Statement

by 

H.E. Ambassador Yusra Khan

Deputy Permanent Representative

  

 

Agenda item 54:

Comprehensive review of the whole question on peacekeeping operations in all its aspects

 

 

 

Fourth Committe

 

New York, November 8, 2012

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

          I wish to begin by thanking the two Under-Secretary Generals, Mr. Herve Ladsous, and Ms. Ameerah Haq, for their respective briefings on UN peacekeeping operations and field support. Indonesia appreciates their steps to improve collaboration and effectiveness in UN peacekeeping.

 

          I wish to also congratulate you on your election as the Chair of the Fourth Committee. I am confident that under your able stewardship as well as your newly elected Bureau, we can attain positive and tangible results.

 

Indonesia aligns with the statements by Egypt on behalf of NAM, and Thailand on behalf of ASEAN.

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

We strongly believe that the success of UN peacekeeping rests on fully respecting its basic principles: the consent of parties, impartiality, and the non-use of force except in self-defense and defense of Security Council authorized mandates.

 

We continue to underline that the mandates of UN peacekeeping operations be clearly defined and achievable as reaffirmed by the Security Council in its PRST 2011/11 of 26 August 2011 and this year C-34 report.

 

To ensure that peacekeeping missions fulfill their mandated tasks and that highest standards of safety and security for peacekeepers are maintained, it is very important the missions must be well equipped and well supported throughout all stages with continued monitoring based on a realistic assessment of ground situation.  

 

This is crucial as the blue helmets are increasingly entrusted with multidimensional tasks such as those under mandates to protect civilians and support for the restoration as well as extension of state authority and political processes.

 

In undertaking the mandate to protect civilians from imminent threats to physical violence, my delegation strongly supports the longstanding affirmation that this mandate is to be carried out without prejudice to the primary responsibility of the host Government. In this regard, we fully agree with the Special Committee’s assertion that efforts of UN peacekeeping are made in support of, and not as a substitute for the efforts of the host governments.

 

Before proceeding, allow me to also pay tribute to all peacekeepers that have lost their lives while serving in UN peacekeeping missions.

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

          As a global partnership, UN peacekeeping needs sustained and genuinely strong cooperation and consultation among all its partners: the Security Council, troop and police contributors, host countries, the Secretariat and the C-34.

 

          In this regard, we welcome the higher number of interactions by the Council this year with the troop and police contributing countries and the Secretariat.

 

We stress that the C-34, as the largest intergovernmental forum dealing with all aspects of peacekeeping has a central role, and it enjoys the widest support, including by my delegation.

 

We must all ensure that the observations and recommendations by the C-34 are appropriately considered by the stakeholders.

 

We welcome the adoption of the C-34 report (A/66/19) by consensus. While delayed, the adoption of the C-34 report this year should be seen in the overall context of not only the review of the Committees’ working method but the increasing number of thematic issues considered.

 

Allow me, Mr. Chairman, to touch upon some of the aspects from the C-34 report, as follows:

 

First, on the use of modern technology, we underscore that technology for enhancing the safety and security of peacekeepers should be utilized in accordance with the principles of UN peacekeeping and UN Charter.

 

The DPKO and DFS should note that intergovernmental understanding on the legal, technical, financial and operational aspects, particularly concerned countries’ consent on application of modern technology is yet to materialize.

 

Second, on the UN police capacity, we reiterate the call by the C-34 for engaging with all Member States in the development of a strategic guidance framework in an open and consultative manner. In this regard, we look forward to an inclusive discussion on findings of the consultation thus far.

 

Third, on troop-costs, we emphasize that this issue continues to be looked at by the C-34 with its holistic perspective.

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

As vital as it is, peacekeeping alone cannot replace the need for well supported and comprehensive peacebuilding and institution building, which must be carried out from the outset.

 

          In this regard, we are pleased that the 2012 C-34 report contains many important references to peacebuilding and PBC, and stresses incorporating peacebuilding through an integrated approach.

 

          We believe that the ongoing UN system review of global civilian capacity is a very important exercise, and its outcomes, including the development of a CivCap matching platform offer useful avenues of harnessing expertise for post-conflict countries as well as for UN missions.

 

          We look forward to a substantive deliberation on the recent report of the Secretary General on the review of civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict (A/67/312) at the plenary of the General Assembly, the PBC, and the Fifth Committee as well as the C-34 as mandated by GA Resolution 66/255 on civilian capacity in the aftermath of conflict.

 

Mr. Chairman,

 

Following Indonesia’s commitment to increase its contribution to UN peacekeeping operations, which it has undertaken since 1957, Indonesia at home continues to modernize its peacekeeping capabilities.

 

In this regard, our newly inaugurated Peacekeeping Center in Sentul, West Java will continue to serve as our national as well as regional hub for integrated peacekeeping training and as a centre of excellence. The IPSC has also worked together with the UN and other countries in hosting peacekeeping trainings and courses to increase the capability of Indonesian peacekeeping personnel as well as those in the region.

 

Furthermore, with over 1993 Indonesian troops and police currently deployed in seven (7) UN peacekeeping operations, we emphasize that the Secretariat should ensure a fair representation of TCCs in selecting staff in the DPKO, DFS and peacekeeping missions.

 

With 1456 troops in UNIFIL, Lebanon, Indonesia is the top contributor contingent, and reiterates that Indonesians too should take up a number of important position and posts, both in the headquarter and field.

 

We remain concerned over the non-transparency in the process of recruitment, selection and appointment of senior positions in UNIFIL and other missions.   

 

In conclusion, Indonesia expresses its determination that in keeping with its constitutional mandate, it will continue playing its role to enhance international peace and security. We will contribute effectively to all peacemaking and peacekeeping avenues available at the UN disposal.

 

Thank you.