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AT THE SECURITY COUNCIL 26/8/2011
STATEMENT BY H.E. AMBASSADOR HUSSEIN HANIFF
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA
TO THE UNITED NATIONS
ON UN PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS:
TAKING STOCK AND PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE
AT THE SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE
26 AUGUST 2011
Mr President,
At the outset, allow me to thank you for organizing this event today. It comes at the time when the United Nations is facing multiple challenges in its peacekeeping operations worldwide. My delegation wishes to be aligned with the statement made by Morocco, on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. I also wish to thank Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, for his participation and contribution to this debate.
Mr. President,
2. Malaysia’s involvement with UN Peacekeeping Operations began as early as 1960, only 3 years after our independence, with our participation in the UN Operation in Congo (UNOC). To date, Malaysia has participated in 24 UN Peacekeeping Operations around the world, including NATO-led peacekeeping operations. This clearly reflects Malaysia’s firm commitment and belief in the United Nations central role in the maintenance of international peace and security and that the United Nations peacekeeping operations are an indispensable instrument that has contributed immensely to the resolutions of many armed conflicts, both within and among states.
3. It is for this reason that Malaysia currently has a total of 1151 military and police personnel serving in various capacities in 7 peacekeeping missions. We also recognise the significant on-the-job experience gained by the Malaysia Armed Forces personnel through their participation in UN Peacekeeping Operations. The opportunity to operate in an international environment, with forces of other UN member states and exposure to different doctrines, as well as geographical landscape, are valuable lessons for the Malaysian troops. This international exposure has contributed towards enhancing the professionalism of the Malaysian Armed Forces personnel.
4. In this connection, my delegation fully supports the various initiatives undertaken by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations, as well as the Department of Field Support, in further improving the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of peacekeeping operations and the wellbeing of UN peacekeepers and staff members. Nevertheless, there is still more room for improvement, including enhancing transparency in the work of the two important departments of the United Nations.
Mr. President,
5. In light of the many challenges confronting UN peacekeeping operations, we do see the need to be clear on the mandate in regard to the protection of civilians in regions that are affected by armed conflicts. This mandate is necessary in order to prevent unnecessary lost of innocent lives. But the international community has to be reminded that the responsibility to protect civilians, in principle, still lies with the national governments. More importantly, UN peacekeepers mandated to protect civilians in regions affected by armed conflicts must be guided by the principle of impartiality in discharging their duties.
6. In this regard, Malaysia is concern with the gaps in implementing mandates on the protection of civilians, which was echoed by some Force Commanders recently. Malaysia therefore wants to reiterate that the Security Council should ensure that the mandate on the Protection of Civilians has to be clear and precise, and that missions must also be provided with the required key enablers to implement the mandated tasks effectively and efficiently.
7. My delegation is also aware that there are resource gaps in peacekeeping missions. With an annual budget of $8 billion, I urge for these funds to be utilised in a more efficient and transparent manner, and that countries with the ability to contribute more should not shy away from providing more resources. While the Secretariat has undertaken the Global Field Support Strategy to address these issues, my delegation is appealing to those countries with the means, to continue to contribute generously the much needed key enablers, to allow the peacekeepers to conduct their work successfully.
8. On the same token, Mr. President, my delegation also wishes to express our concern with the safety and security of United Nations peacekeepers globally, given the rising numbers of casualties in recent months. We are also concerned about the delay in the evacuation of wounded peacekeepers, as witnessed recently. This delay could lead to the lost of precious lives. My delegation therefore urge the relevant authorities to facilitate quick and uninterrupted medical evacuation and access to medical care for wounded peacekeepers, who have made sacrifices to bring about peace and stability in the world.
Mr. President,
9. Malaysia is encouraged by the important role that peacekeeping missions play in the process of peacebuilding. Time and again, peacekeepers are often referred to as ‘early peace builders’. In this regard, Malaysia will continue to uphold its commitment towards the attainment of global peace. Global peace and stability will enable countries to focus their resources in the pursuit of economic and social development, for the well-being of their people.
10. With this interest in mind, our personnel that are deployed in all of the UN Peacekeeping missions, will always try to reach out to win the “hearts and minds” of the local populous, through ‘quick impact projects’. At the national level, Malaysia has always been providing assistance to countries in need through the Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programmes initiatives, with the aim to contribute to the nation building of the affected countries. In addition, Malaysia has always encouraged it business community to invest in developing countries, which would bring more jobs, and wealth creation, particularly in conflict affected countries.
Mr. President,
11. In ensuring that our peacekeepers are well trained and ready to perform the required peacekeeping duties, the Malaysian government established its own Peacekeeping Training Centre in 1996. The Peacekeeping Training Centre not only provides training for Malaysians but is also open to foreign participants. The center hosted the 11th United Nations Senior Mission Leaders course, in January 2010, where 24 participants from 20 countries representing the military, police and civilian institutions, attended the 14-day course. We will continue to upgrade the center’s facilities, as well as the quality of the training provided, based upon the UN best practices, and experience that we have gained over the last 51 years in the UN peacekeeping missions.
Mr. President,
12. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate Malaysia’s firm and continuous support for peacekeeping activities under the umbrella of the United Nations, and that the UN can continue to count on Malaysia’s direct contribution in this important area in the coming years.
I thank you Mr. President.