Mr. Chair,

1. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 140: Human Resources Management, in particular on seconded active military and police personnel.

2. The Group wishes to thank the Secretariat and the Advisory Committee for their respective reports.

Mr. Chair,

3. The Group attaches great importance to the human resources of this Organisation. The efficient and effective delivery of mandates require a diverse, flexible and dynamic workforce that is both motivated and adequately compensated for their contributions. The Group remains committed to addressing reforms that are necessary for the Organisation to meet present and emerging global challenges.

4. In this regard, the Group has studied the Secretary-General’s proposals regarding the secondment of active duty military and police personnel. The Group attaches critical importance to the principle of equal pay for equal work, while not precluding the participation of all Member States. The Group concurs with the ACABQ that there is potential for unequal treatment from the implementation of the measures proposed in the report of the Secretary-General, and stresses that seconded officers performing functions similar to those of international civil servants should be remunerated in accordance with the standards established by the International Civil Service Commission.

Mr. Chair,

5. The Group is concerned that there has not been sufficient engagement with Member States since the General Assembly’s decision at its 71st session to extend the application of exceptional measures for up to three years, and that no additional outreach to Member States has taken place since December 2019.

6. The Group stresses that this long-standing issue should be resolved expeditiously in order to avoid any legal conflicts. However, the Group also recognises that any amendments to or waiver of the staff regulations and rules must be carefully studied, and that all other alternatives must be adequately considered before any action is taken.

7. Consequently, the Group concurs with the ACABQ that further analysis on the issue of conflict between national legislation and United Nations regulations and rules is needed. In this regard, the Group invites the Secretary-General to further engage with the relevant Member States regarding the possibility of making amendments to their national legislation.

8. In conclusion, Mr. Chair, the Group assures you of our commitment to engage constructively on this important agenda item.

I thank you, Mr. Chair.