeepers in high-risk environments. Stressing the need to address the root causes of conflict, he also called for the equitable representation of troop-contributing countries in senior Secretariat positions, as well as field missions, based on their contributions.

SARHAD SARDAR ABDULRAHMAN FATAH (Iraq) said the value of UNRWA goes beyond the humanitarian assistance it provides, because the Agency is the first line of defense for the right of return for the Palestinian people. As such, UNRWA is an unequivocal legal instrument, he underscored. Calling on Member States to increase their contributions to the Agency, he noted that it will remain essential until a lasting solution is found to the Palestinian question. He went on to emphasize the need to prevent the use of anti-personnel landmines, reporting that there are more than 20 million such mines in Iraq, which create a major obstacle to national development projects. Turning to peace operations, he underscored the need to prioritize preventive diplomacy and commended the efforts of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), which has provided particular help with Iraq’s elections, consolidating peace and strengthening democratic institutions.

BASSAM SABBAGH (Syria), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, said his country will spare no efforts to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine in their struggle to reclaim their occupied territory and establish an independent State. Reiterating his country’s commitment to reclaiming the full territory of the Syrian Golan, he said attempts by Israel to impose its administration over the area have no legal affect per international law. Describing the expansion of settlement activities by Israel in the Syrian Golan as a serious threat to the peace and security of the region, he cited ongoing impunity for that continued aggression. “Our struggling people in the Syrian Golan look forward to their liberation,” he said, highlighting a recommendation of the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices to update data on Israeli settlement activity and to provide public access to it. Turning to the operations of UNRWA, he said that Palestine refugees “became subject to the mercy of donor countries”, and supported efforts to rehabilitate infrastructure in several Palestinian refugee camps damaged during the “terrorist war” earlier in 2021.

MEALEA HENG (Cambodia), associating herself with ASEAN, recalled that her country has deployed over 7,000 peacekeeping troops to nine countries. She went on to express support for the Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) initiative and said that Cambodia will send a high-level delegation to participate in the ministerial meeting on peacekeeping and peacebuilding later in 2021. Emphasizing that COVID-19 vaccines should be ensured as a global public good, she said the pandemic has interrupted peace operations and it is vital to ensure that troops adhere to the United Nations guidelines and latest safety standards. Turning to peacekeeping mandates, she said they must be clear and achievable, with well-defined roles and responsibilities for all key actors. She went on to emphasize the importance of thorough pre- and post-deployment training for all peacekeepers.

YUKIYA HAMAMOTO (Japan) reported that his country provided assistance to 21 countries and regions in collaboration with the United Nations Mine Action Service to end the suffering and casualties caused by anti-personnel mines. Ahead of the upcoming presentation of the report on the effects of radiation exposure due to the nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, prepared by the United Nations Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR), he stressed his country’s commitment to nuclear safety. Turning to the question of Palestine, he reaffirmed his country’s continued support to UNRWA, drawing attention to its disbursement of $40.9 million in support of the Agency in 2021. A solution to that conflict can never be achieved through violence, but only through negotiations, he warned, committing to further promote the economic self-reliance of Palestine and facilitate confidence-building between the two sides. Turning to peacekeeping, he noted the importance of capacity-building and drew special attention to the Triangular Partnership Programme in that regard.

THILMEEZA HUSSAIN (Maldives), focusing on issues related to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, stressed that the dire humanitarian problems faced by Palestine refugees are a shared international responsibility and urged greater funding for UNRWA. She emphasized that Israel’s illegal occupation and attempts at annexation, control or seizure — including of the occupied Syrian Golan — must end in order to ensure a lasting peace in the region. Recalling multilayered violations and harms committed against the Palestinian people described in the Secretary-General’s Report, she urged States to respect United Nations resolutions and decisions and urged the Committee to address continuing violation of human rights of Palestinians and demonstrators, including the unfair trials and the excessive use of force that has resulted in deaths. Pointing to the humanitarian crises in Gaza caused by the Israeli bombings in May, as well as to practices of evictions and home demolitions, she said the prospects for human existence, let alone peace and development, are nearly impossible. She noted her country’s support for a two-State solution and for the people of Palestine in their pursuit of international political recognition.

JOAQUÍN ALBERTO PÉREZ AYESTARÁN (Venezuela), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), said the situation in Puerto Rico has dragged on for 100 years, denying the people of the island their human rights. Puerto Ricans must be able to elect their own political representatives. He went on to express support for the inalienable right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, noting that a two-State solution is broadly supported by the international community, and called upon the administering Power there to put an end to colonial occupation, crimes against humanity and apartheid measures. As for United Nations peace operations, he said it is a central responsibility of the host country to ensure support for missions and the safety of peacekeepers. While COVID-19 has demonstrated the essential importance of information and communications technology, such tools must be used responsibly and equitably. In that context, he said policies of aggression by certain Powers undermine national efforts to make advancements in those areas.

