U.S. Alternate Representative for Special Political Affairs to the United Nations Jeffrey DeLaurentis today said the United States is committed to make UN peacekeeping more effective.
In his remarks at the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C-34) 2012 Substantive Session. Mr. DeLaurentis said the United States is an ardent supporter of efforts to bolster the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping.
“The dedication and sacrifice of the many UN peacekeepers, particularly the 113 who died in the line of duty over the past year, continue to make an important difference in the lives of people around the world.” -Mr. DeLaurentis
UN Photo/Marco Dormino
He cites that the United States is particularly proud to fund a number of workshops and projects to develop training and guidance related to protection of civilians, police curricula, and standards of learning.
“This work is being done in conjunction with troop and police contributors, missions in the field, and with peacekeeping centers around the world, to get as wide and as informed input as possible.” -Mr. DeLaurentis
He reports that the United States continues its commitment to direct training and support for deployments.
The United States has directly trained over 120,000 peacekeeping troops since 2005, and have supported the training of 35,000 more through partner countries.
The United States has facilitated the deployment of more than 109,000 peacekeepers from 30 countries to 19 peacekeeping operations around the world.
Mr. DeLaurentis stresses that the United States has sustained its commitment to meet its obligations under the UN peacekeeping assessed budget, annually about $2 billion.
The United States has made a substantial commitment of $23 million over the last two U.S. fiscal years to help enhance the operational capacity of police peacekeepers and to contribute to the development of UN doctrine, policy, and training on international policing.
“We strongly believe that our UN peacekeepers, whether male or female, soldier, police, or civilian, are unified in their dedication to safeguard the peace, protect civilians, consolidate the rule of law and lay the foundation for more stable and democratic societies to flourish.” -Mr. DeLaurentis
He stresses that the UN peacekeepers rightfully derive considerable pride in their service to the UN and to the countries they are shielding from the scourge of war.
The United States strongly believe all the countries assembled together here in New York are unified by the imperative of working together to facilitate the UN in making missions as effective as possible and in supporting those missions throughout their deployment.
“We have a great deal of work to do in the coming weeks, yet I am hopeful that our deliberations will further our collective goals.” -Mr. DeLaurentis
Increasing the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping is one of the highest priorities for the United States at the United Nations.
On 2009, the U.S. made assessed contributions of $2.6 billion to the UN peacekeeping budget and gave more than $3.6 billion in humanitarian and development assistance to eight countries where UN peacekeepers serve.
In addition, the United States has contributed more than $4 million on 2010 to the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
On 2010, U.S. support for police training and development totals $22 million.
