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STATEMENT BY

H.E. SYED MOHAMAD HASRIN AIDID

PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA

TO THE UNITED NATIONS

 

AT THE SECURITY COUNCIL HIGH-LEVEL OPEN DEBATE ON STRENGTHENING ACCOUNTABILITY AND JUSTICE FOR SERIOUS VIOLATIONS OF INTERNATIONAL LAW

 

2 JUNE 2022, NEW YORK

 

 

Mr. President,

 

At the outset, Malaysia would like to thank Albania for organising this timely meeting. We would also like to thank the briefers for their valuable contribution to this debate.

 

Mr. President,

 

2.         Accountability is not an option; it is essential. It remains the only way to end impunity and ensure justice and reconciliation to prevent further conflict. Serious violations of international law such as genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity, and other severe human rights abuses can destabilise countries and regions, threatening international peace and security.

 

3.         At the core of our collective effort to establish accountability are indispensable and interconnected rights, namely the rights to truth, justice, remedy, and reparation. Malaysia continues to support efforts to promote and strengthen accountability for violations of human rights and international law, including through international tribunals. At the same time, we strongly believe that true accountability can only be achieved if the mechanisms are credible, independent, impartial, objective, and transparent.

 

Mr. President,

 

4.         Malaysia reiterates its call on all parties to uphold the UN Charter, international humanitarian law, and international human rights law. All parties must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State or in any other manner inconsistent with the UN Charter. This should never be compromised regardless of the motive.

 

5.         But what is equally important is that the UN, particularly this Security Council, must lead by example in its efforts to promote accountability. All alleged crimes and violations of international law, including those who consistently violated Security Council resolutions, must be addressed equally and objectively, no matter where and when they occurred.

 

6.         One clear example of Security Council’s paralysis is in its action to enforce accountability for Israel’s numerous and severe violations of international law and Security Council’s resolutions. The Council must rise above its accountability deficit, which puts its credibility and legitimacy into question.

 

7.         My delegation also stresses on the importance of accountability over the abuse of the veto power, especially on actions aimed at preventing and ending mass atrocity crimes. For this reason, we supported the recent General Assembly resolution, which provides a standing mandate for the General Assembly to hold a debate whenever a veto is cast in the Security Council. 

 

Mr. President,

 

8.         The Security Council has a crucial role in defending the UN Charter, promoting respect for international law, and advancing a rules-based international order. The UN Charter (Chapter VII) also mandates the Security Council to take enforcement measures to maintain or restore international peace and security. To this end, it is my delegation’s firm belief that enforcing justice and accountability must be an integral feature of the Security Council’s work and responsibilities.

 

I thank you, Mr. President.