EXPLANATION OF VOTE BY
MR. MOHD SUHAIMI AHMAD TAJUDDIN
CHARGE D’AFFAIRES A.I
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
PLENARY MEETING ON AGENDA ITEM 74: PROMOTION AND PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
A/73/L.94: TOWARDS TORTURE-FREE TRADE: EXAMINING THE FEASIBILITY, SCOPE AND PARAMETERS FOR POSSIBLE INTERNATIONAL COMMON STANDARDS
GENERAL ASSEMBLY HALL, UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS
NEW YORK, 28 JUNE 2019
Mr. President,
My delegation has asked for the floor to explain Malaysia’s position on the draft resolution 73//L.94 titled Towards Torture-Free Trade: examining the feasibility, scope and parameters for possible common international standards.
2. As with most other countries, Malaysia is absolutely against torture. We are supportive of the principles behind this resolution. Nevertheless, my delegation would like to point out a few areas of concern:
2.1 Firstly, the approach that was taken in formulating this resolution does not adhere to the rules of procedure of the UN. Malaysia is of the opinion that this resolution should first be taken up by the respective committees. In addition to that, the issue of torture-free trade is more appropriately discussed by colleagues in Geneva as the matter concerns both trade and human rights; and
2.2 Secondly, the “goods” that the resolution is referring to has not been clearly defined. This may open a can of worms since items used for torture could include weapons and almost anything that could be used as an instrument of torture. Thus, my delegation believes that the resolution is still ambiguous in terms of what it is targeting.
3. On this basis, my delegation has decided to abstain on this resolution. Nevertheless, Malaysia is willing to engage in discussions to further improve this resolution in the future.
Thank you, Mr. President.
News From Mission