The Group of 77 and China has always supported the efforts of the Secretary-General to ensure greater accountability of staff and our Group has called for the strengthening of the accountability framework of the United Nations and reforms to the systems of administration of justice and human resources management of the Organization.

The Group of 77 and China expects the Secretary-General to take immediate action in cases of corruption, fraud or any wrongdoing within the Organization. We believe that staff should be held accountable for any wrongdoings irrespective of their nationality or seniority. At the same time, we wish to ensure that any disciplinary action meets due process and is line with the principles of justice, and the rules and regulations of the Organization. The Group of 77 and China is pleased that the Secretary-General agrees with the Group on the importance of ensuring accountability at all levels and that staff under investigation is entitled to due process.

The General Assembly has a Charter-mandated role of oversight on matters affecting the Secretariat and resources of the Organization. The Secretariat has an obligation to inform Member States through the General Assembly of instances of serious corruption and wrongdoing. This does not prevent the Secretary-General from taking decisive action or disciplinary measure against any staff member of the Secretariat. The interaction between the media and the Secretariat does not replace this Charter requirement for the Secretariat to report to Member States through the General Assembly. The Group of 77 and China is pleased that the Secretary-General agrees that the Secretariat should refrain from any action that would infringe upon the prerogatives of Member States and the General Assembly.

The Group of 77 and China is committed to working with the Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly to achieve the reform of the United Nations within the inter-governmental framework that the Organization provides. We believe that reform should be meaningful, strengthen the ability of the Organization to implement its mandates effectively and enable it to serve the interests of the collective membership.