Mr. Chair,
Let me begin by congratulate the Bureau of C34 for their re-election.
My delegation aligns itself with the statement delivered by Morocco on behalf of NAM.
Mr. Chair,
Peacekeeping has always been a priority for Bangladesh. We have gradually increased our contribution to UN peacekeeping in quantity and effectiveness. At present, Bangladesh is the leading TPCC with more than 6500 peacekeepers deployed in 9 peacekeeping missions. 160 valiant Bangladeshi peacekeepers have made supreme sacrifice in the line of their sacred duty for world peace.
Mr. Chair,
I would like to reiterate our deep appreciation to the courageous and sacrificing contributions of the peacekeepers in the promotion and maintenance of international peace and security. Particularly, at a time, when the UN peacekeeping missions has become more complex and hazardous in nature due to the proliferation of armed groups, erosion of the rule of law, exclusion and impunity as mentioned in the Secretray General’s report. Moreover, we have seen the continuous impeding challenges due to pandemic. I acknowledge the concerted and coordinated efforts made by the UN secretariat including the United Nations system-wide medical evacuation mechanism for COVID-19. Furthermore, we thank the Secretary-General for his initiatives to ensure effective mandate delivery of the peacekeeping operations. In this regard, we welcome the seven (7) priorities of A4P+.
Mr. Chair,
Comprehensive, targeted and action-oriented recommendations of the Committee are imperative to enhance the overall performance of the peacekeeping missions. We welcome the launching of the online tracker of the recommendations of C-34 this year.
Ahead of the negotiations of the next report of the Committee, I would like to shed light on some points-
First, the peace process should be on a clear political track supported by united peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts. The peacekeepers are also involved in the prevention of conflict through peacebuilding activities. The mandate of the peacekeeping missions should promote the positive interlinkages between peacekeeping and peacebuilding to build a concrete foundation for smooth transition and sustained peace in the host country.
Second, the safety and security of the peacekeepers has remained a major challenge despite significant efforts. Peacekeepers need to be well equipped and adequately trained to counter attacks against them. Moreover, the pandemic has shown the critical need of medical capacity building of the Missions. In this regard, we welcome the Seoul initiative on technology and medical capacity building in Peacekeeping and also Strategy for Digital Transformation of Peacekeeping launched in 2021. Al these will play significant role in ensuring the safety and security of peacekeepers. At the same time, promoting accountability for the killings, and all acts of violence against peacekeepers is important. We also emphasize on effective community engagement to address disinformation campaign and hatred against peacekeepers.
Third, in line with our commitment to implement WPS agenda, we reiterate our call for not only to increase the number of women peacekeepers but also to put focus on improving the level of participation of women including in the commanding position. To increase women’s participation, measures must be taken to also ensure women-friendly space and facilities in peacekeeping settings on the basis of particular needs and requirements of women peacekeepers.
Fourth, as co-chair of the Group of Friends for Leading on Environmental Management in the field (LEAF), along with Italy, we have continued our efforts to reduce the environmental footprints of the peacekeeping missions. In this regard, we encourage local and homegrown solutions and use of renewables. In line with our commitments, we have provided a solar panel of 10 KWP capacity in Juba, South Sudan, as a gift. We also have plans to install more renewable energy sources in other missions.
Fifth, Swift and timely rotation of the Contingent Owned Equipment (COE) is highly important to ensure operational readiness. We hope to have some good recommendations from the Committee ahead of the next triennial review of the COE manual.
Sixth, the current compensation rate for death and disability of peacekeepers on mission, needs to be reviewed in consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
Seventh, Bangladesh attaches great importance to the pre-deployment training. Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT) has been playing significant role in order make our peacekeepers fully prepare for the peacekeeping operations. Recently, Bangladesh has donated fabricated inert explosive devices as training aid to the mobile training team (MTT) of UN Mine Action Service.
Eighth, we reiterate the call for further strengthening the triangular relationship among the TPCCs, Security Council and the Secretariat for mandate setting.
Mr. Chair,
Before concluding, I wish a very successful and constructive negotiation ahead and assure my delegation’s full support to you, and to the work of this Committee.
I thank you, Mr. Chair.