STATEMENT BY MR MARK SEAH, CHARGÉ D’AFFAIRES A.I. OF SINGAPORE, AT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY PLENARY MEETING ON AGENDA ITEM 60 “USE OF THE VETO”, 19 JULY 2023, NEW YORK

Mr President

1              We regret that we are meeting today because a permanent member of the Security Council had cast a veto on a draft resolution on humanitarian assistance for the Syrian people.  We are concerned that the veto was used to block a resolution on humanitarian assistance, after a similar veto was used just last year on the same topic.  We call on all member states, especially members of the Security Council, not to politicise humanitarian assistance to people in need.

2              I take this opportunity to thank Brazil and Switzerland, co-penholders of the Syrian humanitarian file, for working tirelessly to find a solution to this issue.  We also acknowledge with appreciation the efforts of the E10 in actively exploring compromises that could help to break the impasse at the Council.  The provision of humanitarian assistance is one of the key responsibilities of the United Nations.  We hope that the Council would be united on matters concerning humanitarian assistance, and facilitate the work of humanitarian actors.  Singapore continues to support a more transparent and effective Security Council, one that is accountable and able to respond efficiently to global challenges.

Thank you.

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