STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS BY SYFULNIZAR HAMID, DELEGATE OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM 136

Thank you, Madam Chair.

1          I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Agenda Item 136 regarding the request for a subvention to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC). ASEAN fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by Iraq 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.

3          ASEAN commends the Chambers for the substantial progress in fulfilling its mandate, despite persistent financial challenges. We look forward to the completion of the Chambers’ remaining residual functions over the next two years, as well as to an orderly and timely transition to the ECCC Resource Centre – established as a permanent public institution that will serve as a research hub and repository for information related to atrocity accountability.

4          ASEAN underscores that a smooth and effective transition of the Chambers’ operations requires sustainable and predictable financing. We commend host country, Cambodia, for its unwavering commitment to the work of the Chambers, including through in-kind contributions and full funding of the national component in 2023, 2024 and 2025.  ASEAN also extends its gratitude to Member States that have supported the Chambers’ work through voluntary contributions.

 5          Recognising the Chambers’ ongoing financial challenges, including the continued annual decline in voluntary contributions, ASEAN fully supports the request for a subvention from the United Nations Regular Budget. We encourage Member States to increase their voluntary contributions, and urge the Secretary-General to continue pursuing fundraising efforts to support the Chambers in the completion of its important mandate.

Madam Chair,

6          The failure to provide adequate financial support to the Chambers at this critical juncture would not only undermine the pursuit of justice for the Cambodian people, but would 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 proposal to appropriate the amount of $1,955,300 for the international component of the Chambers in 2026.

7          In conclusion, 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 continued constructive cooperation with all delegations to ensure the timely conclusion of this agenda item. 

Thank you.