STATEMENT BY MR PNG YAN DA, DELEGATE TO THE 66th SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 54, 'COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE WHOLE QUESTION OF PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS IN ALL THEIR ASPECTS', FOURTH COMMITTEE, 25th OCTOBER 2011

STATEMENT BY MR PNG YAN DA, DELEGATE TO THE 66th SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 54, 'COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE WHOLE QUESTION OF PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS IN ALL THEIR ASPECTS', FOURTH COMMITTEE, 25th OCTOBER 2011

Madame Chair,

Firstly let me offer my delegation's warmest congratulations to you and your Bureau on your election. Singapore also joins other delegations in thanking Mr Alain Le Roy for his tireless dedication as Under Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations and wishing every success to Mr Herv?Ladsous in his appointment. We commend the work of Under Secretary-General of Field Support Ms Susana Malcorra and her team, and we look forward to continued cooperation between the two Departments instrumental in peacekeeping operations (PKOs).

2. Singapore military and police personnel have taken part in 15 peacekeeping and observer missions since 1989. We have been involved in various capacities, including the provision of combat support, providing military observers for national reconciliation and the supervision of UN-sponsored elections. Our experience, common to many other Member States that participate in such missions, reinforces a few basic truths about peacekeeping operations. They are needed to curb disorder and disregard for the rule of law within or across borders, in order to preserve regional and international stability. They are not static and no model is universal; each mission throws up constantly changing issues on the ground. They are subjected to high expectations from the international community and the local population, hence peacekeepers need to be flexible in addressing the issues and to meet expectations. It is in this context that Singapore offers a few observations about the issues faced in peacekeeping.

Capacity Development

3. My delegation agrees with several aspects of the report entitled, "Civilian Capacity in the Aftermath of Conflict", which was prepared by the Secretary-General's Senior Advisory Group led by Mr Jean-Marie Gu閔enno. We believe that capacity development is one of the best ways to enable communities to emerge from conflict situations, and should be a priority in the aftermath of conflict. These capacity building efforts would help to build a sustainable peace. Efforts by the international community to invest and develop in a post-conflict nation through the development of basic infrastructure, involvement of local citizens in nation-building, and jobs creation policies would help a country find its footing and return it to normalcy in a post-conflict situation. The philosophy of building capacity and resilience is neatly summed up thus: "Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will eat for his lifetime".

Protection of Civilians

4. Civilians are increasingly at risk in conflicts, becoming victims of mass murders and gender-specific crimes. These attacks scar not just the victims but also their communities. Victims may commit acts of retribution and suffer counter-attacks, plunging communities and civilians into a vicious cycle of conflict. My delegation can see why the dynamic situation on the ground during peacekeeping operations makes it difficult for civilians to be protected at all times. In addition, the protection of civilians cannot be the sole responsibility of UN peacekeepers alone. However, peacekeepers should work in tandem with the host governments and local communities to ensure that civilians are protected from conflict as much as possible. Training should be provided to the peacekeepers and local authorities on the tasks expected of them for the protection of civilians. Sufficient resources should also be given in ensuring that civilians can be protected adequately.

Protection of UN Personnel

Madame Chair,

5. Besides the protection of civilians, my delegation is concerned with the rise in attacks on UN buildings and personnel in peacekeeping operations around the world. Some attacks may be sparked by local rejection of any UN presence. However, there are times when the presence of UN personnel is essential for effective security operations to be delivered. Steps are needed to ensure adequate protection and security for UN personnel so that they can perform the tasks expected of them.

Gender Equality in Post-Conflict Planning

6. I will now turn to the issue of gender equality in peacebuilding operations. It was highlighted in Security Council Resolution 1325(2000) that women and children account for the vast majority of civilians affected by conflict. Additional emphasis has to be given to women in post-conflict situations to ensure that both genders receive equal attention in peacebuilding planning. A one-size-fits-all approach should not be used due to the different needs and requirements of either gender.

7. In this context, my delegation notes the encouraging progress in UN efforts to increase the levels of participation by women in international deployment. Continued progress is needed in order to attain a 20% participation rate of women in UN police components by 2014. This would greatly help in ensuring that women's needs in peacekeeping operations and post-conflict rebuilding will be taken into account.

Thank you, Madame Chair.

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