India Seeks Crucial Reforms of UN Security Institutions

"We have, in the past, also emphasized that the external footprint, including of the UN, should be light to avoid any possible overtones of neo-colonialism," he added.

Noting that establishment and maintenance of public order is important, Ambassador Mukerji said a security vacuum after a peace agreement is dangerous. The focus has to be on what is do-able and not on an agenda driven by priorities of donor countries.

"Given the importance of national ownership and the scarcity of resources, the priority, in our view, should be given to issues such as ensuring impartiality in recruitment, vetting of new recruits and training. A focus on the political dimension of police reform will only be controversial and, perhaps, also counter-productive," he said.

He cautioned against an over reliance on "innovative" approaches, in instances when there is need to cut costs.

"There is a belief that UN missions can be asked to do more with less. We can understand that - at some level - such logic will appeal to some people. The truth, however, is that cost cannot be cut without also cutting corners," he added.

He urged Member-States to be pragmatic by only including mandates that are deliverable and for which resources are available.

"Security sector capacity building needs to necessarily occupy centre-stage in security sector reform. Such an approach would be both cost-effective and sustainable," he said.

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