– As delivered –
Statement by H.E. Tijjani Muhammad Bande, President of the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly
10 October 2019
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
It is an honour to address the Sixth Committee. I congratulate the Chair, His Excellency Mr. Michael Mlynár and the other Members of the Bureau on their elections and wish them a successful tenure.
The Sixth Committee has been tasked with a wide range of items and has a full programme of work for the upcoming Session. Promotion of justice and international law has always been of fundamental importance to the work of the General Assembly.
I appreciate the flexibility of all delegations to get the work of the Committee started. I urge you to work diligently and in good faith to continue to achieve consensus on all the issues under consideration.
Excellencies,
During High-Level Week, Heads of State and Government reiterated their support for a peaceful, prosperous and just world order all of which are based on the rule of law.
Indeed, this year we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties. This widely ratified Convention symbolizes the universality of international law and remains an essential framework for the rules-based international order.
On our way toward the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the United Nations, we must reflect upon what we have achieved in terms of the rule of law and what obstacles stand along the path.
It is timely that the Committee will discuss on the Rule of Law, best practices and ideas to promote the respect of States for international law.
I encourage Member States to share their best practices throughout this Session, including mechanisms that promote the effective implementation of international law, and ways in which the United Nations can provide best assistance.
Excellencies,
Quality education is a key priority for the Seventy-Fourth Session of the General Assembly. The Sixth Committee will discuss the Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law.
This has been providing direct assistance to developing countries, by providing training programmes and audiovisual libraries; and in the preparation and dissemination of international law publications.
Obviously, international rule of law can hardly be guaranteed without international law education. I encourage Member States to actively participate in relevant activities and continue to support the Programme.
Excellencies,
The past year has seen terrorist attacks in various forms all over the world. I call on you to take action to effectively counter the scourge of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations from the standpoint of this important Committee.
We will build momentum towards finalising the draft of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism through the General Assembly’s biennial Review of the Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, and the UN High-Level Conference of Heads of Counter-Terrorism Agencies of Member States which will be convened by the Secretary-General.
The Sixth Committee has been tasked with a wide range of items and has a full programme of work for the upcoming Session. Promotion of justice and international law has always been of fundamental importance to the work of the General Assembly
Excellencies,
Allow me to commend the International Law Commission for its fruitful work. I am aware that the Commission is presenting recommendations to the Committee and I look forward to hearing from you throughout your deliberations on the report of the Commission.
As we approach the Seventy-Fifth Anniversary of the United Nations, we must recommit to the ideals of its founders and recall that we are nations united. Let us be defined also by our actions.
A rules-based international order is the best guarantor for the realisation of peace and security, sustainable development and human rights.
I thank you, in advance, for your disposition to work constructively on the key issues before this committee.
I am confident that by striving together we will succeed in delivering for all.
Thank you.
