STATEMENT BY H.E. MR. KAZUO KODAMA
DEPUTY PERMANENT REPREESENTATIVE OF JAPAN
AT THE MEETING OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS
23 February 2011
Madam Chairperson,
I thank the Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, Mr. Alain Le Roy, and the Under-Secretary-General for Field Support, Ms. Susana Malcorra, for their briefings.
(C34 discussions)
We commend the efforts by the Secretariat to overcome current challenges and their commitment for reform. Although we have seen progress over the past years, ongoing efforts should be continued to realize the common goal of more efficient peacekeeping, adapted to the new complex realities we are facing. Our delegation sincerely looks forward to fruitful discussions at the substantive session of the C-34 under the strong leadership of Madam Chairperson and the Chairperson of the sub working group of the committee.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, Japan would like to renew its full support and commitment to the work of this committee, as a member of the bureau as well as a contributing country to UN peacekeeping operations. Today, we would like to highlight three areas in which we would like to see further improvement.
(Security Council PKO WG and filling critical resource gaps)
Madame Chairperson,
First, on filling critical resource gaps. As chair of the Security Council Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations in 2009 and 2010, Japan sought practical measures for addressing the critical resource gaps that lie between Security Council mandates and actual implementation on the ground. The Working Group highlighted the importance of triangular cooperation between troop and police contributing countries, the Security Council and the Secretariat. In accordance with Security Council Resolution 1353(2001), the practice of holding private meetings between the Security Council and troop and police contributing countries in advance of Council consultations for UN PKO mandate renewals or changes have now taken firm root. This good practice should be further encouraged. Moreover, Japan wishes to further contribute in finding better ways to utilize gap lists covering military, police, rule of law, and other civilian capability gaps in current missions, of which the Secretariat is planning an impact assessment.
(Peacebuilding tasks conducted by peacekeepers)
Madam Chairperson,
Second, as regards the peacebuilding tasks carried out by peacekeepers. While peacekeepers endeavour to enable others to implement peacebuilding tasks, certain tasks do have to be implemented by peacekeepers. At present there is insufficient capacity worldwide for such typical peacebuilding mandates as DDR, SSR and establishment of the rule of law. Japan looks forward to the Comprehensive Civilian Capability Review completing its studies and presenting its analysis and recommendations to the members of C-34 as early as possible, so we will be able to give full consideration to this very important issue in this session. In addition, Japan would like to see further progress on Integrated Mission Planning Process and Integrated Strategic Frameworks in order to achieve coherence, and effective resource allocation within and beyond the UN system.
(Global Field Support Strategy)
Madam Chairperson,
Third, on the Global Field Support Strategy. In light of the struggling global economy and shrinking government resources, it is irrefutable that efficiency is of critical importance. Japan thus strongly supports the basic concept of the Global Field Support Strategy. We must keep the initiative on track and look forward to tangible results of cost efficiency and effectiveness to appear soon. We intend to devote our attention to this development both at this committee and the 5th committee.
(Conclusion)
Madam Chairperson,
I would like to conclude by paying tribute to the dedicated men and women serving in peacekeeping operations in the field for the noble cause of world peace.
I thank you. |
