Financing of UNPKOs
Results of the Survey to Support the Review of the Standard Rate of Reimbursement to Troop and Police Contributing Countries

The First Resumed Session of the Seventy-Second Session - Fifth Committee

27 March 2018

India Statement 
Mr. Mahesh Kumar
First Secretary

Thank you, Mr. Chairman,

         We align our statement with the one delivered on behalf of G77 by Egypt. We would like to thank Mr. Rick Martin, Director, Field Budget and Finance Division for introducing the report of the Secretary-General under this item. We would also like to thank Mr. Babou Sene, Vice-Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions for introducing the related report of the Advisory Committee.

Mr. Chairman,

2.      As the largest cumulative troop contributor, having provided almost 200,000 troops in nearly 50 of the 71 peacekeeping missions mandated over the past six decades, including 13 of the current 16 missions, and having lost 168 troops in these operations, India is deeply conscious of the complexities and challenges involved in UN's Peace Operations.

3.      UN's Peace Operations have changed drastically. Peacekeepers are increasingly charged with implementing complex mandates, they have to frequently perform in challenging environments, in integrated and multidimensional missions.

Mr. Chairman,

4.     While the Troops and Police Contributing countries have been asked to provide well equipped and trained troops, the recognition of the importance of reimbursement to the peacekeeping partnership needs to be strengthened. Operationally, while the importance of clear mandates, most contemporary guidelines and policies from the secretariat and also leadership and accountability at all levels are critical, the success of our efforts here would largely depend on well trained and equipped troops, adequate resources, full and timely reimbursement. We hope that these structural challenges are addressed.

Mr. Chairman,

5.      The methodology approved by the Assembly in resolution 67/261 with the guidance of the Senior Advisory Group has been a major improvement. India was a member of the Senior Advisory Group and attaches importance to preserving the integrity of the methodology. India has provided inputs in both the surveys conducted so far. The recommendations from the latest Survey on troop costs are before the Committee now for its consideration and adoption.

6.      India welcomes the increase in the number of female uniformed peacekeepers from about 3,800 in January 2014 to almost 4,300 in December 2017 and urges their increased participation in peacekeeping operations. India provided the first ever Female Formed Police Unit to UN Peace operations in Liberia. In this regard, we support the call for inclusion of cost data from aspects specific to the deployment of women peacekeepers in future determination of troop costs.

7.      Future survey exercises should also incorporate costs associated with post-deployment such as demobilization expenses, medical examinations and procedures, tests and counseling, that are specific to service in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Mr. Chairman,

8.      We would like to also highlight two crucial elements related to Peacekeeping reimbursement:   

    1.       Firstly, there is an urgent need to review the death and disability compensation package. The last such review was undertaken long ago. There is a drastic increase in the incidence and intensity of targeted attacks against UN peacekeepers. In fact, the last 4 years have witnessed maximum number of fatal casualties in the history of peacekeeping.  

    2.      Secondly, UN owes a significant amount of outstanding reimbursement for active and closed missions to Troops and Police Contributing countries. We hope that these dues are settled at the earliest.

9.      Mr. Chairman, let me assure you of my delegation’s commitment in this matter.

I thank you.