Statement by Olivier Poulin, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Canada to the United Nations Fifth Committee on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand on agenda item 150: “Financing of the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH)”
12 May 2008
(As delivered)
Mr. Chairperson
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the delegations of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand (CANZ). Let me start by thanking representative of the Secretariat for the introduction of the Performance Report on the Budget of MINUSTAH for the Period from 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007 and the Budget of MINUSTAH for the Period from 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009, as well as the Chairperson of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), for the introduction of the related report of the ACABQ.
Mr. Chairperson,
CANZ strongly supports MINUSTAH and the restoration of peace and security in Haïti. MINUSTAH, despite operating in a challenging environment, has proven able to make progress in key areas. Although, much still needs to be done to ensure that Haiti is on solid ground, and moving towards lasting security and sustainable development. The recent events following the food prices crisis clearly illustrate the precariousness of the progress achieved so far. It also demonstrates the need for a robust UN presence in Haïti. We are concerned by the fact that MINUSTAH was the target of violence. Clearly, increased confidence-building efforts will be needed in the coming months to ensure that the population appreciates the benefits of its presence in Haiti.
Our delegations wish to express their pleasure with the appointment of Mr Hédi Annabi as the Special Representative of the Secretary General. There is no doubt in our mind that Mr. Annabi, an experienced peacekeeper, will build on the excellent legacy of Mr. Mulet and lead MINUSTAH and the UN country team in the right direction. In particular, we trust that the Special Representative of the Secretary General will continue to strengthen the integration of the Mission with the country team, and use his good offices also in support of the funds and programs.
Our delegations note with appreciation the excellent budgeting of MINUSTAH.
Indeed, a 1,1% unencumbered balance for 06/07 and a projected unencumbered balance of $4,400 for the current period are exemplary. We commend the Secretary General and MINUSTAH’s prudent budgetary assumptions and hope it will serve as an example for other missions. We welcome the sufficient cash balance of the Mission and urges Member States to continue to pay their assessments in full, on time, and without conditions, in order to allow timely reimbursement to Troop contributing Countries.
Mr. Chairperson,
Our delegations support the prudent budgetary proposal of the Secretary-General. We also support most conclusions and recommendations of the ACABQ, and look forward to engaging in a discussion with the ACABQ and Secretariat officials in that regard. Among other things, we look forward to receiving details on the deployment schedule of the much needed patrol boats.
CANZ fully supports the reformulation of the Mission’s mandate from a traditional disarmament, demobilization and reintegration to a community violence reduction programme, which is more adapted to Haiti’s particular situation. We commend the Secretary General for his proposal to implement the programme in coordination with the United Nations Development Programme. We firmly believe that integrated programmes such as this one lead to better results and efficiencies.
We continue to be concerned at the very high vacancy rate of 77% for national officers. This abnormally high vacancy rate jeopardizes the Mission’s role to develop the capacity of national staff, a key factor in the successful transition to the Peacebuilding phase. Although we are conscious of the challenges associated with the recruitment of national professional officers, we look at the Secretary General for innovative solutions to fill the posts with qualified Haitians.
In conclusion, Mr. Chairperson, let me express my gratitude on behalf of CANZ to MINUSTAH peacekeepers, and also to the families and loved ones of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of peace in Haiti.
I thank you.