JUAN JOSÉ PORTORREAL BRANDAO (Dominican Republic), associating himself with CELAC, the Sistema de la Integración Centroamericana (SICA) and the Group of Friends of Spanish, said the international community has the outstanding task of helping the 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories regain their right to self-determination. To that end, he supported Argentina’s sovereignty claims over the Malvinas Islands*, South Georgia Islands and South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas, stressing that the only way to put an end to the dispute is through negotiations between Argentina and the United Kingdom. Highlighting the work of the Department of Global Communications, he welcomed that, despite the pandemic, it continues to provide fact-based and accurate messages with regard to COVID-19. Turning to multilingualism, he said all the United Nations publications should be produced in the Organization’s six official languages to better contribute to the core goals of linguistic and cultural diversity.

FATIMATOU FAYE (Senegal), associating herself with the Non-Aligned Movement, expressed appreciation for the development and promotion of telemedicine capacities in peacekeeping operations, especially in remote areas. However, there is a need to further the use of technology in other areas, for example to strengthen early warning systems and protect troops. Africa must play a central role in the activities of the United Nations, she said, emphasizing the importance of the partnership between the Organization and the African Union. Turning to decolonization matters, she expressed dismay at the human rights violations committed against Palestinians and called on the international community to step up efforts to achieve a fair and just solution in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. She went on to express support for Morocco’s proposed autonomy initiative for Western Sahara, which she described as practical, lasting and based on compromise. Welcoming the appointment of the Secretary-General’s new Personal Envoy, she urged stakeholders to maintain momentum with additional round-table discussions.

LUIS ANTONIO LAM PADILLA (Guatemala), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, CELAC, SICA and the Group of Friends of Spanish, pointed to the “special and particular status” of the Malvinas Islands, South Georgia Islands and South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas, while voicing support to Argentina’s claims over the Territory. Urging the United Kingdom to participate in negotiations on that matter, he condemned the country’s unilateral actions, including the exploration and development of renewable and non-renewable natural resources. On the question of Western Sahara, he reiterated his country’s support for Morocco’s efforts to find a just and lasting political solution and welcomed the appointment of the Secretary-General’s new Personal Envoy. Lauding peacekeeping personnel for their work amid the pandemic, he further endorsed the A4P initiative, highlighting its role in strengthening critical cooperation with host States. Ahead of the upcoming ministerial meeting in Seoul, he welcomed the Secretary-General’s initiative on the use of new technologies in peacekeeping and called on the Security Council to analyse past transitions from peacekeeping to peacebuilding in order to ensure that future exit strategies are in line with the real situations on the ground.

DARLINGTON MASHOKO KADYAUTUMBE (Zimbabwe) underscored that the people of Western Sahara have been waiting a long time to exercise their right to self-determination. Recalling his country’s history as a former colony, he expressed concern over the continued denial of that right, one that has been consistently reaffirmed by General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, as well as decisions by the African Union. He urged those bodies to fully assume their responsibilities to ensure the political, economic, social and cultural rights of the Sahrawi people and the right to permanent sovereignty over their natural resources. Also highlighting the recent judgment by the European Court of Justice that found agreements by the European Union and Morocco to be invalid, he welcomed the appointment of the Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy and urged the General Assembly to complete the decolonization of Western Sahara by supporting a free and fair referendum. He also called on the Special Committee on Decolonization to undertake a visiting mission to Western Sahara for the first time since 1975.

VIDISHA MAITRA (India) outlined her country’s spacefaring activities, including its three successful launch vehicle missions and its efforts to share its experience with space-aspiring partner nations. As part of the UNISPACE+50 initiative, India created a capacity-building programme on small satellite building and shared its facilities and expertise in the application of space science and technology through the United Nations-affiliated Centre for Space Science and Technology Education in Asia and the Pacific. India has also initiated a major space reform to enable the participation of the private sector in its space programmes and is formulating a national space legislation. Highlighting the key role of the special political missions, she reiterated the principles of impartiality, consent of parties, national ownership and national responsibility, while pointing out the need to streamline the funding of such missions, possibly through the use of a separate account. Recalling the key principle of self-determination, she noted that pursuing a pragmatic approach to decolonization would lead to fulfilment of the legitimate wishes of the people of the 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories, and called on States to enhance cooperation and channel resources to that end.

Mr. AHIDJO (Cameroon) advocated for the provision of adequate assistance to peacekeeping troop-contributing countries, well as for the further strengthening of partnerships between the United Nations and regional organizations to improve peacekeeper training and preparedness. To that end, he recalled that Cameroon created the International School of Security Forces in 2008 to ensure local capacity-building of African troop-contributing countries. On the issue of special political missions, he underlined the importance of making constant improvements to their organization, planning and supply chains. Such missions must be provided with clear and achievable mandates accompanied by necessary resources, he said, adding that their current mode of funding must be reviewed and an alternative approach, according to the same criteria as peacekeeping operations, considered. Another option would be to provide separate and predictable budgets that would ensure the successful transition of peacekeeping operations into special political missions, he said.

