STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR BURHAN GAFOOR, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, AT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY DEBATE ON AGENDA ITEM 122: STRENGTHENING OF THE UNITED NATIONS SYSTEM (SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND ABUSE), 7 SEPTEMBER 2016

Thank you, Mr President.

1.       I thank Egypt and the other delegations that had requested a debate on this important issue.

2.       Let me start with the most obvious but also the most important point.  The increasing number of sexual exploitation and abuse cases has deeply affected the victims, many of whom are women and children.  The human cost is high and the suffering of victims is permanent.  Equally important, these cases have damaged the credibility of the United Nations and its peace operations.

3.       Unfortunately, sexual exploitation and abuse in peace operations is not new.  Since this ugly issue reappeared recently, there have been some significant and positive steps taken by the United Nations.  Singapore welcomes the measures taken to strengthen the UN's zero tolerance policy, to enhance transparency, and to implement a victim-centred approach.

4.       However, much remains to be done. We have to act swiftly but also act in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.  In this regard, I wish to make five points.

5.       First, we support the steps taken to enforce the UN's zero-tolerance policy.  These include Immediate Response Teams in peace operations, as well as community-based complaint mechanisms.  Earlier this year, Security Council Resolution 2272 endorsed the decision of the Secretary-General to repatriate contingents where there has been credible evidence of widespread or systematic abuse.  We commend them, as well the efforts of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), under the leadership of Under Secretary General Heidi Mendoza.  We hope the next Secretary-General will continue to attach the greatest priority to this issue.

6.       Second, Singapore supports efforts made by many troop and police contributing countries who have stepped up their coordination with the UN.  National investigation officers are now being deployed more swiftly when allegations arise.  Many of the contributing countries have expedited their investigations.  We commend them, as well the Secretariat's initiative to compile and highlight best practices.  This will help us to learn from one another.  Close and continued cooperation between the UN and contributing countries is crucial to solving this problem.

7.       Third, we must build a culture of responsibility and accountability within every UN peace operation.  The UN cannot champion the rule of law if its representatives break the law, or worse, if they allow abuses to go unaddressed.  Building a culture of accountability begins with individuals.  In this regard, we are pleased that the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and the Department of Field Support (DFS) have worked with contributing countries to strengthen and expand pre-deployment training.  DFS has begun to use its Misconduct Tracking System to vet troops.  Singapore also welcomes the strengthened reporting framework for allegations and investigations, and the move towards greater public transparency.  In our view, more sunlight is good.  Because more sunlight in dark corners will ensure that there is no tolerance and no hiding of such heinous crimes.  We urge the next Secretary General to continue building a culture of responsibility and accountability.

8.       Fourth, there must be a system-wide approach to addressing sexual exploitation and abuse.  I was distressed recently, when I read of one independent report that said that allegations were passed from – and I quote – desk to desk, and inbox to inbox.  Mr President, victims are not files or emails.  They are human beings.  The UN needs to make sure that every allegation is investigated and no one falls through the cracks.  In this regard, Singapore welcomes the appointment of Ms Jane Holl Lute as Special Coordinator.  Her work has been important in analysing the problem and zooming in on key issues.  The system-wide working group that she chairs will bring coherence and coordination to the UN's response.  The high-level steering group on sexual abuse and gender-based violence will also keep senior management's attention squarely focused on the problem.  We are confident that Ms Lute will help to plug the gaps, and ensure that the UN pursues justice from start to finish.

9.       My fifth and final point is that the fight to eradicate sexual exploitation and abuse must be a continuous one.  All Member States and the UN Secretariat must work together to continually monitor and improve the Organisation's frameworks.  We must also ask whether existing policies are adequate, whether peace operations have controls in place, and whether there are enough investigators, both at Headquarters, and in the field.  We need to remember that the improvements we have made are not for their own sake.  They are to make a difference towards the most vulnerable, and to uphold the name, reputation, credibility, and integrity of the United Nations.

I thank you for your attention. 

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