Statement by H.E. Mr. Yuriy Sergeyev 

Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations

at the Security Council debate on “UN Peacekeeping: a multidimensional approach”

(21 January 2013)

Mr. President,

 

Let me thank you for holding this important debate. The choice of today’s theme came quite naturally for Pakistan as a top troop-contributor to UN operations. I would like to join previous speakers in commending extraordinary role of your country in this sphere, as well as praise your delegation for a comprehensive and thought-provoking Concept Note.  

 

Our appreciation also goes to the Secretary-General for his insight into today’s topic.

 

While Ukraine aligns itself with the statement by the European Union, I find it pertinent to make a few brief points in my national capacity.

 

From its inception 65 years ago, UN peacekeeping made a long way, evolving and adopting to ever-changing environment at the every juncture of this road. What we have now is an increasingly complex enterprise embracing multiple dimensions, with peacekeeping missions greatly varying in nature, scope and size. At the time of the first UN deployment it could have hardly been envisaged that nowadays peacekeeping covers all five recurring peacebuilding priorities, ranging from security to economic revitalization. 

 

It is therefore of utmost importance that peacebuilding challenges are factored by all stakeholders into Integrated Strategic Assessment and Mission Planning processes in order to ensure a coherence of mutually reinforcing activities. Equally, peacebuilding mandates assigned to complex peacekeeping operations – such as support for SSR, DDR and national political processes, electoral assistance and others – have to be as much detailed, credible and achievable as possible, tailoring relevant PKOs to unique local realities and needs.

 

In this light we fully support today’s Security Council resolution. It broadly incorporates Ukraine’s vision of how further to clarify evolving nexus between peacekeeping and peacebuilding. We particularly welcome Council’s commitment to better integrate early peacebuilding tasks into PKOs’ mandates; to make sure that these mandates are matched by appropriate resources; to further enhance cooperation and consultations with Troop and Police Contributing Countries; and to strengthen UN field security arrangements so as to improve the safety and security of “blue helmets”.      

 

Ukraine believes that implementation of today’s resolution will contribute to progress on taking forward a comprehensive strategy for durable peace and security.  

 

Mr. President,

 

A concept at the heart of today’s debate – that of multiple dimensions – fully applies to Ukraine’s contribution to the UN efforts in maintaining international peace and security. Our share in global partnership called UN Peacekeeping encompasses military, police, civilian as well as political dimensions.

 

Last 20 years have witnessed an active military, police and civilian engagement of Ukraine in over 20 missions under the UN mandate. As of today my country has contributed over 34,000 “blue helmets” to UN peacekeeping efforts in every region of their deployment around the world.

 

Ukraine is committed to further support the UN in its peacekeeping endeavour. This year, at the Secretariat’s request, we contemplate doubling our military aviation unit in MONUSCO. Recognizing added value of inter-mission cooperation in terms of military advantages, cost-effectiveness and promotion of regional approaches to regional issues, Ukraine will further pioneer this innovative form of peacekeeping. Earlier this month Ukrainian Parliament granted approval to the permanent transfer of our armed helicopters from Liberia to Cote d’Ivoire, to be used in both countries along and across their border in accordance with Council’s resolution 2062 (2062).  

 

Being also an active police-contributing country and committed actor in the area of peacebuilding, Ukraine plans to send a formed police unit to the UN Mission in Liberia. This step will be a practical follow-up to Ukraine’s membership in the UN Peacebuilding Commission and a Steering Group of its Liberia Configuration.  

 

Mr. President,

 

As was pointed out by the President of Ukraine in his address to the General Assembly last September, our country is truly proud of contribution of its sons and daughters – military, police civilian personnel – who have been serving and continue to serve the cause of peace under the UN flag.

 

We are resolved to maintain and advance our multidimensional engagement in UN peacekeeping operations in the years to come.

 

I thank you.