JOSÉ LUIS BUSTAMANTE (Chile), associating himself with CELAC and the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), expressed support for Argentina’s sovereign right over the Malvinas Islands, South Georgia Islands and South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas. In that context, he underscored that the Governments of Argentina and the United Kingdom must renew negotiations. Regarding Western Sahara, he said a solution in line with international law will contribute to stability in the region and will bring in its wake a process of sustainable development. Regarding UNRWA, he described the crucial efforts of the Agency on the ground, stressing that it plays a key role in providing assistance and protection for more than 5 million refugees, in spite of its precarious financial situation. In terms of peace operations, he said their success can only be achieved with the inclusion of members of civil society, youth and women.

ABD-EL KADER YASMIN TCHALARE (Togo), associating himself with the Non-Aligned Movement, the African Group and the Group of Francophone Ambassadors, underlined the crucial importance of peacekeeping operations, paying tribute to soldiers who have lost their lives. Those operations face challenges linked to discrepancies between mandates and resources, he said, noting that Togo is a significant contributor. Citing the 17 remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories, he stressed colonization is unfortunately still an issue, despite the General Assembly’s resolution on the granting of independence to colonial countries and peoples. Reaffirming Togo’s support for political processes in all non-decolonized territories, he warned that the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened conditions for refugees, requiring Member States to support UNRWA to avoid a genuine humanitarian disaster. Calling on States to mobilize finances to plug the Agency’s budget deficit, he welcomed the return of the United States as a UNRWA donor.

Right of Reply

The representative of Israel, speaking in exercise of the right of reply, responded to “outrageous comments” by the representative of Syria, a State guilty of ceaseless violations of the most basic human rights of its own population, and therefore in forfeiture of the right to make such baseless allegations. Most appalling, she stressed, is Syria’s use of chemical weapons against its own civilians, including women and children. Noting that Syria has also allowed Iran to set up bases within its borders, she reiterated that the Syrian regime has no legitimacy on the international stage.

The representative of the United Kingdom, responding to a number of delegates’ statements, said there is no doubting his country’s sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, which it has held since 1814. Mauritius has never held sovereignty there, he stressed. Referring to the International Court of Justice advisory opinion, he said that body should not consider bilateral issues without the consent of both parties. Similarly, the General Assembly is not an appropriate forum for such a bilateral issue. He noted the United Kingdom has provided funds of £40 million to support the needs of Chagossians. He also stated there can be no doubt of the United Kingdom’s claim over the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), South Georgia Islands and South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas, nor over the right of their inhabitants to self-determination. There can be no dialogue on sovereignty unless Falkland Islanders consent, he added.

The representative of Syria said it is ironic to listen to the representative of Israel try to cover up the infinite crimes it has committed in the Syrian Golan. Meanwhile, Israel has provided support to armed terrorist groups, including Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh). Furthermore, while Israel is obligated not to carry out any military operations across the ceasefire line, it continues to do so.

The representative of Iran said Israel’s representative made unfounded claims against his country, while describing those statements as a tool to divert attention away from the brutalities of her own regime. Israel should be reminded that it flagrantly disregards multiple United Nations resolutions with acts of aggression and war crimes against Palestinians, he stressed.

The representative of Argentina said the Malvinas Islands, South Georgia Islands and South Sandwich Islands and the surrounding maritime areas are an integral part of his country’s national territory. Their illegal occupation by the United Kingdom led the General Assembly to adopt 10 resolutions on the issue, calling for renewed negotiations to find a peaceful and lasting solution. Stressing that the principle of self-determination is inapplicable to the dispute, he added that the referendum vote that took place was a unilateral British act with no legal value.

The representative of Mauritius said the whole world is aware of the United Kingdom’s gross violation of international law in the Chagos Archipelago and its forcible displacement of its residents. Noting that one of the 28 judges in three international bodies supported the United Kingdom’s position in the matter, he also cited related opinions by the nine-member International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea. General Assembly resolution 73/295 also asserted that the archipelago is an integral part of Mauritius, he said, calling on the United Kingdom to comply with all those rulings and put an end to its dark chapter of colonization.

Source: United Nations

October 23, 2021

Working Visit by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Second Minister for Education Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman to the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the State of Qatar

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs and Second Minister for Education Dr Mohamad Maliki Osman will make a working visit to the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the State of Qatar from 23 to 29 October 2021.

Minister Maliki will meet his ministerial counterparts and call on other leaders in the three countries. Minister Maliki will also visit the Singapore Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai and speak at a panel discussion organised by the 5th Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh.

Minister Maliki will be accompanied by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Singapore

October 23, 2021

Myanmar: UN expert fears spike in atrocities amid reports of troops massing in north

NEW YORK (22 October 2021) — Myanmar could be on the eve of an even greater human rights catastrophe and loss of life amid reports the military junta is deploying tens of thousands of troops and heavy weapons to northern Myanmar, a UN human rights expert warned the General Assembly today.

“These tactics are ominously reminiscent of those employed by the military before its genocidal attacks against the Rohingya in Rakhine State in 2016 and 2017,” said Tom Andrews, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar. He said he had received information that large numbers of troops were moving into restive regions in the north and northwest.

