EU Statement: Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations General Debate

Africa Europe

BRUSSELS, 20 February 2024 / PRN Africa / -- I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

Mr Chair,

I would like to recognise the critical role that UN Peacekeeping plays in preserving peace and security, as well as protecting civilians in some of the most challenging operational and political environments. The EU and its Member States are strongly committed to UN Peacekeeping. Together we contribute one quarter of the UN’s Peacekeeping budget and we currently deploy over 4000 uniformed personnel to Peacekeeping Operations.

In addition, there is excellent on-the-ground coordination between the EU Common Security and Defence Policy Missions and the UN Peacekeeping Operations and we have established a valuable strategic relationship between the EU and the UN on peace operations.

Mr. Chair,

The EU will contribute constructively in the upcoming C34 report negotiations with the intent to meaningfully contribute to the improvement of Peacekeeping Operations in accordance with the pillars of the Action for Peacekeeping Agenda and its implementation plan A4P+.

We welcome the “A New Agenda for Peace”, which provides workable solutions to ensure that UN Peacekeeping is effective and calls for more networked multilateralism and strengthened partnerships. We recognize that the emphasis put on the primacy of politics: revitalized political processes and convergence of efforts with international partners are key conditions for the success of Peacekeeping. Concurrently we also hope that the Summit of the Future will make tangible contributions to the discussion on the future of Peacekeeping.

Mr. Chair,

we value the trilateral partnership between the EU, AU, and the UN. The European Union welcomes the adoption of resolution 2719 on African Union-led peace support operations and looks forward to its implementation. The resolution is a milestone and a crucial building block in the UN Secretary General’s New Agenda for Peace. Even as the European continent face grave security challenges, supporting our African partners continues to be a top priority.

We are aware of the need for adequate funding and capacities for UN Peacekeeping. We confirm our commitment and we call on all UN Member States to fulfil their financial obligations in a timely manner. While EU Member States are primary donors to DPO and DOS in terms of extra budgetary contributions, we stress the requirement for posts in UN Headquarters that support UN Peacekeeping Operations be adequately funded through assessed contributions.

Mr. Chair,

UN Peacekeeping Operations continue to play a critical role in creating conditions favourable for peace processes, de-escalating tension and protecting civilians, including through monitoring and reporting on human rights violations.

Every day UN Peacekeeping Operations are confronted with emerging challenges, such as regional threats, negative effects of climate change, mis and disinformation, increased presence of non-state actors, diminishing support from host nations and communities and, sometimes, a lack of capacities, training and adequate equipment to address challenges on the ground.

The EU emphasizes the importance of pre-deployment training as well as the utilisation of existing mechanisms to make training available for all T/PCCs.

We stress the need for greater synergy and coordination among the many UN departments and agencies, including in transition planning. We believe in objective performance assessments, which support training and capabilities. The EU Member States strongly emphasize the need for clarity on command and control of military enabling assets, in particular in the employment of aviation assets.

Mr. Chair

Any viable solution to improve the safety and security of the Peacekeepers must be supported, including the increased application of technology and digital solutions and a most effective use of peacekeeping-intelligence. Improving UN-compliant living arrangements and installations, strengthening emergency response procedures, including those on casualty evacuation, offering sufficient medical and mental health services, and creating effective defences against improvised explosive devices, all require special attention.

We also want to stress how important it is that all deployed UN personnel are prepared to uphold the strictest codes of conduct and discipline and that the UN Secretariat, mission leadership and the T/PCCs promptly investigate any allegations of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment committed by peacekeepers and act accordingly.

Concurrently, we underline the need for continued commitment on accountability for crimes against UN Peacekeepers. We welcome the recently launched database and encourage efforts in other priority areas including: reinforcing cooperation with host countries, supporting the investigation and prosecution of cases; and developing public information and strategic communication initiatives.

Violations and abuses of human rights continue to initiate and drive conflict. We urge the UN to make sure that personnel assigned to UN Peacekeeping units are appropriately selected and trained including in mitigating civilian harm and are in possession of essential sociocultural awareness and linguistic skills. Furthermore, the EU underscores the need for meaningful participation of youth and persons with disabilities in peace processes.

Mr. Chair,

The EU recognizing that Women Peace and Security is a top priority and a cross-cutting theme. We strongly believe that only when women are fully, equally, and meaningfully involved in all aspects of peacebuilding and peacekeeping, can a durable peace be achieved. This includes building strategic relationships with civil society organisations and women human rights defenders to support the transformation of discriminatory structures and social norms.

Finally, the EU emphasises the importance to take security and climate change into consideration in all aspects of Peacekeeping Operations. The EU encourages cooperation with regional organisations and engagement with local communities in order to help host states green the security sector, contributing to a positive legacy in host countries. Similarly, it is important that UN Peacekeeping Operations aim to reduce their own ecological footprint pursuing high standards in environmental management, minimizing risk and consumption and drawing from renewable resources.

Mr. Chair,

In conclusion, I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Bureau and the facilitators for their excellent work and for their upcoming task. I would like to restate that the EU continues to be actively involved with the UN in all matters pertaining to peace and security and that the European Union reaffirms to all of its partners its dedication to completing the C34 process in a professional and efficient manner.

I thank you

Copyright European Union, 1995-2024

SOURCE European External Action