Mr. Chair:

I thank the Acting Director of Field Operations Finance Division for presenting the report of the Secretary-General on the Special Political Missions (SPMs), and the Chairman of the Advisory Committee for introducing the Committee’s related report. China would like to make the following comments and recommendations:

The budget of SPMs, as well as its ratio of the regular budget, have been increasing during past years. It is growing more important to enhance the budgeting of SPMs. The Secretariat should strengthen the SPMs budgeting more scientifically and accurately, to make sure that it is based on strict implementation of mandate, and enhance the efficiency of resource utilization.

The size of SPMs civilian staff has been growing. China believes that the number of SPMs posts should be rational, in line with task implementation and based on comprehensive performance and workload indicators. China is concerned with the equitable geographical representation of SPMs staff, and calls for a detailed review in this regard.

ACABQ reports raise that the impact of COVID-19 on SPMs budget should be taken into full consideration, which is relevant to the discussion of the 5th Committee. China is also concerned with the change of SPMs support structure and the budget of some key SPMs, and will explore further in the consultations.

Regarding UNAMA, it should implement the core mandates in line with the Security Council resolution, including promoting regional cooperation and connectivity, strengthening coordination and cooperation with regional partners and supporting peaceful reconstruction in Afghanistan. UNAMA should focus its resources and personnel on regional cooperation and connectivity, help Afghanistan develop economy, enhance the well-being of its people and achieve sustaining peace.

On BINUH, it has done some work since establishment, but is in difficult situation and made few progress. The situation in Haiti is still complex and the life of the Haitian people has not been improved fundamentally. The 5th Committee should learn from the experience and lessons of previous UN presence in Haiti, fully evaluate the development of the situation on the ground, and adjust resource and personnel in a timely manner. BINUH should take concrete measures to cope with the worsening situation there.

Regarding UNITAMS, it should support the political transition process in the Sudan and the implementation of the peace agreement. While helping the Sudanese Government to promote enduring peace, it should avoid intervening into the internal affairs of the Sudan. China is concerned with the handover from UNAMID to UNITAMS, and believes that it should be carried out efficiently, avoid waste of resources, and keep close coordination with the host government in the process.

Mr. Chair,

I reassure you of China's commitment to engage positively and constructively on this important agenda item, with a view to concluding our consultations in a timely and smooth manner.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.