“We should all be prepared, as the people in this part of Myanmar are prepared, for even more mass atrocity crimes. I desperately hope that I am wrong.”\ Andrews urged States to deny the military junta the money, weapons and legitimacy that it needs to continue to hold the people of Myanmar hostage with systematic human rights violations and brutal attacks. He pointed to the recent release of thousands of political prisoners as evidence that pressure on the junta works.

“ASEAN’s announcement that the junta will not be welcome at its upcoming summit strikes at the heart of the junta’s third need — legitimacy . . . Without pressure, without denying the junta that which it needs from the international community, none of the detainees would have been released,” he said, stressing that in addition to denying legitimacy, more must be done to cut the junta off from weapons and money.

Andrews today presented the findings of his annual report to the General Assembly, stating that since the coup, the military junta has engaged in probable crimes against humanity and war crimes.

He reiterated the global call that the Security Council impose an arms embargo on Myanmar and stressed the need to significantly increase financial pressure on the junta, as many in Myanmar are doing with boycotts.

“To date, sanctions have not impacted the ability of the junta to continue to seize State revenues and foreign exchange to enrich its leaders and fuel its attacks on the civilian population,” he said. “The single largest source of revenue for the junta is the oil and gas industry. I encourage Member States to follow the call of several hundred civil society organizations within Myanmar who have called for Myanmar Oil and Gas Enterprise to be sanctioned.”

Andrews also conveyed a stark message to the General Assembly that he has received from scores of people inside Myanmar: “Many, I dare say most in Myanmar, have come to believe that the world and this body, do not care. Over the last several months they have experienced a steep downward trajectory, including increased human rights violations and attacks by the military junta while, at the same time, they have witnessed a grossly disproportionate response by the international community.

“I come before this venerated body today conveying a simple plea from the people of Myanmar: care about this unfolding catastrophe and then translate that care into meaningful action.

“Targeting these three needs of the junta — weapons, money, and legitimacy — while increasing humanitarian support to the people of Myanmar, is urgently needed and I believe the best means for the international community to support the people in Myanmar.

“There is global responsibility to address this crisis, and it is insufficient to pass it off to those who lack the will or the capacity to take the requisite action, particularly given the scope of the atrocities that are ongoing.”

Andrews reported that since the coup, junta-controlled forces have murdered over 1,100 people, displaced a quarter million, arbitrarily detained over 8,000 people, where many were tortured, including dozens who were tortured to death. He highlighted credible reports he received of junta forces even torturing children.

The Human Rights Council-appointed independent expert said that over 100 journalists lost their freedom, and the junta has attacked and harassed doctors, nurses and other health care professionals — even as Myanmar has suffered through a pandemic. He also said junta forces have abducted and imprisoned family members of those being sought by security forces, including very young children.

Source: UN Human Rights Council

October 23, 2021

Speakers Call for Separate Account Aligned with Peacekeeping Budget Cycle to Finance Special Political Missions, as Fifth Committee Reviews Proposed Funding for 2022

General Assembly President Encourages Delegates to Identify Ways for Improving Process of Formulating United Nations Budget, Communicating Results

The Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) today took up the Secretary-General’s request for $730.7 million to fund 38 special political missions in 2022, with several delegations renewing calls for a separate budget to be established to address their requirements.

The missions – approved by the Security Council and/or the General Assembly and including good offices and preventive diplomacy and post-conflict peacebuilding efforts – together account for about a quarter of the United Nations annual regular budget.

Singapore’s representative, speaking on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), led calls by several speakers for the creation of a separate budget that would be aligned with the peacekeeping budget cycle which begins mid-year on 1 July. Since the 15-member Council establishes nearly all special political missions, rather than all 193 Member States, its five permanent members should assume a greater responsibility for their funding, she added.

Cameroon’s representative, speaking on behalf of the African Group, reiterated the Group’s standing demand for equitable geographical representation, especially at decision-making levels, as well as the need to develop national expertise in special political missions. Highlighting the United Nations ongoing responsibility for the safety of staff, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said that the Group will address the issue of information and communication technologies in the 2022 programme budget in the context of the pandemic.

Egypt’s representative, whose country chairs the Peacebuilding Commission, said that adequate funding for the peacebuilding components of special political missions is especially important as the COVID-19 pandemic persists. The growing number of missions is shifting resources away from development financing, he said, urging the Committee to consider establishing a separate account that would assess Member States based on what they now pay into the peacekeeping budget.

The United States’ representative said that Member States have a collective responsibility to provide the political and financial support required for special political missions to translate the mandates given to them by the Security Council. He also welcomed the opportunity to discuss new ways of enhancing performance measurement for certain categories of special political missions.

China’s representative said that funding for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which was drafted in May, must be readjusted in the aftermath of the hasty withdrawal of foreign troops. He added that the allocation of posts should be more rational and that greater adherence to geographical representation is very important.

Iraq’s representative said that his country opposes any reduction in funding for the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) (UNITAD). It also rejects the abolition of national posts within these missions, he added.

