Statement by Ms Valeriia Minigoulova, Adviser, Permanent Mission of Australia to the United Nations Fifth Committee on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand regarding Item 131: Improving the financial situation of the UN. As delivered 19 May 2011.
Mr Chairman,
I have the honour to speak today on behalf of Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
CANZ delegations thank the Under-Secretary-General for Management, Ms Angela Kane, for her presentation on 12 May on the Financial Situation of the Organisation and the Controller, Mr Jun Yamazaki, for today’s update.
These presentations provide a valuable opportunity for Member States to regularly focus on the financial situation of the Organisation. They also show us how we, as Member States, are respecting our obligations and responsibilities to the United Nations and the mandates we set.
Mr Chairman,
CANZ delegations take this opportunity to again commend the efforts of the Secretary-General and his senior management to instil a culture of financial responsibility and discipline across the Organisation.
We also note that the Organisation continues to benefit from a relatively strong cash position, and that there has been a welcome reduction in the requirements for cross-borrowing from the closed peacekeeping mission accounts. This trend offers the opportunity for Member States to finally reach agreement on the contentious issue of closed peacekeeping missions, and we again encourage Member States to reach consensus on this important item.
Mr Chairman,
CANZ delegations remain concerned about the perennial trend of Member State arrears. Less than half of the Membership is currently up to date with regular budget and CMP dues, only 30 per cent is on time with International Tribunal contributions, and a mere 16 percent has made timely payments to peacekeeping mission budgets.
We are mindful that we are in a time of hardship. All our governments are feeling the strain of the current global economic and financial situation, and we understand the difficulties faced by many at this time.
However, Member States have a responsibility to support the mandates we establish by fulfilling our Charter obligations to pay our assessments in full and on time. The fact that the majority of Member States fail to do so is troubling, and affects us all.
CANZ delegations always strive to pay our dues in full and on time, and we congratulate those Member States that do the same. We also call on others to make every effort to fulfil their financial obligations to the Organisation.
Thank you, Mr Chairman.