STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA BY MR. MISHAL MOHAMMED AL-ANSARI STATE OF QATAR ON AGENDA ITEM 115: JOINT INSPECTION UNIT (New York, 6 October 2004)

Mr. Chairman,

1. The Group of 77 and China would like to thank the JIU for presenting a programme of work that is both relevant and useful. We are happy to see a number of topics that are not only pertinent in terms of their system-wide relevance but also those that would enhance the effectiveness of the work of the Organisation and the entire UN System.

2. The JIU has, over the last year or so, made commendable efforts at reform of its working methods and in suggesting measures to improve the quality of its reports. Earlier this year, we had occasion to discuss at length the proposals it has made to put in place tools and methodology for selection of topics for study as well as for the validation of conclusions and recommendations within the Unit in keeping with the practice of collective responsibility. The Unit has also developed a Strategic Framework to guide its work. The Group of 77 and China believes that these measureswill go a long way in improving both the choice of topics on which studies are conducted, in which area the results are already apparent, as well as in the quality of reports in terms of the action ability and relevance of recommendations.

3. The JIU in its Conference Room Paper A/C.5/59/CRP.1 has outlined several further measures to improve the mode of its operation. The Group welcomes these further measures and notes with satisfaction that the JIU’s efforts at extensive and systematic consultations with participating organizations from the early stages of preparation of reports have resulted in several reports having been well received and generated considerable interest.

4. In so far as the reports relevant to the General Assembly are concerned, the Group calls upon all delegations to actively involve themselves in the framing of the work programme of the JIU. It is only by such involvement that the General Assembly would be able to task the JIU with reports on subjects it considers most pertinent. The JIU should also be guided by this principle in formulating its other reports on topical issues in order to impact positively on the work of the General Assembly.

5. Furthermore, the Group would like to state that reform is a continuous process. In this light, the JIU is encouraged to continue its efforts at reform of its working methods, including, inter alia, through implementing fully all the provisions of the statute, empowering the chairman to exercise overall managerial responsibility of the Unit and in improving the quality of its reports.

6. In conclusion, the Group would like to reiterate the importance it attaches to the JIU as the sole system-wide, independent, external oversight body of the United Nations System.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.