Statement by Permanent Representative Vassily Nebenzia at an open VTC of UNSC members on improving safety and security of peacekeepers
At the outset, let me stress again that with UNGA convening in-person meetings and COVID-related restrictive measures in New York being gradually lifted, our return to the UNSC chamber becomes imperative. We call upon the Chinese Presidency to make all necessary steps to that end.
Mr. President,
We thank you for convening a discussion of such an important and omni-relevant issue as safety and security of the Blue Helmets. We also thank USG Lacroix, USG Khare, USG Michaud for their respective briefings, and welcome the participation of the Permanent Representative of Brazil in this event.
Nowadays peacekeeping operations are deployed in complicated conditions, which are often very dangerous and aggravated by dire humanitarian and socio-economic environment. It is not seldom that the Blue Helmets may be subject to asymmetric threats. The coronavirus pandemic posed another unexpected, yet very serious challenge. The pandemic negatively impacted both the effectiveness of peacekeeping efforts and the safety of peacekeepers.
Against this backdrop, proper planning and organization of the work of peacekeeping missions, awareness of the surrounding situation and possible threats are factors of paramount importance for safety and security of peacekeepers. Thereby measures for peacekeeping intelligence must be carried out in strict compliance with the parameters that were agreed by the member states.
Another pivotal factor is quality training of the Blue Helmets prior to the deployment, and their proper material and technical support. By all means, the host state that receives the mission on its territory bears key responsibility in this regard. It depends on the host country authorities whether all necessary measures are taken to hold to account those who commit acts of violence against the UN personnel. Amidst the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it appears even more important to maintain the proper level of medical aid delivery “in the field”.
All these issues require unfading attention, constant improvement and, whenever necessary, change of approach. That is why the question of safety and security of peacekeepers always remains in focus of the Security Council, its Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations, UNGA’s Special Committee on Peacekeeping (C-34) and field missions. Of course, these issues are absolute priorities for the contingent-contributing countries.
Thanks to the coordinated efforts and consultations in these formats, as well as close interaction of member states with the UN Secretariat, the number of injures and casualties among the Blue Helmets significantly dropped in the recent years.
Russia is represented in all the aforementioned formats. We consistently contribute to promoting safety and security of peacekeepers. We will continue training peacekeepers from different countries in Russian specialized facilities. Therefore, it was only natural for us to support the PRST drafted by the Chinese delegation and join the newly created Group of Friends. We are convinced that discussions of this informal group will enrich and add value to the experience and expertise already accumulated in this area.
Mr. President,
In conclusion, let me express our sincere appreciation to those who are deployed on the “frontline” of peacekeeping efforts – Blue Helmets and the entire peacekeeping personnel of the United Nations who implement the noblest of all mandates – maintain peace.
The recent volcano eruption in Goma, the DRC, shows what unexpected challenges the population and peacekeepers may be faced with. Goma-based Blue Helmets from India and other states, as well as other specialists who are present in the region on contractual basis, including Russian pilots, continue to provide assistance to civilians in these extremely precarious conditions.
Thank you.
Right of reply by Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva in response to the statement of the representative of the United States:
I thank you, Mr.President, for giving us the floor again. I had to request to take the floor in order to respond to the statement of the representative of the United States regarding the situation in the Central African Republic.
Russian instructors are present in the CAR, because the government of the country invited them to train and support the national army, police and gendarmery. All the necessary contacts are maintained with MINUSCA and other bilateral partners, but first of all – with the leadership of the Central African Republic.
We believe the question of improving coordination should be solved on the ground through strengthening of relevant mechanisms. We are convinced that achievement of peace and security in the CAR by joint efforts of all stakeholders is the most important task, which once solved can both ensure safety and security of peacekeepers and civil population, and also provide for timely withdrawal of the peacekeeping mission.
Thank you.
