STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS BY CHIA YIHUI, DELEGATE OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM 139: PROPOSED PROGRAMME BUDGET 2025 – REQUEST FOR A SUBVENTION TO THE EXTRAORDINARY CHAMBERS IN THE COURTS OF CAMBODIA AT THE MAIN PART OF THE 79th SESSION OF THE FIFTH COMMITTEE OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, NEW YORK, 26 NOVEMBER 2024

Thank you, Madam Chair.

1 I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on agenda item 139 regarding the request for a subvention to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC). ASEAN aligns itself with the statement delivered by Uganda on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.

2 ASEAN expresses its appreciation to the Secretariat and the Advisory Committee for introducing their respective reports, which have provided valuable insights on this agenda item.

3 ASEAN commends the Chambers for its substantial progress in fulfilling its mandate despite persistent financial challenges. Beyond the transitional measures and residual functions, ASEAN recognises the important work of the judicial officials and staff in conducting a nationwide outreach campaign to enhance public awareness of the Chambers' achievements and legacy. 

4 ASEAN underscores that the smooth and effective transition of the Chambers’ operations requires sustainable and predictable financing. We commend Cambodia, as the Host Country, for its unwavering commitment, including in-kind contributions and fully funding the national component over the last two years. ASEAN also extends its gratitude to Member States that have provided extrabudgetary resources in support of the Chambers’ vital mission.

5 Recognising the financial constraints faced by the Chambers, ASEAN fully supports the request for a subvention from the United Nations regular budget. While appreciating the Secretary-General’s ongoing efforts to mobilise resources, we encourage further intensified efforts in this regard and call on Member States to increase their voluntary contributions to ensure the successful completion of the Chambers' mandate.

Madam Chair,

6 The failure to provide adequate financial support to the Chambers at this critical juncture would not only undermine justice for the Cambodian people but also weaken the international community’s broader efforts to combat impunity and uphold the rule of law. In this context, ASEAN supports the Secretary-General’s 2025 proposal to appropriate the amount of $1,954,400 for the international component of the Chambers.

7 In conclusion, Madam Chair, ASEAN remains firmly committed to supporting the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia in its pursuit of justice and reconciliation. We look forward to constructive cooperation with all delegations to ensure the timely conclusion of this agenda item. 

Thank you.

  . . . . .