STATEMENT BY MR LIM MUN PONG, DELEGATE TO THE 71ST SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 51 ON THE COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS, FOURTH COMMITTEE, 26 OCTOBER 2016

Mr Chairman,

1.       Singapore associates itself with the statement delivered by Indonesia, on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

2.       The global security environment has become increasingly challenging since the deployment of the first United Nations (UN) military observers in 1948. Conflicts and threats to peace and security are often growing more complex, dynamic and deep-rooted, adding to the growing demands for peace operations. As a responsible member of the international community, Singapore believes in doing what it can to support UN peace operations. Since 1989, Singapore has contributed military and police personnel in 16 peace operations and observer missions. We believe in playing our part despite our limited resources and size.

3.       Given the increasing scale and complexity of global security challenges, the key reviews on peace operations last year, including the report by the High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations, the report by the UN Secretary-General on the future of UN peace operations and the Expert Panel report on Technology and Innovation in UN Peacekeeping are relevant and timely. They provide useful recommendations to make UN peace operations more effective on the ground.  We agree in particular with the assessment in the final report of the Expert Panel on Technology and Innovation in UN Peacekeeping that peace operations need to use technology more effectively in order to succeed.

Mr Chairman,

4.       Singapore believes that technology can play a vital role in helping our peacekeepers stay ahead. For one, technology enables access to information and uninterrupted communications, which translates to enhanced situational awareness. In the highly dynamic field missions today, this can make all the difference. Technology is also an area where Singapore and other small states can contribute effectively beyond traditional peacekeeping operations. Singapore is currently working with the UN DPKO to develop an integrated IT application that allows timely casualty information reporting in field missions. This information management tool will strengthen the data collation and reporting capacity of our peace operations, thus enhancing their effectiveness.

5.       Singapore has also partnered the international community in security and capacity building efforts. Within the UN, we chaired and coordinated the development of the UN Peacekeeping Missions Military Unit Manual on the Maritime Task Force for the DPKO in 2014.  This manual sets the standards and operating parameters for the conduct of maritime related operations in peacekeeping missions. Singapore also participates in other multilateral efforts to promote peace and stability. For example, Singapore participated in the multinational Combined Task Force 151 to disrupt piracy and armed robbery at sea in the Gulf of Aden. Singapore also contributed to the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan in areas of construction, medical assistance, military training and security enhancement.

6.       Through these efforts, Singapore makes effective and targeted contributions to regional and international efforts to maintain peace and security. We hope that our partnership with the UN in the area of information management will encourage future collaborations between the UN and Member States to develop technology or build capacity in support of peace operations.

Mr Chairman,

7.       It would be remiss of me to end my statement without expressing our deep concern with the increasing number of sexual exploitation and abuse cases, which has deeply affected the victims, many of whom are children, and severely damaged the credibility of UN peace operations.  Singapore therefore welcomes the measures taken to strengthen the UN's zero tolerance policy, enhance transparency, and implement a victim-centred approach.  We must build a culture of responsibility and accountability within every UN peace operation. Setting clear standards of behaviour and establishing stronger selection and training processes for peacekeepers will help to prevent cases of abuse. In addition, the UN needs to ensure that every allegation is investigated and no one falls through the cracks. We urge all Member States and the Secretariat to continue to work together to ensure that every UN peace operation makes a difference towards the most vulnerable and upholds the name and reputation of the United Nations.

8.       On behalf of my delegation, I would like to conclude by saluting the brave men and women who have served and are serving in peace operations. Their commitment and sacrifice is absolutely vital to bring prosperity and hope for the future to those living in conflict regions.

9.                Thank you.

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