Mr. Chairman,
Excellences,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by the distinguished representative of Morocco on behalf of Non-Aligned Movement. We thank Mr. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, Under Secretary-General for Peacekeeping and Mr. Atul Khare, Under Secretary-General for Field Support for their briefings.
Mongolia fully supports the Secretary‑General’s Action for Peacekeeping initiative and endorsed the Declaration of Shared Commitments on UN Peacekeeping Operations. It will be aiming to renew political support for UN peacekeeping operations and strengthening partnerships and peacekeeping`s impact on sustaining peace.
We are always grateful to all peacekeepers for their invaluable service and dedication. The nature and complexity of modern peace operations continue to evolve. The UN peacekeeping operations are increasingly operating in more complex environments that feature asymmetric and unconventional threats. Capacity building in support of modern peace operations is a challenging task for the international community. The identification of peacekeepers is a national responsibility, in support of UN-mandated missions that are conducted by the UN itself.
Mr. Chairman,
Mongolia is the 27th largest contributor to the UN peacekeeping, with nearly 900 military and police personnel deployed in five operations. This number is one the high-rankers in terms of the deployment to per capita.
Recently National Security Council of Mongolia has decided one more additional infantry battalion to deploy the UN peacekeeping operations in near future, we will continue its support and look forward to increasing its participation to the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations.
In order to implement UN Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), Mongolia is always encouraging to send women peacekeepers to the UN missions to play an important role to promote peace and security. Also, Mongolia has increased the numbers of Mongolian women peacekeepers to participate in the UN missions and incorporate gender perspectives of the UN peace and security efforts.
At the moment total 78 women officers and none commissioned officers are working in the operational areas such as MINURSO, UNAMID, UNMISS.
Mr. Chairman,
All United Nations peace operations today have the obligation to advocate the protection of civilians. The Mongolian Battalion in South Sudan always carries out its task mandated by the UN professionally. Mongolian Blue Helmets are praised for their “robust, calm and appropriate” approach to peacekeeping.
Mongolian peacekeepers always obey the UN standards of conduct. We support the high priority that the Secretary-General has given to this issue, especially the commitment to strictly enforce a zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation and abuse by UN personnel.
Furthermore, we share the view that all necessary steps must be taken to ensure that all peacekeepers are adequately trained, equipped, and prepared to fulfil their mandates in the operational area.
Before I end, let me send a message of solidarity to all Peacekeepers – military, police and civilians – that are serving around the globe. Your continued dedication and service for the cause of peace and humanity, in countries that are not yours and for people you do not know, is the greatest honor we can pay for fallen all Blue Helmets.
We have to take bolder and more courageous steps in support of sustainable peace and security.
I thank you.