Statement by Ms Edwina Stevens, First Secretary, Permanent Mission of Australia to the United Nations on behalf of Canada, New Zealand and Australia to the United Nations General Assembly Fifth Committee on Item 140 and 147: Financing of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Timor-Leste
21 May 2008
(As delivered)
I have the honour to speak on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand. I thank the Secretariat and the Chair of the ACABQ for introducing their respective reports on the financing of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT).
We also thank the Departments of Peacekeeping Operations, Field Support, Management and all UNMIT personnel for their efforts to date in implementing UNMIT’s mandate.
Mr Chairman,
CANZ are steadfast friends of Timor-Leste and are committed to assisting its Government and people take primary responsibility for the development of a stable and more prosperous nation. We are strong supporters of UNMIT and its significant work in Timor-Leste.
Mr Chairman,
Timor-Leste is at an important juncture and continues to need the long term support of the international community to overcome the challenges of poverty, unemployment and fragile institutions. We are heartened by the Government of Timor-Leste’s response to the events of 11 February and by the recent return home of President Ramos-Horta and the lifting of the state of emergency and state of siege in Timor-Leste. These were important moments in Timor-Leste’s recovery following the events of 11 February.
Mr Chairman,
UNMIT plays a crucial role in Timor-Leste in the pursuit of the Security Council’s highly complex and demanding mandate. UNMIT assists the Government and its national institutions to consolidate Timor-Leste’s democracy and further its national reconciliation.
UNMIT is a key partner in the reform and rebuilding of Timor-Leste’s security sector and the cementing of a culture of respect for human rights and the rule of law. We hope that UNMIT’s work on security sector reform will be intensified. It plays an integral role in assisting the improvement of Timor-Leste’s humanitarian conditions.
We have read the Secretary-General’s proposal for UNMIT very carefully and welcome his prudent approach with regard to the 2008/09 financial year. We note his recommendations for the UNMIT staffing structure reflect a review of human resource requirements for the mission and validate UNMIT’s current staffing structure.
We note a report, in part based on the comprehensive analysis of an expert mission led by the UN Police Advisor, will be presented to the Security Council by 1 August 2008. We consider UNMIT’s role, particularly in providing the Executive policing function, security and supporting the durable reform and rebuilding of the Timorese police force (PNTL), to be ongoing. There remains a great deal of work ahead in rebuilding PNTL’s capacity, and UNMIT will play a key role.
In that regard, we urge caution when planning for the future of UNMIT, including in any possible draw-down of personnel, especially police, or other substantial changes in the mission. The situation in Timor-Leste remains fragile. Future planning must also take into account UNMIT’s entire mandate, including the range of capacity building and humanitarian responsibilities.
We have reviewed the ACABQ report and note its comments on the levels of selected positions in the Mission. CANZ contends that the structure matches UNMIT’s mandate and cooperation with international partners in Timor-Leste.
Mr Chairman,
We remain concerned about the continued high vacancy rate in UNMIT. We would appreciate an update from the Secretariat on the staffing situation. We acknowledge that the situation is not unique to UNMIT. As CANZ has noted separately, the situation underlines the importance of addressing human resource management reform across the UN and we sincerely hope that substantive progress will be made in the UNGA63 Fall session.
And finally, we note the Secretary-General has informed us of additional requirements for UNMIT for the 2007/08 financial period resulting from the unforeseen, continued deployment of UN Police. We also note the Secretary-General should be able to absorb US$9.5 million of that amount within the 2007/08 appropriation and requests an additional assessment and appropriation of US$16.4 million. CANZ are satisfied with the arguments for the additional requirements.
Mr Chairman,
In conclusion, we reiterate our support for UNMIT and its critical and long-term role in assisting Timor-Leste, its Government and people. We look forward to working productively in the Committee on this important item.
Thank you