Financial reports and audited financial statements, and reports of the Board of Auditors

Accepts the financial reports and audited financial statements and the audit opinions and reports of the Board of Auditors on UNITAR and the voluntary funds administered by UNHCR; requests the Board of Auditors to monitor compliance with the relevant provisions on consultants in General Assembly resolution 51/226, section VI, of 3 Apr. 1997; requests the Executive Director of UNITAR and UNHCR to complete the implementation of the recommendations of the Board of Auditors; endorses the request of the Advisory Committee that the Executive Director of the Institute and the High Commissioner consult with the Board of Auditors on the implications of submitting biennial reports instead of annual reports, and to report thereon to the General Assembly at its 53rd session; reiterates its request that the Office of UNHCR comply fully with the UN system accounting standards; expresses concern at the observations made by the Board of Auditors, in paragraphs 79 to 98 of its report, regarding the use of consultants, and endorses its recommendations thereon; recommends that the Office of the High Commissioner take immediate steps to improve its contracting policy, to prepare more precise terms of reference and to establish and maintain an updated central roster; requests the Office of the High Commissioner fully to observe and implement the established procedure for procurement, including procurement of goods and services from as wide a geographical basis as possible, and the provisions of General Assembly resolution 51/213 of 13 June 1997.

Adopted without vote, 79th meeting

Adopted at the 79th plenary meeting, 22 Dec. 1997.