Chandramouli Ramanathan, United Nations Controller and Assistant Secretary-General for Programme Planning, Finance and Budget in the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance, introduced the Secretary-General’s reports on the proposed programme budget for 2022 in respect of special political missions, saying that the total proposed resources for 2022 amount to $730.7 million (net of staff assessment) – an overall increase of $0.3 million (net of staff assessment) compared with the approved budget of $730.4 million for 2021.

Abdallah Bacher Bong, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), introduced its eponymous reports, explaining that a report on UNAMA will be presented separately. Among other things, he said that if revised estimates are included, the requested resources for 2022 will go up by $19.7 million, including $7.2 million for the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia and $12.5 million for the United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS).

Abdulla Shahid, President of the General Assembly, addressed the Committee at the start of the meeting, encouraging its members to focus on in-person formal and informal meetings to ensure greater efficiency and effectiveness and to complete their work in a timely manner. “I hope you will all agree that Christmas and New Year holidays will not be the same without the Fifth Committee completing its work,” he said. He also encouraged the Committee to consider the Secretary-General’s proposal, outlined in Our Common Agenda, to “identify ways to improve the budget process, especially in how we formulate and communicate the results that we hope to do and accomplish.”

Also speaking today were representatives of Peru (on behalf of a group of Latin American and Caribbean countries), Mexico, Colombia, Bangladesh, Cuba, United Kingdom, Japan, Cyprus and Brazil, as well as the European Union.

The Fifth Committee will reconvene on Thursday, 28 October, for a general discussion on improving the United Nations’ financial situation and to take up the Secretary-General’s report on conditions of service and compensation for full-time members of the International Civil Service Commission and the Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions.

Address by the President of the General Assembly

ABDULLA SHAHID (Maldives), President of the General Assembly, said he was told “All roads lead to the Fifth.” Therefore, he was delighted to address the Fifth Committee today. As the pandemic continues, the Fifth Committee has led the way in achieving consensus and dialogue through constructive engagement. The Organization’s operations could not effectively and efficiently function without the Fifth Committee’s work. “It is undoubtedly the ‘engine’ of the General Assembly,” he added. That engine is needed to run smoothly this year as it will be the first time the Fifth Committee handles the scales of assessment alongside the annual regular budget. The international community is emerging from a global pandemic that has devastated lives and livelihoods and decimated economies while creating friction around the world. “The eyes of the world are on the United Nations. This is not the year for us to dither or delay; this is the year that we must act, that we must demonstrate that we can act,” he said.

The Assembly President laid out three main requests for the Fifth Committee this year. First, he encouraged all Member States to fulfil their annual contributions on time and in full. Secondly, he encouraged Committee members to focus on in_person formal and informal meetings to ensure greater efficiency and effectiveness for the Committee’s vital work. He encouraged them to complete their work on the Programme Budget and the Scale of Assessments in a timely manner. “I hope you will all agree that Christmas and New Year holidays will not be the same without the Fifth Committee completing its work,” he said. Thirdly, he encouraged the Fifth Committee to consider the Secretary-General’s proposal as outlined in Our Common Agenda, to “identify ways to improve the budget process, especially in how we formulate and communicate the results that we hope to do and accomplish.” He urged the Committee to work together to achieve a meaningful session under a presidency of hope.

Special Political Missions

CHANDRAMOULI RAMANATHAN, United Nations Controller and Assistant Secretary-General for Programme Planning, Finance and Budget in the Department of Management Strategy, Policy and Compliance, introduced the Secretary-General’s reports on the proposed programme budget for 2022 in respect of special political missions, good offices and other political initiatives authorized by the General Assembly and/or the Security Council (documents A/76/6(Sect.3)/Add.1, A/76/7/Add.1, A/76/6(Sect.3)/Add.2, A/76/7/Add.2, A/76/6(Sect.3)/Add.3, A/76/7/Add.3, A/76/6(Sect.3)/Add.4, A/76/7/Add.4, A/76/6(Sect.3)/Add.6, A/76/7/Add.6). He said that the total proposed resources for 2022 amount to $730.7 million (net of staff assessment) for special political missions, representing an overall increase of $0.3 million (net of staff assessment) compared with the approved budget of $730.4 million for 2021.

The proposed increase of $0.3 million for 2022 reflects the net result of a reduction of $7.1 million related to the discontinuation of the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Burundi and the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS), he said. It also reflects an increase of $9.5 million in civilian personnel costs, owing to the delayed impact of 297 positions established in 2021 for UNITAMS, United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA), United Nations Regional Office for Central Africa (UNOCA) and Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate, among other missions, for which a vacancy rate of 50 per cent was applied in the 2021 budget, and updated standard salary costs based on latest rates and 2020 common staff cost expenditure patterns.

