Mr. Chair,

1. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 137 (Programme Budget for 2021 – Managing After Service Health Insurance) for the first part of the resumed 76th session of the Fifth Committee.

2. The Group of 77 and China wishes to thank Mr. Chandramouli Ramanathan, Assistant Secretary-General and Controller, Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget, for his introduction of the Secretary General’s report on Managing After-Service Health Insurance, as contained in document A/76/373, and the Chair of the Advisory Committee on Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) Mr. Abdallah Bachar Bong, for his introduction of the report of the ACABQ, as contained in document A/76/579.

Mr. Chair,

3. The Group reiterates the importance it attaches to the welfare of UN staff members and remains committed to the settlement of their end-of service liabilities, including those related to after-service health insurance as many of them cannot benefit from the national social security schemes of Member States, owing to their service with the United Nations.

4. Our Group has carefully considered the Secretary General’s report and notes with appreciation the concerns of the General Assembly set out in resolution 73/239. The Group has also noted concerns regarding significant after-service health insurance liabilities and the implications they could have on the sustainability of ASHI and solvency of the organization in future.

Mr. Chair,

5. We are deeply mindful of the long-term implications that decisions on this issue can have on future budgets of the United Nations and its staff members and we look forward to the informal sessions where we intend to seek a more in-depth understanding of the proposed payroll charge, bearing in mind the fundamental interests of the United Nations Staff and member-state contributions. </p>

6. On behalf of the Group of 77 and China, I assure you that we stand ready to engage constructively on this important issue and look forward to working closely with our partners to find practical and workable solutions.

I thank you.