– As delivered –
Statement by H.E. Volkan Bozkir, President of the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly
15 December 2020
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His Excellency, Mr. Milenko Esteban Skoknic Tapia, Permanent Representative of Chile to the United Nations and Chair of the Sixth Committee during the 75th?session,
Members of the Bureau of the Sixth Committee,
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
The 75th?session will be remembered as an extraordinary one. The global COVID-19 pandemic presented major challenges to how the United Nations operated around the world, including here in the General Assembly. I am pleased to note that at a time of crisis, the Sixth Committee stepped up to the plate, and completed its work ahead of schedule.
I credit the leadership of Ambassador Skoknic Tapia, Chair of the Committee, and the Committee membership for organising the programme of work in the most productive way possible.? Furthermore, hybrid meetings were held and time limitations put in place for interventions ¨C on an exceptional basis ¨C in order to ensure efficiency.
I thank the Bureau, and all delegations for your cooperation in this regard. It is truly your commitment to this vital work that ensures that the Sixth Committee remains the primary forum for the consideration of legal questions in the General Assembly.
Indeed, this year¡¯s event on the occasion of International Law Day highlighted the contribution of the United Nations to the development of international law over the past three quarters of a century. I commend the Sixth Committee for organising such an engaging and inclusive virtual event.
Throughout 2020 we have spoken about solidarity and unity being our first line of defence. This is certainly true for the Sixth Committee, where the tradition of consensus was upheld resulting in the successful adoption of 19 draft resolutions, and 10 draft decisions.
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Throughout 2020 we have spoken about solidarity and unity being our first line of defence. This is certainly true for the Sixth Committee, where the tradition of consensus was upheld resulting in the successful adoption of 19 draft resolutions, and 10 draft decisions.
The Committee successfully discussed each item on its agenda, including measures to eliminate international terrorism, rule of law at national and international levels, criminal accountability of Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ officials, and crimes against humanity.
Delegations made progress on important topics by introducing technical and key substantive changes in the draft proposals, including the texts related to international trade law, progressive development of international law or strengthening and promoting the international treaty framework.
The reports on each agenda item discussed today are now for the Assembly to consider based on the recommendations of the Committee, including the four new requests for Observer Status in the General Assembly. I thank all existing Observers for their meaningful participation in high-level meetings of the General Assembly this session, and the Membership for ensuring this inclusivity through specific decisions.
Excellencies,
Distinguished delegates,
Once again, I thank you for upholding the spirit of the Charter of the United Nations, by maintaining an overall focus on opportunities for the progressive development and codification of international law.
Your work ethic and collegiality signify to the world that when we can agree on a path forward, we all benefit. Moving forward, the onus remains upon each of us to strengthen the multilateral system and bolster international law in order to create a better world for all.
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