In addition, the proposed increase reflects an increase of $0.4 million in military and police personnel costs; an increase of $6.9 million in UNITAMS’ operational costs reflecting the scaling up of operations after the start-up period in 2021; a reduction of $9.7 million in operational costs in all other missions, mostly in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia and the United Nations Mission to support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA), among others; and an increase of $0.3 million for the share of the regional service centre in Entebbe, Uganda, reflecting the increased share of special political missions compared to 2021, with the establishment of UNITAMS and drawdown of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID).

Due to the timing of Security Council resolutions 2574 (2021) and 2579 (2021) and related developments, the financial resources required for the implementation of additional mandated activities with respect to the Verification Mission in Colombia and UNITAMS are not captured in the initial cluster III proposed budget, but presented separately in a report of revised estimates (addendum 7), which is currently being considered by the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ). Those will be introduced at the Fifth Committee in due course, he explained.

ABDALLAH BACHER BONG, Chairman of the Advisory Committee, introduced its eponymous reports regarding the overall resources estimates for special political missions for 2022 and budget proposals for thematic clusters I to III, and United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) (documents A/76/7/Add.1, Add.2, Add.3, Add.4 and Add.6). The report on UNAMA will be presented separately.

He said the overall resource requirements proposed for 38 special political missions tally $730.6 million net for 2022, an increase of $306,500, or 0.04 per cent, compared with total resources approved for 2021. This amount of $730.6 million excludes revised estimates of an additional $20 million. If the revised estimates are included, requested resources for special political missions for 2022 will be increased by $19.7 million, consisting of $7.2 million for the Verification Mission in Colombia and $12.5 million for UNITAMS.

While noting formatting improvements, the Advisory Committee trusts that efforts will continue to keep improving the formatting and presentation of the budget reports regarding special political missions, such as inclusion of an organizational chart in an annex to a budget report (rather than in the supplementary information) and with clear denotation of proposed staffing changes, as well as better responses.

The Advisory Committee notes the disparity among regional groups in the international staff composition of the missions, he said, recalling that in Assembly resolution 75/253 A, the Assembly asked the Secretary-General to make stronger efforts to improve gender balance and geographical representation in the missions. The Assembly asked the Secretariat to take measures, including the recruitment of new staff and by strengthening the accountability framework of the managers, to improve geographical representation and gender balance in all Special political missions.

The Advisory Committee is concerned about the elevated number of long-vacant positions certain missions – including the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), United Nations Support Office in Somalia and UNMHA – particularly at the national levels, he said, and trusts that the recruitment for all vacant positions will be completed expeditiously and that a staffing assessment will be conducted to justify the proposed staffing resources. On an option for full cost-recovery for transfer of assets between field operations, the Advisory Committee recommends that the Assembly ask the Secretary-General to present such an option, with a detailed analysis of assets transferred between all the missions during the last 10 years and include a cost-benefit analysis of that for the Assembly to consider at the second resumed part of its seventy-sixth session in the context of peacekeeping overview report.

FELICIA CHUA (Singapore), speaking on behalf of ASEAN, said it is crucial to give the missions the resources they need to deliver their mandates effectively. Their expansion in number, scope and size reflects their importance in maintaining international peace and security. Yet for the past decade the Fifth Committee has failed to move on recommendations, made by the Advisory Committee and the High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations, to reform the funding and backstopping arrangements for these missions. “This is unacceptable,” she said. “Current arrangements have made it difficult for special political missions to function optimally, which they must in order to respond effectively and flexibly to complex security situations.”

She strongly called on the Fifth Committee to implement the funding and backstopping recommendations proposed by the Advisory Committee in its 13 December 2011 report, which remains relevant. This includes the creation of a separate account, aligned with the peacekeeping operations’ budgetary cycle. This is especially pertinent with the persistent liquidity challenges that impact the Organization’s regular budget, from which the missions now draw their funding. Special political missions must have adequate and predictable financing in order to support the stability and continuity of peacebuilding activities. Most missions are created through decisions made by the Permanent Members of the Security Council. Those members with a larger influence over peace and security operations, including these missions, should shoulder a larger responsibility for their funding, she said.

FELIX-FILS EBOA EBONGUE (Cameroon) speaking on behalf of the African Group, welcomed the rapid availability of the texts of the draft budgets of the special political missions. He stressed the importance of providing the necessary funds and human resources to these missions, as this will enable them to implement their respective mandates. Regarding human resources, he noted the decrease in the number of staff as a result of the closure of two missions. The Group is particularly interested in the situation concerning vacancy rates and efforts to fill long-term vacancies, he said. International vacancies should be filled through endogenous mechanisms and through the development of national expertise.

He reiterated the Group’s permanent demand for equitable geographical representation of United Nations personnel, especially at the decision-making levels. Highlighting the United Nations ongoing responsibility for the safety of staff, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, he said that the Group will address the issue of information and communication technologies in the 2022 programme budget in the context of the pandemic. He concluded by expressing concern about the proposed budget for the Regional Service Centre in Entebbe, Uganda.

