Fifth Committee

STATEMENT BY MS JASMINE TAN, DELEGATE TO THE 65TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 139: REPORT ON THE ACTIVITIES OF THE OFFICE OF INTERNAL OVERSIGHT SERVICES AND AGENDA ITEM 128: REVIEW OF THE EFFICIENCY OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND FINANCIAL FUNCTIONING OF THE UNITED NATIONS, FIFTH COMMITTEE, 8 OCTOBER 2010

1 Thank you, Mr Chairman. As this is the first time that my delegation is taking the floor this session, allow me to congratulate you and your distinguished colleagues on your election to the Fifth Committee Bureau. My delegation is confident that under your stewardship and guidance, the Committee will be able to complete its work in a timely and efficient manner.

2 I would like to thank Ms Carman Lapointe, the new Under-Secretary-General for Internal Oversight Services, for introducing the report on the activities of the Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS), as contained in document A/65/271 (Part 1) and its addendum. This is also a good opportunity for my delegation to congratulate Ms Lapointe on her appointment, and reaffirm our full support for her in the discharge of her mandates and duties. Ms Lapointe's record speaks for itself and we look forward to working closely with her to strengthen the internal oversight regime of the United Nations.

3 My delegation would also like to thank Mr David Walker, Chairperson of the Independent Audit Advisory Committee (IAAC) for introducing the report on the activities of the IAAC, as contained in document A/65/329.

Mr Chairman,

4 While my delegation welcomes Ms Lapointe to the UN family, we remain concerned about the separate issue of the appointment process following the departure of the former USG, Ms Inga Britt Ahlenius. In particular, we regret that the principle of geographical rotation had not been adhered to. This is important within the broader context of accountability as Member States need to be confident that the UN Secretariat's practices are faithful to the mandates and responsibilities entrusted to it by Member States. In this regard, we note that the manner in which the post of the USG for Internal Oversight Services was filled - without full consultation with Member States or the application of the principle of geographic rotation - does not set a precedent for future appointments.

Mr Chairman,

5 Singapore firmly believes in the value of strengthening accountability, fairness, and oversight in the United Nations (UN). It was for this reason that we had supported the establishment of the OIOS in 1994, with the aim to instil the highest ethical standards, transparency and fairness throughout the Secretariat. Today, the OIOS faces an enormous task as the scope, volume and complexity of UN activities have multiplied over the years. More than ever, there is a need for strong controls, accountability and oversight in the UN.

6 In this regard, it is critical that Member States monitor and ensure the operational independence of the OIOS in order for it to function effectively as an audit and oversight body for the Secretary-General. Singapore continues to support the goal of strengthening investigations to combat corruption and wrong-doing at all levels in the Secretariat, as accountability must apply to all in order for it to work. Hence we encourage the OIOS to urgently remedy the staffing situation in its Investigations Division. We would also ask OIOS to stay mindful of the need to ensure that all investigations are conducted fairly and in a transparent manner to prevent abuse and biases within the system.

7 On the Independent Audit Advisory Committee, my delegation's experience continues to be that the IAAC has consistently provided useful insights on how the OIOS can improve its work. We have benefited from the IAAC's work, and are thus appreciative of its efforts in advising the General Assembly.

Mr Chairman,

8 There are several important issues related to this item that will need to be fully discussed by the Committee in the weeks ahead. These are important as they will help chart the direction that this Organization takes to improve its track record in terms of accountability, transparency and efficiency. Therefore, my delegation looks forward to engaging constructively and actively in the coming negotiations.

Thank you, Mr Chairman.