STATEMENT BY
COLONEL SHAMSURI NOORDIN
MILITARY ADVISER
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA
TO THE UNITED NATIONS
FOR THE GENERAL DEBATE OF THE 2023 SUBSTANTIVE SESSION
OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS
UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK
NEW YORK, 21 FEBRUARY 2023
Mr. Chair,
Malaysia aligns itself with the statements delivered by Morocco and Indonesia on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), respectively.
2. United Nations peacekeeping operations are essential for ending conflict and laying the foundations for nation-building. Malaysia is proud to participate in peacekeeping operations, shouldering the shared responsibility of maintaining global peace and security. Since 1960, Malaysia has participated in over 38 peacekeeping operations, deploying approximately 40 thousand peacekeepers from the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and the 2 Royal Malaysian Police (RMP). Currently in deployment are 859 military and police personnel serving in various capacities in six UN peacekeeping missions.
3. The Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C34) remains the primary body in the United Nations system to discuss all aspects of peacekeeping operations. The Special Committee plays a vital role as Malaysia believes this committee is an effective platform to gather information and provide direction in strengthening peacekeeping tools and policies.
Mr. Chair,
4. Malaysia remains deeply concerned with increased attacks against UN peacekeepers. We pay tribute to the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of maintaining peace. Despite our collective efforts to stabilise countries in conflict with the deployment of more peacekeepers, we must continue to ensure the safety and security of our peacekeepers. They should not be any compromise on this matter. All stakeholders are responsible for the morale, safety, and security of peacekeepers; thus, their well-being must be taken care of as a top priority. This would require peacekeepers to have the necessary skills, training, equipment, and mandate. At the same time, greater efforts at the strategic level are needed to increase the legitimacy of peacekeeping missions, including the fight against disinformation and hate speech.
5. Malaysia strongly believes in the critical role of training in ensuring effective peacekeeping. The Malaysian Peacekeeping Centre (MPC) continues to be recognised as a premier training centre in the region. The Centre regularly offers courses such as for Contingent Commander and Gender Advisor (GENAD) and Comprehensive Protection of Civilians; Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA); Women, Peace, and Security; Gender Mainstreaming, and Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative to domestic and international participants.
6. Malaysia also believes engaging women and youth in capacity-building programmes is vital for sustainable recovery and long-term peace. Therefore, the role of women and youth in peace and security should be further socialised, strengthened, and mainstreamed. Malaysia is highly committed to supporting the agenda of women, peace, and security. We are proud to inform that Malaysia has the highest number of women peacekeepers in UNIFIL, consisting of 85 personnel.
7. To conclude, Malaysia believes peacekeeping operations are vital in maintaining global peace and stability. The work and relation between the UN Security Council, the Secretariat, host countries, and troop and police contributing countries should be forged in the spirit of partnership and collective responsibility. Thus, our deliberations in this Committee today are very significant for the future of peacekeeping missions for a peaceful world.
Thank you.
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