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STATEMENT BY

MS. NUR AZURA ABD KARIM

COUNSELLOR

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

ON AGENDA ITEM 78:

UNITED NATIONS PROGRAMME OF ASSISTANCE IN THE TEACHING, STUDY,

DISSEMINATION AND WIDER APPRECIATION OF INTERNATIONAL LAW

 

AT THE SIXTH COMMITTEE OF

THE 78TH SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

 

NEW YORK, 19 OCTOBER 2023

Mr. Chair,

 

Malaysia aligns itself with the statements made by the Cuba on behalf of the Group of 77 and China, and by Singapore on behalf of ASEAN.

 

2.     We wish to thank the Secretary-General for his report on the United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law reflected in document A/78/514. We further commend the Codification Division of the Office of Legal Affairs for their dedication and efforts in implementing the various activities under the Programme.

 

3.     We also wish to express our gratitude to H.E. Harold Adlai Agyeman, Chair of the Advisory Committee, for his excellent steering of the Committee’s work.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

4.     We view international law as the legal bedrock governing and regulating inter-State relations. Better understanding and appreciation of international law would lead to its proper implementation and application. Within this context, the importance and significance of the teaching, study, dissemination and wider appreciation of international law cannot be over-stated.

 

5.     The Programme of Assistance has contributed significantly to and enhanced the understanding of international law among practitioners and those whose work are related to international law. The various courses organised under the auspices of the Programme of Assistance, such as the International Law Fellowship Programme and the Regional Courses in International Law, continue to receive overwhelming response, which indicates a strong demand for international law training. We welcome the resumption of in-person format for the courses, which we believe promotes in-depth exchanges and long-lasting professional bonds between the attendees.

 

6.     We also fully appreciate and support the efforts made to improve gender parity and geographical diversity of the beneficiaries of this Programme. We also welcome and encourage initiatives to extend the Programme’s reach to the wider public, irrespective of their level of awareness or knowledge of international law.

 

7.     We are pleased to note that the Codification Division has continued to enhance the material available on the Audiovisual Library. The Division has made significant efforts to conduct off-site recordings which we believe will benefit users all over the globe. We also welcome the initiative to produce miniseries intended for those with basic or minimal knowledge in international law, as well as efforts to make available the legal materials in as many languages as possible.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

8.     If we are to stay true to our commitment to the teaching, study, dissemination and wider appreciation of international law, we should strive to ensure that opportunities to do so are made available and accessible to as wide an audience as possible.

 

9.     We encourage States to continue promoting the study and appreciation of international law at the national level. We also join other delegations in calling for the Programme of Assistance to continue to be financed from the regular United Nations budget.

 

Mr. Chair,

 

10.     The Programme of Assistance is important to our fundamental quest in instilling the rule of law in international relations. Strengthening the foundation of international law would promote peaceful relations between States. Malaysia is pleased to participate in the Advisory Committee and will continue to support the Programme, as well as play a constructive role, for the benefit of generations of legal practitioners, now and in the future.

 

Thank you.