STATEMENT
BY
MR. WANJUKI MUCHEMI
SOLICITOR GENERAL
OF THE REPUBLIC OF KENYA
ON
AGENDA ITEM 80
CRIMINAL ACCOUNTABILITY OF UNITED NATIONS OFFICIALS AND EXPERTS ON MISSION
NEW YORK,
ON 15TH OCTOBER 2007
Mr. Chairman,
Kenya wishes to associate itself fully with the statements made by Cuba on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.
Mr. Chairman,
My delegation recognizes that the task of peacekeeping is a noble calling, which also involves considerable sacrifice to some degree. We however take cognizance of the fact that there have been a few individuals in peacekeeping operations that have engaged in conduct that has adversely affected the repute of this noble calling. This should not be allowed to continue.
Mr. Chairman,
Whenever persons participating in United Nations operations commit crimes of any nature it negatively impacts on the trust that the UN seeks from the affected local communities whom UN personnel are deployed to serve. This in turn makes the work of the UN difficult to accomplish, given that without the trust of the local communities, UN mandate may not receive the necessary cooperation. In this connection, we strongly support the proposal for pre-deployment training of UN Officials and Experts on Mission.
Mr. Chairman,
My delegation will welcome efforts to study and put in place appropriate legal mechanisms to address existing legal gaps if any as a matter of urgency.
Mr. Chairman,
As this Committee begins deliberating this live issue, it is important to bear in mind that the greatest tasks of today require the greatest consensus. It is crucial therefore, for Member States to solidify their efforts in confronting the challenge at hand by building consensus.
Mr. Chairman,
Africa is a major recipient of the UN peacekeeping troops as well as UN Officials and Experts on Mission. Kenya is one of the main African contributing countries of both categories of personnel. By virtue of this, we take keen interest in this matter, which we find to be legitimate, and urge for flexibility, sobriety and understanding in the negotiations, for a desirable outcome.
Thank you.
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