STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS BY MR MARK NEO CHARGE D'AFFAIRES OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE ON AGENDA ITEMS 125 AND 134: PROPOSED PROGRAMME BUDGET BIENNIUM 2014-2015 - PROGRAMME BUDGET IMPLICATION OF DRAFT RESOLUTION A/68/L.37 ON STRENGTHENING AND ENHANCING THE EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF THE HUMAN RIGHTS TREATY BODY SYSTEM 28 MARCH 2014

Mr Chairman,
 
1        I speak on behalf of the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

2        ASEAN recognizes the importance of capacity-building and technical assistance in the field of human rights by the OHCHR at the request of, in consultation with and with the consent of Member States. 

3        ASEAN appreciates the supplementary information provided by the Secretariat on 26 March 2014 regarding the work of capacity-building officers in OHCHR regional offices which states: “Insofar as the work of that Officer would engage with any State directly, this would be undertaken only in full consultation with that State, at its request or with its express consent. There could be no imposition of such services without the agreement of the State involved.”  This is in consonance with Paragraphs 17 (a) and 19 on technical assistance and capacity building of the draft resolution. ASEAN is of the view that these paragraphs should always be considered together and should serve as guideposts for the terms of reference relating to the work of any potential capacity building officer in OHCHR regional offices to ensure adherence to this mandate. 

4        In view of the important and sensitive nature of the work of capacity- building, ASEAN reiterates its call on the Secretary General to give due and appropriate consideration of selecting and appointing a candidate in accordance with the principle of equitable geographic representation and gender balance, as a matter of principle, in the recruitment for the posts that have been approved. 

I thank you Mr Chairman.

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