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AT THE SECURITY COUNCIL DEBATE ON "PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS: NEW TRENDS". NEW YORK, 11 JUNE 2014
STATEMENT BY
H.E. AMBASSADOR HUSSEIN HANIFF
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA
TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE SECURITY COUNCIL DEBATE ON
"PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS: NEW TRENDS"
NEW YORK, 11 JUNE 2014
Mr. President,
At the outset, I wish to congratulate you and the Russian Federation on assuming the Presidency of the Security Council for this month. I wish to also express my delegation’s appreciation to you for convening this important open debate.
2. My delegation believes that this debate provides an excellent opportunity to exchange views and raise awareness on new developments affecting UN peacekeepers in the field today. Indeed, our discussion today is timely in light of the recent commemoration of the Memorial Day of UN Peacekeepers on 29 May 2014.
3. As a regular contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, Malaysia has committed a total of 932 personnel currently serving in Abyei, Darfur, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lebanon, Liberia, South Sudan and Western Sahara. Since 1960, Malaysia has participated in 30 such missions with total commitment of 29,000 personnel to date.
4. UN peacekeeping has seen an exponential growth in both size and scope since the 1990’s, At present, the Council has authorized 16 peacekeeping operations across the globe with around 116,000 personnel from more than 120 countries, often deployed at great personal risk.
5. The sheer number of peacekeeping missions and the number of personnel deployed demonstrates the international community’s continued reliance on the United Nations as the central pillar for maintaining international peace and security.
6. As such, it may be concluded that peacekeeping operations are a significant and critical component of the international community’s efforts in confronting crises and in bringing peace, stability and reconciliation to war-torn countries around the world.
Mr. President,
7. Over the years, the scope of activities undertaken by UN Peacekeepers has also evolved from the ‘traditional’ peacekeeping work to more robust and multi-dimensional operations involving a broad spectrum of activities.
8. As the scope of peacekeeping activities becomes more complex and multi-dimensional, our Blue Helmets are confronted with new threats and challenges.
9. Among others, such challenges include ambush and attacks on peacekeeping convoys as well as hostage taking of Blue Helmets in some conflict zones.
10. As a troop contributing country, Malaysia is concerned by such developments. In particular, we are concerned by the seeming regularity of such incidents, which appears to have become a new modus operandi for certain armed groups in several conflict zones.
11. Against such disturbing developments, my delegation notes the Security Council’s decision to deploy the Force Intervention Brigade (FIB) in MONUSCO. In our view, such deployment could represent one of the possible solutions to the dilemma increasingly faced by UN peacekeeping missions.
12. We further note that the Council’s authorization for FIB to use “all necessary measures” to avoid violent attacks is an important evolution of the peacekeeping mandate which could help to ensure the safety and security of the Blue Helmets. These measures however need to be carried out with clear mandate and proper training.
13. On that note, Malaysia wishes to reaffirm its support for Resolution 2086 which in our view provides a comprehensive blueprint and guidance for a multi-dimensional approach to peacekeeping operations.
14. My delegation notes that the resolution covers a large spectrum of scope to address multiple challenges and tasks, which not only aims to enhance the effectiveness of peacekeeping efforts, but also peace-building and other conflict prevention efforts. In this connection, Malaysia shares the view that all peacekeepers should be provided with proper equipment, perimeter security and vehicles that would allow them to operate safely.
Mr. President,
15. My delegation also believes that as and when the need arises, Inter-Mission Cooperation (
16. Malaysia also shares the view that the emergence of new military technologies should continue to benefit peacekeeping operations. For example, the use of modern technology such as the UAVs could significantly improve the situational awareness of peacekeepers which in turn would enhance their safety and security.
17. In addition, the use of other modern technology and devices such as geographic imaging systems, satellite imagery and ground surveillance radar could be utilized in peacekeeping operations to strengthen monitoring and surveillance capacities and ability to implement the mandates of the respective missions. We are of the view, however, that the use of technology in peacekeeping operations should also take into account the principles enshrined in the UN Charter.
Mr. President,
18. The issue of financing peacekeeping operations has become one of the major challenges at the UN. Not all TCCs are in a position to be equipped with modern technologies and devices.
19. In addition, most modern equipment has to be procured from private companies. Such practice could lead to a “double edged sword” as there is potential that some confidential information could be leaked to a third party.
20. In this regard, Malaysia believes that there is a need to study how best to address this issue. We are of the view that the DPKO could consider establishing a mechanism to verify and ensure that all confidential data and information is restricted to relevant UN bodies and agencies.
21. At the same time, my delegation also holds the view that the DPKO should adopt a more comprehensive and effective approach to generate resources to meet the demands of the new multidimensional mandates. In view of the increasing need for such mandates, the UN requires an adequate and optimum level of forces as well as equipment in order to operate effectively and efficiently.
22. As a member state that strongly supports the UN’s peacekeeping role, Malaysia supports all efforts for transparent triangular cooperation between the Security Council, the Secretariat and the troop and police contributing countries.
23. In conclusion Mr. President, my delegation wishes to reaffirm its commitment to continue working together with all partners and stakeholders in our collective effort to advance the cause of international peace and security, through the UN’s peacekeeping agenda.
I thank you, Mr. President.