Statement by Vassily Nebenzia, Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN, at the open VTC of UNSC members on UN Peacekeeping Operations
Mr. President,
We would like to thank USG Lacroix, Force Commanders of MINUSMA and UNMISS, General Gyllensporre and General Tinaikar, as well as Acting Force Commander of UNDOF General O’Brien for their briefings and the information provided on the current situation in the respective peacekeeping missions under their command. It is always useful to learn first-hand how the mandates authorized by the Security Council are implemented on the ground and what specific challenges arise in this regard. We join our colleagues’ condolences with regard to the recent death of two peacekeepers in the line of duty.
UN peacekeeping operations are usually deployed in complex and dangerous environments, complicated by difficult humanitarian and socio-economic situation and sometimes by asymmetric threats. Needless to say that COVID-19 outbreak became an additional factor, negatively affecting the performance of peacekeeping operations and ability of the Blue Helmets to effectively fulfill their tasks.
Under these unprecedented circumstances, it is of utmost importance to ensure safety and security of peacekeepers and take appropriate measures to continue effective implementation of the mandates while reducing the risk of the virus outbreaks inside the missions and through contacts with civilian population. We appreciate the efforts of the Secretariat in this direction and wish to emphasize the importance of close collaboration with Troop- and Police Contributing Countries on any steps in this regard, particularly on the issue of temporary restrictions for rotations of contingents.
Peacekeeping operations, as we all know, are not meant to be a substitute for the authorities of the Host State, but rather to support them in enhancing their own national capacities. The vital precondition for the success of any peacekeeping operation is constructive and effective cooperation with the Host State. The necessity for confidence-building measures and information exchange is especially important nowadays, when measures implemented by national authorities to combat spread of pandemic could lead to limitations of movement of UN personnel. Such situations have to be solved through dialogue. Support to host countries in their response to COVID-19 could be provided, where possible, within the respective mandates and upon the request of national governments.
The primacy of diplomacy and dialogue stands at the core of peacekeeping mandates and remains to be the imperative for resolution of any crisis, where peacekeeping missions are deployed. Therefore, it is vital not to lose the gains made in implementation of peace agreements and to continue to encourage parties to reach political solutions and move forward towards national reconciliation despite temporary pandemic difficulties. The Ceasefire call by the Secretary-General provides a very good basis for such efforts.
In this regard, we note the signs of normalization of the situation in South Sudan, primarily due to the agreements reached by the parties on the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement of 2018. The formation of transitional government bodies, including the Government of National Unity, has begun. Significant decrease in the level of violence and cases of human rights violations in the country are being already reported. Increasing number of refugees and internally displaced persons return to their places of permanent residence. However, the security situation is still fragile. Therefore, the efforts by UNMISS peacekeepers are indispensable.
We would like to highlight the role of the UN peacekeeping Mission in Mali in addressing the security situation and facilitating the progress in the political settlement in this country. We are convinced that the Mission needs a comprehensive support, as outlined in the recent SG report and in his letter on MINUSMA performance. Certain steps, carried out in accordance with the mission’s mandate, are already bringing some positive results in the most affected areas like the central regions of Mali.
Respecting the interactive format of our meeting today I would like to ask Force Commanders in MINUSMA and UNMISS a specific question. Are there any signs or attempts to use COVID-19 as a pretext to hinder positive developments on the ground or even political processes?
We also wish to stress the stabilizing role of the UN Disengagement Observer Force in the Syrian Golan in reducing tensions, preventing incidents and escalations between the parties to the Disengagement Agreement of 1974. We will continue to assist in ensuring the necessary conditions for the full return of UNDOF to the «Bravo» side.
In conclusion, let me once again express our appreciation to Force Commanders for their leadership which is in special demand at the time of pandemic and continued efforts to deliver on their tasks with dedication. I also wish to commend thousands of Blue Helmets of the United Nations peacekeeping missions, and to pay tribute to the peacekeepers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the sake of reestablishment of international peace and security.
I thank you.
