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Mr. President,
Thank you for organizing today’s important debate.
My delegation aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.
Mr. President,
Pakistan welcomes gradual improvements in the Council’s working methods, especially since 2006 (adoption of Note 507). These improvements have resulted, in particular, from efforts by non-permanent members of the Security Council. For example, early election of non-permanent members this year was a positive step. We believe this will help non-permanent members to play a more robust and effective role during their tenure.
With cooperation from all Council members, we are hopeful that the informal Working Group on Documentation and procedural questions will continue to endeavour to improve the Council’s working methods thus contribute positively to the Council’s openness, transparency and accountability.
Mr. President,
Pakistan endorses the recommendations which will be made by Iran on behalf of NAM to improve the Security Council’s Working methods.
Furthermore, and in deference to your request for succinct suggestions today, Pakistan would like to offer the following:
One, Dialogue with the wider UN membership is crucial. Member States not serving on the Council have high stakes in the Council’s decisions.
Two, It is important for the Council to implement its Presidential Note 565 of 2014, in letter and in spirit. This note was the culmination of Pakistan’s initiative, when it was a Council member in 2013, to improve intra-Council communication and exchange of information. It is important to hear the views of the current non-permanent members regarding implementation of this note.
Three, Pakistan will appreciate an assessment of implementation of Presidential note 268 of 2014. An objective evaluation of fulfillment of commitments in this note is important to ensure wider participation of Council members in delivering on the Council’s responsibilities;
Four, Troop and Police Contributing countries must be closely consulted before formulation and approval of peacekeeping mandates. Such involvement will address many issues related to command, control, communication, coordination and inter-mission movements. These consultations will also help to sync Peacekeeping Missions to realities on the ground.
Five, Implementation of Presidential Note 630 of 2013 is particularly important for the Council’s management and operation of peacekeeping missions. In this regard, it is imperative to know how major TCCs view the implementation of this Note. As a leading troop contributing country, Pakistan believes much needs to be done to ensure deeper and meaningful consultations in all aspects of peacekeeping. The Chair of the informal Working Group may wish to collate views of all TCCs speaking today to assess the stakeholders’ perception in this regard.
Six, Regarding the working of the Council’s subsidiary bodies, Pakistan calls for transparent processes, leading to balanced representation on the Council’s expert panels.
Seven, Ensuring the independence of the Office of the Ombudsperson is of vital importance to address concerns on due process in the Sanctions Committees. There is also no justification to limit the scope of the Ombudsperson to just one Sanctions Committee.
Mr. President,
Before concluding, let me appreciate the practice adopted today, of commencing work on an important issue AFTER listening to the views of the wider membership, rather than concluding work BEFORE giving an opportunity to non-Council members to express themselves.
The Council, according to the Charter, is obliged to act on behalf of UN Member States. This responsibility can only be fulfilled once the Council listens to them before acting on their behalf.
I thank you, Mr. President.