Statement by H. E. Dr. Abul Kalam Abdul Momen, Ambassador and Permanent
Representative of Bangladesh to the UN, NY in the Second Resumed Session of the 5th
Committee on Administrative and Budgetary aspects of financing UNPKOs:
Implementation of GA Resolution 67/261: -TCC Rates of Reimbursement
New York, 09 May 2014
Mr. Chairman,
Let me begin by thanking you for your able leadership in guiding the work of
the Fifth Committee. We hope that your stewardship will guide the process of
this session to a successful conclusion.
I especially thank USG Herve Ladsous & USG Ameera Huq for their
introduction of the SG’s report. My delegation aligns itself with the statement
made by the distinguished representative of Bolivia on behalf of the Group of
77 and China. I, however, would like to touch upon the following points on my
national capacity:
Mr. Chairman,
To uphold its constitutional commitment of pursuing peaceful settlement of
international disputes and respect for international law, and in fulfilling its UN
Charter mandated responsibility, Bangladesh has been participating in UN
peacekeeping operations. In our humble capacity, Bangladesh has contributed
over 120,000 of our peacekeepers in different missions across the continents. At
present, around eight thousand peacekeepers are working in the field. In doing
so, our 112 valiant peacekeepers have made their supreme sacrifice while
performing their duties under the Blue Helmet. Fellow troop contributing
countries have also made similar sacrifices for the cause of maintaining
international peace and security. I take this opportunity to pay special tribute to
them. I also convey our full appreciation to the work of those who are risking
their lives in various peacekeeping missions under the umbrella of the United
Nations.
Mr. Chairman,
As a major troop contributing country, we attach great importance to the
consideration of policy matters related to the administrative and budgetary
aspects of the financing of the United Nations peacekeeping operations with
particular emphasis on TCC Rates of Reimbursement.
The troop cost what was USD 988 in 1991 and its was increased after almost 11
years to USD 1028 in 2002. And it continued being so until 01 April 2013 except
making supplemental payments in previous two years. While the wages of UN
officials increased by over 57% during the period, unfortunately,
reimbursement rate for our price, the price of UN operations the ‘Blue Helmets’
did not increase during the time. The situation placed a difficult financial
burden on troop contributing countries and poses a serious threat to the
sustainability of TCCs participation in peacekeeping operations. It comes to us
as a sign of discrimination when we see that the salaries and benefits of others
working for this organization are reviewed regularly using some comparators,
while troop costs and other reimbursements relating to peacekeepers, what is
now only 44% of total peacekeeping budget, sadly remain unattended for
decades.
Mr. Chairman,
After prolonged negotiations, a Senior Advisory Group (SAG) of which I was
privileged to be a member furnished some recommendation in order to develop
a credible and equitable reimbursement system. The SAG recommended as a
interim measure 6.75% increment subject to mandatory carrying out of a welldesigned
survey to collect accurate information about the essential and
additional costs incurred in deploying uniformed personnel to the United
Nations peacekeeping operations so that the decision on the rate of
reimbursement has a clear empirical basis. Now, having the result of survey in
hand, it’s time to translate this result into action so as to reduce the deficit
between current reimbursement rate and the financial costs of TCCs; it’s time to
honor the consensus reached after intense negotiation at Senior Advisory Group
and also time to honor the GA Resolution 67/261.
Mr. Chairman,
We therefore hope, during this second resumed session, the General Assembly
approves a just increase in troop costs in light of survey conducted in 10 sample
countries and put in place an effective, transparent and equitable system for the
regular review of the rate of personnel reimbursement to contributing countries.
I express my support and commitment to constructive engagement of our
delegation in the negotiation process. I thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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