STATEMENT BY MS DIANA LEE, DELEGATE TO THE 66TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 142: REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE OFFICE OF INTERNAL OVERSIGHT SERVICES AND AGENDA ITEM 132: REVIEW OF THE EFFICIENCY OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL FUNCTIONING OF THE UNITED NATIONS, FIFTH COMMITTEE, 4 OCTOBER 2011

STATEMENT BY MS DIANA LEE, DELEGATE TO THE 66TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 142: REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE OFFICE OF INTERNAL OVERSIGHT SERVICES AND AGENDA ITEM 132: REVIEW OF THE EFFICIENCY OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL FUNCTIONING OF THE UNITED NATIONS, FIFTH COMMITTEE, 4 OCTOBER 2011

1 Thank you Mr Chairman. Please allow me to congratulate you and your distinguished colleagues on your election to the Fifth Committee Bureau. My delegation is confident that under your leadership and guidance, the Committee will be able to complete its work in a timely and efficient manner.

2 We would like to thank Ms Carman Lapointe, Under-Secretary-General for Internal Oversight Services, for introducing the report on the activities of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), as contained in document A/66/286 and its addendum. Singapore strongly supports a robust Oversight Office. We reiterate our belief that the OIOS should be a champion of accountability within the Organisation. In this, we commend Ms Lapointe and the OIOS' continued efforts to instil the highest ethical standards with regard to fairness and transparency throughout the Secretariat, leading by example as they carry out their duties.

3 We thank also Mr David Walker, Chair of the Independent Audit Advisory Committee (IAAC), for introducing the report on the activities of the IAAC as contained in document A/66/299.

4 With regard to the specific reports, my delegation congratulates the OIOS on its progress in reducing the number of vacancies, particularly in leadership positions. We share the Group of 77 and the IAAC's concerns, however, that a continuing high rate of vacancies in the Investigations Division could affect the substantive achievements of the OIOS. We note also the continuing need for OIOS and management to coordinate and align their processes, so as to avoid confusion for key stakeholders. We encourage the OIOS and management to continue working closely together to achieve better implementation rates for the OIOS' recommendations.

5 We are appreciative of the IAAC's efforts in advising the General Assembly. My delegation's experience continues to be that the IAAC has consistently provided useful insights on how the OIOS can improve its work.

Mr Chairman,

6 These reports before us today reinforce our belief that the UN should continue to uphold the separate and distinct roles of internal and external oversight mechanisms. The various UN oversight bodies, including the OIOS, the Board of Auditors, the IAAC and the JIU serve to complement one another in the conduct of their duties. They are a mutually reinforcing framework that is the superstructure on which a better, more efficient, and stronger Organisation is built. In this, they can be assured of Singapore's full and continued support.

7 Thank you.

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