STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP OF 77 AND CHINA BY MR LYLE DAVIDSON, COUNSELLOR AT THE PERMANENT MISSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM 144, 145 AND 146 IN PARTICULAR ON THE SECOND PERFORMANCE REPORTS FOR THE BIENNIUM 2014-2015 AND BUDGET PROPOSALS FOR THE BIENNIUM 2016-2017 OF THE INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL TRIBUNALS FOR RWANDA AND THE FORMER YUGOSLAVIA, AND INTERNATIONAL RESIDUAL MECHANISM FOR CRIMINAL TRIBUNALS RESPECTIVELY AT THE MAIN PART OF THE SEVENTIETH SESSION OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (New York, 15 December 2015)

Mr. Chairman,

I have the honour to speak on the behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda items 144, 145 and 146, in particular on the second performance reports for the biennium 2014-2015 and budget proposals for the biennium 2016-2017 for the International Criminal Tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia as well as the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals.

At the outset, the Group would like to thank Mr. Johannes Huisman, Director of the Programme Planning and Budget Division, for introducing the Secretary-General's reports on these agenda items. We would also like to thank Mr. Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, for introducing its related reports.

The Group would also like to state its appreciation to the Governments of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Kingdom of the Netherlands for their continued support to the work of Tribunals and the Residual Mechanism.

Mr. Chairman,

The Group of 77 and China once again appreciates the continued quality of the report of the Board of Auditors on the tribunals and the residual mechanism. The Group welcomes the Board continuing to issue separate reports for each of the entities as requested by the Group, and expects that this principle will continue to be respected, in particular for the final account of the ICTR. The Group also emphasizes the need for full and timely implementation of all recommendations of the Board of Auditors.

With regard to the performance reports, the Group notes the revised appropriations for the ICTR, ICTY and IRM in the amount of $169, $191 and $71.6 respectively. The Group notes that, with the exception of the ICTR, accounts reflect a decrease of resources from the revised appropriations. The Group will seek further information on variances during the informal consultations.

Mr. Chairman,

With regard to the budget proposal for 2016-2017, the Group of 77 and China notes the resource proposal for ICTR of $2.5 million (before recosting) to cover the liquidation activities for a period of five months. The Group notes that the proposed resources will cover key elements related to the winding up of the ICTR, including the disposal of assets, repatriation of staff members and their families, processing final entitlements, settlements of all liabilities and recovery of receivables. The preparation of final audited accounts and the performance report, as well as the dismantling of temporary structures will be covered under the proposed budget.

The Group notes with concern the challenges that have been faced in similar liquidation processes of UN entities, and will therefore carefully scrutinize the liquidation process and proposed resources in this regard. The Group emphasises the need to maintain institutional memory during the liquidation stage and urges the Secretary-General to take additional measures to protect records, information and inventory during this process.

Mr. Chairman,

With regard to the proposed budget for the ICTY, the Group of 77 and China notes the proposed resources of $113.6 million (before recosting), a decrease of 43.6% from the current biennium. The Group also notes the proposed staff reduction target. The Group remains concerned about the level and pace of implementation of the completion strategy, which is far behind that of the ICTR. The Group will seek further information on the planning assumption in this regard, as well as on the ability of the ICTY to complete its given mandate in a timely manner. The Group will further seek information on how the imbalance in geographical representation in the ICTY has been addressed.

Mr. Chairman,

With regard to the proposed budget for the IRM, the Group of 77 and China notes the proposed resources of $140.9 million (before recosting), an increase of 22% compared to the current biennium. The Group will seek further information on travel patterns and expenditure, including travel by the Registrar between Arusha and The Hague. The Group will also examine the merit of the existing double-hatting arrangement between the IRM and ICTY as well as staff costs in the two stations, with the aim of enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in mandate delivery.

The Group notes with concern the problems in the IRM Arusha Branch absorbing general service staff, including security staff, from the ICTR. The Group urges the Secretary-General to address this as a matter of priority. The Group will seek specific updates in this regard during the informal consultations, as well as an update on the status of construction in Arusha.

Mr. Chairman,
 
In conclusion, the Group would like to assure you of its readiness to engage constructively in the deliberations on this agenda item with the aim of reaching a positive outcome as quickly as possible, taking into account the time constraints that the Committee is now operating under.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman.