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Mr Chairman
New Zealand has a longstanding commitment to supporting the role and work of United Nations and associated personnel who are working in UN operations in the field, often in difficult situations. We commend these individuals for their courage and commitment. They work at the sharp end, strengthening and maintaining peace and rebuilding troubled communities, at the request of the UN and its members.
New Zealand has joined with others in the international community to condemn the violent, and sometimes fatal, attacks that have been carried out on individuals participating in UN operations in the field. We have seen too many such incidents. Sadly, both the frequency and gravity of such violence has continued to increase. There is no doubt that the threat against these individuals is real, and that they face an increasing danger of personal harm. We have also seen a new, and deeply disturbing, trend towards the deliberate targeting of humanitarian personnel.
Mr Chairman
New Zealand and Ukraine took a lead role in developing the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel of 1994, which offers a legal framework for dealing with crimes against UN personnel. We welcome the recent World Summit Outcome document calling upon States to consider becoming party to the 1994 Convention. Universal adherence to the Convention is essential to demonstrate to those who carry out work on behalf of the UN and its members that we are committed to ensuring their protection.
Since the adoption of the Convention questions have been raised both by the UN Secretariat and Member States about whether the categories of “United Nations operation” covered by the Convention are too narrow. There is no doubt that the Convention provides protection for personnel participating in UN peacekeeping operations authorized by the Security Council under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. However the UN is engaged in a much wider range of activities which can also lead to dangers to UN personnel. The risks that confront personnel on the ground have no regard for the distinctions made by the Convention.
That is why it is vital to conclude a Protocol that will expand the coverage of the 1994 Convention. We insist on the highest standards of behaviour from all UN personnel, and so too should we insist that UN personnel are given the protection they need to carry out their work. There must be no impunity for those who carry out attacks against UN personnel working in the field.
Delegations have demonstrated, through their continued flexibility and focus, a strong commitment to concluding a Protocol to the 1994 Convention. The Chair’s admirable efforts in the Spring Ad Hoc Committee, during summer informal consultations, and throughout the course of the Working Group’s deliberations this month have brought us within reach of our goal.
Mr Chairman
Our leaders recently agreed in the World Summit Outcome document on the need to conclude negotiations for a Protocol expanding the coverage of the 1994 Convention during the sixtieth session of the General Assembly. We believe that we are in a good position to deliver on this commitment and that it is vitally important that we do so now.
Thank you Mr Chairman
