Another mission would be going to Sierra Leone soon. The Council held the first-ever public hearing on the abuse of diamonds in fueling the conflict in Sierra Leone. It is encouraging to note that the Council is giving more attention to situations of humanitarian crises involving the civilian population. For the first time, peace operations are being mandated with child protection advisors. These are promising beginnings.
Reforms are another area of critical importance.
Bangladesh has all along advocated reforms that promote transparency, openness and participation in the work of the Council. We believe that the Council must be more representative and responsive to the views of all United Nations members. A well-reformed Security Council needs to be well resourced. There must be predictability of resources for the tasks the Council is engaged in. Its initiatives should not be paralyzed by financial constraints.