GENERAL STATEMENT
BY THE REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA
FOR ACTION-PHASE OF CLUSTER 1 AND TO INTRODUCE
L.58
"FOLLOW-UP TO THE ADVISORY OPINION OF THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE ON THE LEGALITY OF THE THREAT OR USE OF
NUCLEAR WEAPONS"
UNDER AGENDA ITEM 100(K) OF THE FIRST COMMITTEE
76TH SESSION OF THE UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
27 OCTOBER 2021
Mr. Chair,
Malaysia remains convinced that the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on the Legality of the Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons constitutes a significant milestone in the global efforts aimed at achieving nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
2. On this note, Malaysia has the honour to once again present to the First Committee the draft resolution L.58 under Agenda Item 100(k) entitled, “Follow-up to the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on the Legality of the Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons”.
3. The 8 July 1996 ruling by the Court remains a resolute decision in the field of nuclear disarmament. The Court’s decision embodies and remains an authoritative legal call to eliminate nuclear weapons.
Mr. Chair,
4. Operative Paragraph 1 of the draft resolution L.58 underlines the unanimous conclusion of the ICJ of an obligation to pursue in good faith and bring to a conclusion negotiations leading to nuclear disarmament in all its aspects under strict and effective international control.
5. The Advisory Opinion of the ICJ is very much relevant today, as it was two decades ago. Based on the changing international security environment, the call on States to do what the ICJ had sought for, must be respected.
6. As such, we believe that the decision of the ICJ must continue to be followed up with concrete action by all UN Member States.
7. The ICJ’s Advisory Opinion remains a significant contribution to the field of nuclear disarmament. Its humanitarian context gives weight to a moral argument in calling for the total elimination of nuclear weapons.
8. With a view to achieving the broadest support possible, minor and relevant updates have been introduced to the resolution adopted last year.
9. The action by the First Committee on the draft resolution L.58 will take place during one of the scheduled meetings next week.
10. On this note, Malaysia once again invites Member States to support and co-sponsor the draft resolution L.58 under Agenda Item 100(k) entitled, “Follow-up to the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice on the Legality of the Threat or Use of Nuclear Weapons”.
I thank you.
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