Mr. President, Excellencies, Colleagues,

 

The Philippines wishes to commend you for organizing today’s debate on the issue of sexual exploitation and abuse or SEA in peacekeeping operations under Agenda 122, “Strengthening of the United Nations System.”

 

I wish to recall the remarks of the Secretary-General at the ceremony in observance of International Day of Peacekeepers in May during which he said “peacekeeping remains the flagship agenda of the United Nations enterprise.”[1]

 

It is therefore imperative that issues that undermine this flagship agenda, such as sexual exploitation and abuse, be given continued attention.     

 

We laud the efforts of the Secretary-General through Ms. Jane Holl Lute, Special Coordinator on improving the UN response to SEA, and her Team for pursuing vigorously the task of curbing this scourge and rebuilding the trust of the affected communities.

 

Mr. President,

 

Early this year, from the UNGA High-Level Thematic Debate on UN, Peace and Security, to the High-Level Seminar on UN Peace Operations and at least two (2) UNGA Informal Briefing sessions, the issue of sexual exploitation and abuse has been discussed extensively.

 

This issue not only undermines the values and principles of the United Nations but also erodes the trust of the peoples we have vowed to protect.  It is inexcusable.  It is unacceptable. It has no place in the UN system.

 

Viewed in the context of the Protection of Civilians or POC mandate of UN Peacekeeping Operations, this critical issue must be addressed aggressively through the following:

 

• < >: Robust pre-deployment and in-mission training programs that underscore leadership responsibility and accountability throughout the chain of command;
  

  < >: Appropriate information-exchange on context-specific responses to SEA cases; and

  < >: Innovative capacity-building initiatives based on best practices in overcoming a culture of impunity.

  [2], the Philippines reiterates its strong and unequivocal support to the UN’s zero tolerance policy to combat sexual exploitation and abuse in peacekeeping operations and missions.

   

   

  One case of sexual exploitation and abuse is one too many and tarnishes the organization’s image and is a great disservice to our brave and honorable peacekeepers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the cause of peace.  The Philippines is strongly committed to ending sexual violence whenever and wherever it occurs and we will hold our troops accountable to the highest standards of conduct.  

   

  Mr. President,

   

  The Philippines, now, more than ever, stands in solidarity with the UN Member States to “work together to protect the good name of UN peacekeeping and uphold the trust of the people.”[3]

   

  Thank you, Mr. President.

   

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  [1] UNSG-BKM’s Statement delivered during the wreath-laying ceremony at the UNGA Building in observance of the 2016 International Day of Peacekeepers, 19 May 2016.

  [2] The Philippines has consistently played an important role in UN peacekeeping operations since its initial stint in 1963 under the UN Operations in the Congo (ONUC).  Filipino peacekeepers served or are currently serving in 15 countries and territories: Abyei (Sudan), Burundi, Cambodia, Congo, Cote d'Ivoire, Darfur, Georgia, Golan Heights, Haiti, Kashmir, Kosovo, Liberia, South Sudan, Syria and Timor-Leste.

  [3] Attribution to UNSG-BKM by Under-Secretary-General for Field Support, Mr. Atul Khare, during the UNGA Informal Briefing on SEA Involving International Peacekeeping Forces, 13 May 2016.