Statement by Ambassador Amjad Hussain B. Sial, Acting Permanent Representative of Pakistan in the Special Political and Decolonization (4th) Committee on Comprehensive review of the whole question of Peacekeeping Operations in all their aspects (27 October 2009)

Mr. Chairman,

On behalf of Pakistan delegation, I would like to thank Under-Secretaries-General Alain Le Roy and Ms. Susana Malcorra for their comprehensive briefings on last Friday. We appreciate the efforts by the Departments of Peacekeeping Operations and the Field Support to advance our objectives with regard to UN peacekeeping.

  1. Pakistan aligns itself with the statement made by the distinguished representative of Morocco on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. NAM countries are major participants in the UN peacekeeping operations and important stakeholders in the policy formulation and effective implementation of peacekeeping mandates. We expect the NAM views will be seriously considered in our collective work.
  2. Pakistan believes in the value of multilateralism. The United Nations has an irreplaceable and central role in effectively addressing the global challenges of peace and security. Peacekeeping is a key instrument towards this endeavour. Pakistan’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations over the years is the most tangible demonstration of our commitment to the success of the United Nations. It is a practical reaffirmation of our abiding faith in the purposes and principles of the Charter. For the last four decades, our participation in the UN peacekeeping Missions has been the most consistent. Pakistan is presently, the largest Troop Contributing Country (TCC) to UN peacekeeping missions, with nearly 11,000 personnel, accounting for 10% of all blue helmets in the world.

Mr. Chairman,

  1. Peacekeeping has been termed as the flagship activity of the United Nations. Success of the UN peacekeeping in recent years has galvanized confidence of international community in the United Nations. It has also led to a surge in demand. These new realities present multiple challenges of planning, deployment and management of peacekeeping operations. Reform, rationalization and strengthening the UN peacekeeping capacity are, therefore, a common objective. From the 2001 Brahimi Report to reform proposals presented by the Secretary General in 2007, Member States have dedicated time, energy and resources to this priority objective. The Secretariat’s non-paper titled “New Horizon” is the latest such initiative. In this regard, we welcome the briefings given by the two Under-Secretaries General. Pakistan will engage constructively as this new initiative evolves. At the same time, we believe that there is a need to enhance synergy and distill complementarities in all previous initiatives, with a view to ensuring continuity of the reform process. This continuity in reform process is essential to address “the strains on the UN Peacekeeping”, as termed by the Undersecretary General Le Roy on Friday. I will take this opportunity to present our strategic assessment of the UN Peacekeeping and offer the following broad comments:
    • First, UN Peacekeeping needs consistent efforts, enhanced resources and above all greater political will to sustain long-term success. In this connection, Pakistan welcomed the convening of the TCC Summit meeting by the US President in New York last month. We hope that the momentum generated by our collective commitments will strengthen the multi-faceted peacekeeping operations in all their complexities.
    • Second, the UN Peacekeeping stands on the edifice provided by the guiding principles of the UN Charter. This is a basic tenet of peacekeeping and its respect cannot be diluted on any political expediency. Accordingly, there is no room to confuse UN Peacekeeping Missions with other kind of peace operations led by non-UN entities. This distinction is essential to uphold the legitimacy and neutrality of the UN peacekeeping operations.
    • Third, a UN peacekeeping Mission based on provisions of the Charter must be guided by a clear, realistic and achievable mandate. As such, a high degree of coherence between the decision-makers in the Security Council, who write the mandates and the TCCs who are implementers on ground is essential. This partnership must also encompass proper representation of the TCCs in the operational as well as managerial positions both in the field and in the UN headquarters, taking into account their contribution to the UN peacekeeping.
    • Fourth, it is essential that the Peacekeeping Mission must be provided with adequate resources, commensurate with complex and demanding mandates. In this connection, Pakistan greatly values the commitment of Under-Secretary Malcorra and her Department of Field Support in getting the right staff on board, securing sufficient funding, and providing necessary equipment and logistical services in the field. We sincerely hope that DFS will get the requisite support from all quarters.
    • Finally, the Peacekeeping operations will remain largely inadequate if not backed by equal efforts aimed at conflict resolution and post conflict peace-building; with a particular focus on conflict prevention, pacific settlement of disputes and addressing the underlying causes of conflict. Accordingly, a real interface of peacekeeping and peace-building through integrated missions and Peace-building Commission is essential for formulating the right exit strategies and laying down the foundations of sustainable peace and development. In this context, we believe that the Secretary General’s report of June 2009 on Peace-building gives a solid foundation to move forward.

Mr. Chairman,

  1. As the largest TCC, Pakistan cannot remain oblivious to the need for safety and security in the Mission area. It is with great sorrow and remorse that we have experienced the death of 15 UN peacekeepers from Pakistan since January 2008. Therefore, precarious security environment prevailing in some of peacekeeping Missions is a source of serious concern for us. Equally disquieting for us is the issue of reimbursements on account of death and disability of UN peacekeepers. Pakistan firmly associates itself with the views expressed yesterday on behalf of NAM on this subject. We would take this opportunity to call upon the TCCs and C-34 to hold informal consultations on this issue, with a view to making concrete recommendations to the Fifth Committee and ACABQ.

Mr. Chairman,

  1. I conclude by reaffirming Pakistan’s strong commitment to the UN peacekeeping activity. On behalf of my delegation, it is my privilege to pay homage to all brave men and women who lost their lives in this noble cause and offer commiserations to the bereaved families.

Thank you.