LINA HADBOUN, a representative of the European Union, in its capacity as observer, pointing out that special political missions are uniquely positioned to foster a comprehensive and integrated approach to deliver each of the three pillars of the United Nations and breakdown silos, welcomed the positive results in system_wide coherence and integration, the increasing cooperation across pillars and closer work with the Resident Coordinator system as illustrated by the double-or triple-hatted Resident Coordinators in several missions. The European Union remains strongly committed to ensuring the missions have adequate capacities and sufficient resources to fully implement their mandates, she said. In that regard, she welcomed the annual budget format, which allows the Secretary-General to present in a timely fashion the necessary adjustments to the resources of missions operating in very volatile environments.

Turning to funding and backstopping for the missions, she recalled that eight years ago, the Fifth Committee came close to an agreement on measures to improve backstopping. The context has changed significantly with the annual budget, the new management paradigm, the system of delegation of authority, and the rationalization of policy and support functions between the newly created Department of Management, Strategy, Policy and Compliance and the Department of Operational Support. As a result, many of the recommendations outlined in the Secretary-General’s report (document A/66/340) and the corresponding ACABQ report (document A/66/7/Add.21) are now outdated. These reports must be re-evaluated considering the reviews on management reform and the reform of the budget process, she stressed.

DAVID PEDROZA (Peru), also speaking on behalf of 13 other Latin American and Caribbean countries, noted that special political missions are funded through the regular budget even though they are established by the Security Council and not by all Member States. A report from the Secretary-General on this situation, introduced 10 years ago, has yet to be considered. He proposed that the financing of special political missions should be carried out through a separate account, using the same scale of assessments applied for peacekeeping operations. He welcomed the recent extension of the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), saying that it can help the Government and civil society to tackle the country’s multidimensional crises and return to the path to sustainable peace. Turning to the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, he looked forward to the renewal of its mandate past 31 October with financing in line with the Secretary-General’s request.

PATRICK KENNEDY (United States) said that his country remains fully committed to ensuring that special political missions have adequate capacities and resources to deliver on their mandates. “It is our collective responsibility to provide the political and financial support that will enable these missions to translate the mandates set forth by the Security Council,” he said. The United States looks forward to working with all delegations to ensure effective management of mission resources and welcomes the opportunity to discuss new ways of enhancing performance measurement for certain categories of special political missions. He reiterated his country’s commitment to the women, peace and security agenda and looked forward to working with other delegations to support women’s equal participation and full involvement in the maintenance and promotion of peace, security, and conflict prevention and resolution.

JESÚS VELÁZQUEZ CASTILLO (Mexico) said the Organization must develop a holistic fashion in which to improve the way in which the special political missions are funded. Mexico fully appreciates the work of these missions, which is very important in helping to prevent and resolve conflicts. Yet they account for important resources in the regular budget. In 2020 alone, funding for 38 peacekeeping missions took up 22 per cent of the Organization’s budget. Their financing should be done from a second account with prorated assessments. To respond to their substantive mandates, they must have the requisite resources in an adequate, timely manner, he said, calling for predictable, transparent funding and accountability. Mexico will participate in negotiations on these missions and will pay particular attention to BINUH and the Verification Mission in Colombia, he said.

Mr. ALMERRI (Iraq) supported the funding and extensions of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) and the United Nations Investigative Team to Promote Accountability for Crimes Committed by Da’esh/Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) (UNITAD). He welcomed the adoption of resolution 2576 (2021), by which the Security Council extended the mandate of UNAMI until 27 May 2022 and the adoption of resolution 2597 (2021) to extend the mandate of UNITAD until 17 September 2022. He particularly appreciated the valuable assistance provided by the Head of UNAMI, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, to the people and Government of Iraq in promoting human rights, inclusive political dialogue, national reconciliation, and assistance to the electoral process. He opposed any reduction in the resources of UNAMI and UNITAD and any abolition of national posts within these missions.

ÁLVARO DAVID RODRIGUEZ DE LA HOZ (Colombia) thanked Member States and the United Nations for their commitment to build peace in Colombia, as reflected by the Security Council’s unanimous extension to 31 October of the mandate of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. He underscored his country’s commitment to the 2016 peace agreement between the Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s Army (FARC-EP), with the Verification Mission playing a fundamental role in its implementation. International support for the peace process is more relevant than ever, he said, emphasizing that the Mission’s effectiveness will depend on the allocation of resources requested by the Secretary-General.

MOHAMMED NORE ALAM (Bangladesh), noting that his country is hosting 1.1 million Rohingya fleeing persecution in Myanmar, called on Member States to extend the mandate of the Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Myanmar until a permanent solution to the crisis is achieved. The Office of the Special Envoy must be transparent and accountable about its activities. He urged the Secretary-General to do more to improve gender balance and geographical representation in all special political missions and suggested that virtual tools be used more frequently to reduce travel costs. He also called for greater efforts to be made to address a persistent low rate of compliance with the advance booking requirement for official air travel.

PEDRO LUIS PEDROSO CUESTA (Cuba) said financing for the special political missions is taking increasingly more money from the Organization’s regular budget. While recognizing their contribution to conflict resolution, Cuba notes that these missions account for about one-quarter of the regular budget. Yet their existence is authorized exclusively by the Security Council. Their growth has impacted the financing activities of the Organization’s development pillar, which is critical for the developing world. The budget for the missions is increasing as the financing for peacekeeping missions is decreasing, he noted, emphasizing that the missions need a separate financing account to reflect the special role that the Council has created for them.

