EU Explanation of Vote – UN General Assembly: adoption of the Resolution on Cooperation between the UN and the African Union

Mr. Chair,

I have the honour to deliver this explanation of vote on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The European Union and its Member States attach great importance to the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union, as a cornerstone of multilateral cooperation in peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights. In line with Chapter VIII of the UN Charter, we strongly support cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations as an essential tool for the peaceful settlement of disputes and the promotion of international peace and security. We therefore support this resolution and will vote in favour. 

This update is timely, given that the last resolution on this topic dates back twelve years, with resolution 67/302 of 2013. The negotiations allowed for important progress, including references to the 2030 Agenda, the Pact for the Future, Security Council resolution 2719, and the role of the Peacebuilding Commission and the Peacebuilding Fund. We also value the strengthened language on human rights, gender equality and women’s empowerment, as well as concrete examples of cooperation in peace and security and sustainable development. 

However, we regret that the process leading to today’s adoption was rushed during July and August and did not meet the standards of transparency and inclusiveness that should guide negotiations in this Assembly. The EU expected further consultations with the core group on the only outstanding issue for us, namely operative paragraph 33. Despite our readiness to engage constructively and to propose compromise and agreed language, our concerns were not accommodated.

For this reason, the EU and its Member States must disassociate themselves from OP33 and wishes its objection to be recorded in the minutes of the meeting. The reference to “equitable geographical representation” goes beyond the scope of this resolution and touches upon sensitive issues of human resources policy that remain unresolved in the Fifth Committee. Consensus has never been reached on the meaning of this concept, including during the adoption of resolution 77/278 — the most significant reform of the desirable ranges system in decades. While we support continued efforts by the Secretary-General to achieve gender balance and recruitment on as wide a geographical base as possible, we cannot accept the inclusion of this concept in today’s text and we wish to again, underline, that any discussion of this topic falls strictly under the purview of the Fifth Committee. 

Let me stress, however, that our disassociation from this paragraph does not affect our support for the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union. This year, the African Union and European Union celebrate 25 years of their unique and successful partnership. We will continue to work closely with African partners to promote peace and security, sustainable development, and human rights, in full respect of the UN Charter and international law.

Thank you.