Statement by Mr. Saad Ahmad Warraich, Counsellor, Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations in the Sixth Committee on Agenda Item 78: "Criminal Accountability of United Nations Officials and Experts on Mission"
(10 October 2019)
Mr. Chairman,
My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.
We thank the Secretary General for his two reports, A/74/142 and A/74/145 alongside its annexures.
Mr. Chairman,
The issue of criminal accountability of United Nations officials and experts on mission is fundamental, both as an imperative of justice as well as to maintain integrity and credibility of the UN, as an organization.
The sense of urgency that we see on the subject is therefore, apt and timely. Under no circumstances can the protectors of the vulnerable be allowed to become their abusers. This would be a travesty of justice, morality and above all, of the sacred covenant that UN officials and experts on mission undertake towards protecting the vulnerable.
Yet, Mr. Chairman, our collective commitment is constrained by a number of factors:
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Foremost, cohesion and consistency of policy and practice across the UN system, especially when UN specialized agencies and related organizations are independent international organizations, with relevant policies and procedures of their own, and are not subject to the authority of the Secretary General. While we understand this functional independence, the need for a more streamlined and coordinated approach within the UN system cannot be over-emphasized. My delegation and many others have consistently spoken to this imperative.
- Two, the issue of accountability of UN officials and experts on mission, is cross-cutting and multifaceted in its nature. While sexual exploitation and abuse is the most vile and heinous expression of abuse, 'criminal accountability' of UN officials and experts on mission, has a much broader scope - in fact, as the latest report of the Secretary General affirms, a majority of reported cases relate to financial impropriety and fraud. Any tendency to view this issue from a specifically narrow perspective, should therefore, be avoided.
- Three, it goes without saying that the response of member states to cases referred to them, also needs to be strengthened. For example, it does not make encouraging reading that of the 42 cases referred during the period 1 July 2018-30 June 2019, in only two cases has any information been received by the Secretariat from member states. As the report of the Secretary General invariably becomes ever more bloated every year, the referral and follow-up mechanisms need a thorough review.
- Four, the imperative to address jurisdictional gaps, remains equally compelling. While we note that divergent viewpoints exist on a comprehensive international legal framework on criminal accountability of United Nations officials and experts on mission, we are nonetheless, reassured that with a view to bridge these differences, the ongoing discussions within the framework of the Working Group of the Sixth Committee, would be held more frequently, two instead of every three years.
- Five, as prosecution is critical to prevention, emphasis should equally be placed to strengthen and enhance the capacity of national institutions and criminal justice systems, to hold the accused to account. Technical assistance and support of the international organizations including the UN, could contribute towards enhancing national capacities.
Mr. Chairman,
Pakistan fully subscribes to the UN's zero tolerance policy for crimes committed by UN officials and experts on Mission. Our personnel have always displayed the highest standards of professionalism and conduct. We remain committed to enforce strict discipline, in any cases of reported misconduct.
Pakistan was among the first batch of countries to sign the UN's voluntary compact on preventing and addressing sexual exploitation and abuse. Prime Minister Imran Khan is also a member of the circle of leadership against sexual exploitation and abuse.
We affirm the importance of pre-deployment training of UN officials and experts on Mission. We have developed training modules that form part of the curricula for mandatory courses in respect for human rights and protection of civilians. These efforts are in sync with the UN's own initiatives to strengthen conduct and discipline across all entities of the Secretariat. We stand ready to share our experience with the Secretariat and the wider membership.
Mr. Chairman,
International cooperation remains at the heart of achieving greater transparency and accountability in the work of the United Nations.
Our efforts should nonetheless, be guided by the abiding recognition that actions of a few cannot be allowed to soil the contribution of so many, who continue to serve their roles with selfless devotion and commitment.
I thank you, Mr. Chairman.