CLELIA LUCY UHART (United Kingdom) underscored the Fifth Committee’s responsibility to provide adequate and cost-effective resourcing for special political missions, including those with mandates that focus on human rights, gender, protection of civilians, safety and security, and environmental protection. This week’s Security Council debate on women, peace, and security and the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, are timely reminders that women’s participation and climate action should be mainstreamed in all special political missions. She encouraged special political missions to continue to work closely with other United Nations entities in their respective countries and regions, adding that the United Kingdom is pleased to see special political missions reaping the benefits of the Secretary-General’s reform efforts.

ABDULLAH IBRAHIM ABDELHAMID ALSAYED ATTELB (Egypt), aligning himself with the African Group, said the Peacebuilding Commission, for which he serves as Chair, is uniquely positioned to give the Council clear, realistic and targeted peacebuilding perspectives, and its advisory role is particularly important during the Council’s consideration of the mandates of special political missions. He stressed the need to adequately resource the peacebuilding components of relevant special political missions, including during mission transitions and drawdown, to support the stability and continuity of peacebuilding activities. This is even more true as the COVID-19 pandemic persists. The overall resource requirements proposed for the 38 special political missions for 2022, more than $730 million, make up 23 per cent of the proposed regular budget for 2022. As the number and importance of these missions grows, their share of the regular budget has been increasing, shifting resources away from financing for development in countries that don’t host these missions. Yet these missions are typically mandated by the Council as if the entire membership had taken part in the decision that created them. “This situation must be addressed,” he said, urging the Committee to consider creating a separate account, aligned with the budgetary cycle for peacekeeping operations, and charged on the peacekeeping scale.

ABO AI (Japan) stated that her country greatly values special political missions and will continue to support them as they play a critical role in sustaining peace and stability by preventing, managing and resolving conflicts. Financial support for these missions is essential to their success, she said, underscoring that Member States have a responsibility to ensure the necessary resources so the missions can function not only in the short term, but also in the longer term, in accordance with their respective mandates. That is why funding must be effective and efficient. In this regard, she noted with concern the high number of vacant posts and positions in several missions. Her delegation will carefully examine the background and circumstances of each vacancy to ensure that the Organization’s limited resources are allocated appropriately and efficiently, she said.

WEN DONG (China) said two missions were closed this year yet the special political missions’ share of the Organization’s regular budget keeps increasing. The Organization needs to develop a budget that is rational and scientific for these missions and enhance the use of resources allocated for them. The allocation of posts should be more rational and greater adherence to geographical representation is very important, he said. The Advisory Committee notes that the missions’ budgets should reflect the costs of the pandemic. He noted the hasty withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and said the budget of the UNAMA, which was drafted last May, needs to be adjusted. The Fifth Committee should readjust the budget to meet the new needs.

ANDREAS HADJICHRYSANTHOU (Cyprus) aligning himself with the European Union, said that he expects the reports produced by the Secretariat to be fully in line with the language used in the relevant resolutions of the Security Council. In the case of the Office of the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Cyprus, the mandate derives from the provisions of relevant Security Council resolutions, which stipulate that the basis for a settlement is none other than the bicommunal, bizonal federation, he said. The established parameters for the reunification of Cyprus have been time and again affirmed by the Security Council, including in its latest resolution of July 2021. Explicit references to the basis for the solution to the Cyprus issue, as described in the Council resolutions, cannot be considered discretionary. Future reports must rectify this oversight, especially considering the difficulties Cyprus is facing because of the positions of the occupying country on the Cyprus issue, which unambiguously lay outside United Nations-established parameters, he concluded.

THIAGO POGGIO PÁDUA (Brazil), aligning himself with Peru, on behalf of a group of Latin American countries, said special political missions are increasingly useful in peace and security for several reasons, occasioned by the move away from the deployment of large, multidimensional peacekeeping operations. He observed that in the past 20 years, their share of the regular budget has risen from 4 per cent to 24 per cent in 2022, which represents a sixfold increase. The inconsistent way such missions operate needs to be urgently addressed, he said, noting concerns that they are mandated by the Security Council but funded from the regular budget was raised in a report by the Secretary-General 10 years ago. Brazil will highlight this issue as an elected non-permanent member of the Council in 2022-2023, he said, adding that the Fifth Committee should be “alert to repel any encroachment on its specific mandate and authority”.

Responding to the concerns of delegates, Mr. BONG said the Advisory Committee had made an effort to submit its reports on time despite the pandemic and worked with the Secretariat to do so. Three reports will be submitted soon, including reports for UNAMA, the report on the Verification Mission in Colombia and United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS). It will take more time to rationalize local posts, he said, noting that there are several missions, such as in Somalia and Libya, with vacant posts yet no recruiting is taking place.

Source: United Nations