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Statement by His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Siad Doualeh before the 2017 Substantive Session of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations

Wednesday, 22 February 2017
Presenter: 
H.E. Mr. Mohamed Siad Doualeh
Location: 
United Nations, New York

 

Statement by

H. E. Mr. Mohamed Siad Doualeh

Ambassador, Permanent Representative

Of the Republic of Djibouti to the United Nations

 

Before the 2017 substantive session of the 

Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations

Wednesday 22 February 2017

 

                                                                                                      Check against delivery

 

Monsieur le Président,

De prime abord je souhaiterais réitérer les vives félicitations de Djibouti pour votre réélection comme Président de notre Comité. Nos félicitations vont également aux autres membres du Bureau, et ma délégation vous assure son plein soutien, et coopération cette session du C.34.

 

Monsieur le Président,

Ma délégation, s'associe à la déclaration faite, par  le distingué représentant du Maroc, au nom du Mouvement des Non Alignés (NAM).

 

M. Chair,

For the fiscal year of 2016/2017, the UN had budgeted close to $8.3bn for peacekeeping operations.

This annual session of the C.34 give us an opportunity to make recommendations that will help bring necessary reforms to peacekeeping operations as they are faced with increasing challenges.

In our collective efforts to make UN peacekeeping fir for purpose we should build upon the momentum created by all reviews completed the last couple of years (HIPPO, SG report on the future of UN peace operation, PBC, resolution 1325) .We must identify and prioritize those recommendations which may have a meaningful impact and enjoy the broad support of members states, with a view to accelerating their implementation.

 

Mr. Chair,

In total, by 2017, African countries contribute approximately 84,000 military, police, and civilian personnel to the UN and AU-led peace operations. This means that Africa is currently the largest regional contributor to global peace operations.

My delegation is of the view that, on the one hand, a greater focus on conflict prevention, mediation, and enhanced sub regional, regional and global partnership is essential for conflict resolution.  

We call for enhanced support to the role of the African Union, Igad, Ecowas and others in peace making and peacekeeping efforts.

With this increase in African peace operations capacity, no wonder the UN Security Council relies on the AU to act as the first responder, in order to stabilize outbreaks of violent conflicts in Africa.

But these organizations, on the other hand, do not have the UN’s full suite of multidimensional capacities, nor the UN’s assessed contribution funding to enable it to undertake or sustain peace operations. We need to ensure predictability and sustainability of financing of AU led peace operation.

 Somalia is a case in point. A strong partnership of the African Union with the European Union and the United Nations through AMISOM (African Union Mission in Somalia) has helped put back Somalia on a peaceful trajectory.

 

Mr. Chair,

In its 2015 report, the High-Level Independent Panel on UN Peace Operations (HIPPO) stressed on several occasions that UN personnel operate in “increasingly dangerous environments.” If we are to improve their safety and security, it’s crucial to adequately equip them with twenty first century tools so that they effectively fulfill their mandate.

There is a widening gap between UN peacekeeping doctrine and the reality on the ground. We therefore need to assiduously work toward a renew sense of urgency and commitment in adjusting to these fast changing reality on the ground.

 As a signatory of the Kigali Principales the issue of protection of civilians, in the context of peacekeeping operations is of vital importance for Djibouti. Civilians, in particular women and children are the most vulnerable during conflict. In that context, we support all efforts by the UN aimed at strengthening civilian protection.

We also reiterate the important role that women can play in peacekeeping operations. Therefore we welcome efforts under way that guarantee that gender is mainstreamed throughout peacekeeping operations.

 We welcome efforts currently undertaken by the secretariat aimed at developing innovative tools, including Peacekeeping Intelligence, with the ultimate goal of improving situational awareness and enhancing the safety and security of peacekeepers.  It must however be noted, that in order to achieve these goals there is need to foster coordination and consultation with member’s states.

We note, Mr Chair with deep concern the recurrence of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in some peacekeeping operations as reflected in various reports. We are confident, that the Task force mandated by Secretary General Antonio Guterres, will go a long way towards helping curb SEA in the fields operation.

 

Mr. Chair,

Greater importance should be given to the enhancement of triangular cooperation (Secretariat, the Security council and TCC/PCC) in addressing the challenges of peacekeeping operations and the implementation of their mandates, with communication sharing, regular comprehensive briefing can help better foster a better relationship among those who mandate, plan, manage the United Nation Peacekeeping Operations. 

As regards the Police Division external review, my delegation notes that a lot has been achieved. It also stresses the need to continue enhancing cooperation with member’s states, a better gender, geographical and francophone representation would be welcome at all level in the field, as well as HQ. As regards the military division, we underline the fact that there is a need for enhanced transparency as well as closer cooperation with TCC’s

 

Mr. President,

Djibouti, under the leadership of His Excellency President Ismael Omar Guelleh, is committed to continue playing an active role in UN and AU peacekeeping Operations. We currently provide around 2000 troops (men and women) serving in AMISOM but as well around 180 men and women in several PKO of the UN.

 

Mr. President,

 We have a collective responsibility to ensure that peacekeeping operations are well run-ensuring that missions have adequate and predictable resources. They need to respond quickly and appropriately to changing environments. We must empower and enable the fields in order to respond rapidly in case of changing situations on the ground (case of AMISOM); we also need to ensure fields have a better voice in making administrative policy decisions that reflect the realities on the ground. As we reflect on ways to implement crucial recommendations, we should remind ourselves that successful UN operations must considered exit strategies from the outset.

 

Mr. President,

 I wish to conclude by commending the work of the blue helmets for their commitment, dedication and their hard work. And we seize this opportunity to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifices, and lost their lives in the maintenance of international peace and security.

Je vous remercie de votre attention.