"Peace operations are now facing new challenges" [fr]

I thank Mr. Lacroix for his presentation.

I would like to emphasize three points.

The "Action for Peacekeeping" (A4P) initiative has led to a convergence of action by the missions, the Secretariat and the Member States around clear priorities. The United Nations has adapted to difficult crisis theaters. MINUSMA, MINUSCA, MONUSCO and UNMISS have been able to implement more robust peacekeeping. They did so without losing sight of their role to support political processes.

Peace operations are now facing new challenges: one of them is contestation by the host state, sometimes by local communities. The presence of mercenaries, with the weakening of the host state and the atrocities that go with it, is another particularly dangerous one. These challenges are amplified by the manipulation of information. In some cases, these hostile actions have resulted in the death of peacekeepers, who become priority targets. France pays tribute to them.

We are encouraged by the adaptation efforts undertaken by the United Nations in the context of the "Action for Peacekeeping +" (A4P+) initiative. In particular, compliance by the host state with its obligations is fundamental. Any breach of this principle disregards the authority of the Security Council, jeopardizes the safety of peacekeepers and hinders the implementation of their mandate.

France defends an ambitious vision of peacekeeping, which is reflected in the A4P+ initiative. In 2022, it increased its voluntary contributions by allocating $3.7 million to the Department of Peace Operations and to the Department of Operational Support.

In particular, we have supported the digital transformation of peacekeeping, efforts in strategic communications and countering disinformation, and countering improvised explosive devices. We are working to improve the language skills of contingents and continue to promote the participation of women in peacekeeping operations. I salute those women who, thanks to their language skills, are on the front lines with civilian populations.

These efforts must continue, in particular by strengthening the human rights components responsible for reporting on violations committed in the field.

We are convinced that the future of peacekeeping lies in strengthening partnerships.

I am referring to the partnership with the African Union and the financing of African peace operations from UN assessed contributions. In this regard, we hope that clear guidelines will be defined at the African Union Summit in February 2023, in order to allow the negotiations to resume in New York.

I also have in mind the partnership with the European Union. EU member states deploy more than 5,000 staff in peace operations. The European Union’s operations and its financial instruments complement the action of the United Nations and the African Union in numerous crisis situations. The European Union has allocated 1.5 billion euros to support conflict prevention and security efforts in sub-Saharan Africa for the period 2021-2027.

Thank you for your attention.