PH joins ASEAN call for enhanced UN peacekeeping resources
The Philippines has echoed the Association of Southeast Asian Nations' (ASEAN) call for adequate resources from the United Nations for the effective implementation of peacekeeping mandates in the region.
Noel Novicio, Philippine representative to the country's mission to the UN, said ASEAN will work with other delegations in examining the Secretary General's budget request of some USD 6.8 billion for the upcoming fiscal year.
Novicio made the call for the Philippines in its capacity as the ASEAN co-coordinator at 29th Formal Meeting of the Fifth Committee for the 77th session of the UN General Assembly.
In the meeting, Novicio said ASEAN commends UN's peacekeeping personnel for helping maintain peace in affected countries and regions, largely due to the delivery of political and peacebuilding support to prevent the outbreak of war and help countries transition from conflict to sustainable peace.
He also acknowledged the committee's success in reaching consensus, after six years of non-agreement, on a cross-cutting resolution last year.
Novicio said the resolution has been instrumental in providing policy guidance and resources to allow peacekeeping missions to efficiently and effectively carry out their mandates.
The ASEAN, he said, will prioritize the following topics during the deliberations: enhancement of peace, women and security agenda; reimbursements to Troop- and Police- Contributing Countries; strengthening of transparency, accountability and support of victims, especially in the context of ASEAN's commitment to a zero-tolerance policy and accountability at all levels.
The regional body will also prioritize upholding preventive measures to eradicate sexual exploitation and abuse, he added.
Other priorities of ASEAN are: investment in prevention and peacebuilding and the agenda on improving the financial situation of the organization.
Novicio then voiced ASEAN's call for the member states to continue their efforts to fulfil their financial obligations on time as set out in the Charter of the United Nations.
That's to ensure that the organization has adequate resources to deliver on its mandates that have been established, he added.