Statement by Mr. Md. Mustafizur Rahman, Deputy Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations on Comprehensive Review of the whole Question of Peacekeeping Operations in all their aspects. New York, 31 October 2013

Statement by Mr. Md. Mustafizur Rahman, Deputy Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations on Comprehensive Review of the whole Question of Peacekeeping Operations in all their aspects. New York, 31 October 2013

Mr. Chairman,
Let me join my previous speakers in congratulating you on your election as the Chair of the Special Political and Decolonization Committee. I assure you of my delegation’s fullest support in discharging your responsibilities. Our appreciation is also owed to the USG of DPKO Mr. Herve Ladsous and USG of DFS Madam Ameerah Haq for their useful briefings.

I align myself with the statement delivered by Egypt on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Mr. Chairman,
The United Nations Peacekeeping Operations is a unique and flagship activity of this organization. Its success has generated high expectation and also surge in demand. As the necessity of peacekeeping increases; the nature of peacekeeping has also become multidimensional and more complex. There is a requirement to undertake this onerous responsibility through an effective collaboration with clearly stipulated mandate backed by sufficient resources, specific policy and implementation guidelines. With proper mandate and adequate resources, our peacekeepers have proved that they can deliver and meet high expectation. We also need to forge effective partnership between the Security Council, the Secretariat and the Troop Contributing Countries for efficient peace keeping operations.

Mr. Chairman,
The nature of modern peacekeeping goes far beyond the traditional role of truce supervision. Nowadays peacekeepers address both inter and intra state conflicts. The missions have become diversified, engaging military, police and civilian personnel. The peacekeepers provide among others, critical support to safety and security to civilians as well as support political process, electoral assistance, inclusive dialogue and reconciliation, conflict management, economic revitalization.

They also assist the host Governments in rendering many critical services. In other words, they are the principal actors to lay the firm foundation of peacebuilding activities. As their mandates expand, so do their personal and logistics requirements. We, therefore, need to determine force and resource requirements commensurate with the mandates in terms of standard military operations. It is imperative on us to ensure that the peacekeepers are provided with adequate resources and capabilities to enable them to achieve their mandated goals. In doing so, TCCs must be consulted from the very beginning until the end.

Mr. Chairman,
Peacekeeping and peacebuilding are two sides of same coin. We, therefore, recommend that In the process of mission formation or change of its mandates, the peacebuilding elements are taken into account. In this connection, I would recall the Declaration adopted – the High Level meeting on Peacebuilding organised by Bangladesh with the support of Peacebuilding Commission last year, which recommended to pursue peacebuilding based on national ownership, coherence and coordination among relevant stakeholders, regional and sub-regional cooperation and enhancing the role of peacekeepers as peacebuilders.

We would like to re-emphasize the following specific measures for continued success of peacekeeping missions:
1. TCCs’ views must be reflected while deciding mission start-up and bringing any change in the mandate of existing missions;
2. Any change in the operations must be in compliance with the views of those who are working in the field;
3. Sufficient measures must be taken to ensure safety and security of the peacekeepers;
4. Fair representation of TCCs in the decision making process of the Secretariat and in the process of their implementation must be ensured. 5. Troop cost have to be reimbursed in a timely manner. 6. In case of death and disability, compensation for death and disability must be cleared as soon as possible without any delay.

Mr. Chairman,
Ever since 1988, Bangladesh has been involved in 45 UN peacekeeping operations with deployment of approximately 115,000 personnel. Today, Bangladesh stands as one of the top contributors of troops. We reiterate our commitment to continue to work with the UN for maintenance of international peace and security.

Peacekeeping mission entails risking the lives of the peacekeepers under Blue Helmet for the cause of global peace and security. Through the years, 112 of our valiant peacekeepers have laid down their lives for the cause of UN sponsored peace. Nothing more can testify to their contribution than ultimate sacrifices of these personnel. We convey our deepest gratitude for the supreme sacrifice they made for their fellow human beings to live in a peaceful and secured environment.

Mr. Chairman, UN peacekeepers are keeping peace today in most dangerous and challenging terrains and circumstances. Attacks on peacekeepers by armed militia groups have increased. United Nations must undertake resolute action against the perpetrators of such crimes and bring them to justice.

I shall conclude by emphasising that UN Peacekeeping is a collective endeavour. Its success is the outcome of concerted efforts of all stakeholders. Its future success will depend on forging such partnership based on experience and lessons learned. We look forward to further strengthen this partnership in all areas of our possible cooperation and contribution.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman.