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INTERVENTION BY

MR. ESCOPPER ZUMILA MICHAEL JAWA

LONG-TERM DELEGATE TO THE 78TH UNGA

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

AT THE COMBINED BRIEFING BY

SPECIAL PROCEDURE MANDATE HOLDERS ON THE RIGHT TO DEVELOPMENT

 

THIRD COMMITTEE OF THE 78TH UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY

 

UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK, 13 OCTOBER 2023

 

 

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

 

At the outset, Malaysia thanks the Chair-Rapporteur of the Working Group on the Right to Development, the Chair of the Expert Mechanism on the Right to Development, and the Special Rapporteur on the Right to Development, for their presentations to the Committee.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

2.     Almost four decades ago, this Assembly adopted the landmark Declaration on the Right to Development, which recognizes the right to development as an inalienable human right. This right is further reaffirmed in the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action (VDPA) as a universal and inalienable right and an integral part of fundamental human rights. The promotion and protection of this right is also enshrined in General Assembly Resolution 48/141 as part of the responsibilities of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. As such, it is imperative that the right to development be treated in a fair and equal manner, on the same footing, and with the same emphasis as all other human rights.

 

3.     On this auspicious occasion of the 30th anniversary of the VDPA, Malaysia is pleased that the plenary of the 54th Session of the Human Rights Council yesterday adopted the resolution on the Right to Development, which amongst others, decides to submit the draft international covenant on the right to development to the General Assembly for its consideration, negotiation and subsequent adoption. We take this opportunity to commend Ambassador Zamir Akram for his efforts in presenting the draft international covenant.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

4.      Malaysia’s firm belief in the right to development is reflected in its national policies and programmes. The five-yearly Malaysia Plans serve as the blueprint for national socioeconomic development, ensuring that the people can enjoy the benefits of development. Additionally, the Government has also launched a new policy called “Madani Economy: Empowering the People”, which places people at the heart of development. This policy underscores our commitment to provide social protection to all, employment with meaningful wages and wealth-sharing to build a more equitable and prosperous society.

 

Mr. Chair, 

 

5.     Malaysia continues to attach importance to the right to development and remains committed towards its operationalisation. Our question to Ambassador Akram, Ms. Valiña and Mr. Deva is: while there has been significant support towards the elaboration of a legally-binding instrument on the right of development, what is, in your respective views, the way forward in ensuring the effective operationalisation and full implementation of this right?

 

I thank you.