Staff Reporter: Rabab Fatima, Permanent Representative of Bangladesh, said that it was important to ensure adequate and sustainable peacekeeping budget and whether the missions received the appropriate budget to carry out the multifaceted responsibilities entrusted to the UN peacekeeping missions. She made the remarks while addressing a budget session of peacekeeping missions at the local headquarters on Monday (May 3).
She had mentioned that sufficient and sustained peacekeeping budget was critical for the peacekeeping missions to carry out their diverse mandates effectively. “It is imperative to ensure that the peacekeeping missions are sufficiently funded,” she added.
Ambassador Fatima underscored the need for timely reimbursement to the troops and police contributing countries for their personnel and equipment support. It may be noted that Bangladesh is the top troops and police contributing country in UN peacekeeping operations with nearly 7,000 peacekeepers serving in 7 missions.
In her statement, Bangladesh PR urged the member states to take into account the impact of COVID-19 on peacekeeping operations and ensure sufficient allocation in order to allow the peacekeepers to cope with the challenges, while considering peacekeeping budget. She praised our peacekeepers for continued efforts to fulfill their mandates in maintaining peace, stability and security in the conflict prone countries and regions, despite the challenges of the pandemic.
Highlighting Sheikh Hasina Government’s endeavors in the context of woman participation in peacekeeping, Ambassador Fatima said that increased participation of women in peacekeeping has been a key strategic objective of National Action Plan on Women Peace and Security in Bangladesh. She expressed concern at the low representation of woman in the peacekeeping operations, especially in the senior leadership positions. “We must continue to invest in our collective efforts towards full, effective and meaningful participation of women at all peacekeeping levels and positions,” she added.
Fifth Committee of the UN General Assembly sits in May every year to consider the budget of UN peacekeeping missions.
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