STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR BURHAN GAFOOR, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE, AT UNSC OPEN DEBATE ON “IMPLEMENTATION OF NOTE S/2017/507: WORKING METHODS”, 5 SEPTEMBER 2023

Mr President,

Thank you for convening this timely and important discussion on the working methods of the Security Council. We commend Albania and Ambassador Ferit Hoxha for their good work and consistent leadership as the Chair of the Informal Working Group on Documentation and Other Procedural Questions (IWG).

2 Let me also say at the outset that we welcome the E10 statement on working methods that was made by Ecuador this morning. We welcome the fact that the ten elected members are united and share a common approach to improving the working methods of the Security Council. We full endorse the E10 statement and we share their view that Note 507 is a living document and it requires consistent implementation, but also continuous review.

3 As a small state, Singapore has always placed great importance on improving the working methods of the Council, so as to enhance the transparency, accountability and effectiveness of its work. Equally important, the working methods of the Council is related to the credibility, legitimacy and relevance of the Council. 

Mr President,

4 The Council’s working methods must always ensure that its work remains transparent and accessible to the wider membership. It is therefore important that the wider UN membership is informed of the Council’s work and it is also important for the wider UN membership to engage in the work of the Council on matters of interest to them. 

5 In this regard, please allow me to make a few points. First, we need more open discussions. We do understand that not everything can be discussed in public, and that closed consultations may be necessary for candid and frank exchanges. But the balance needs to be struck in a way that encourages more open discussions, not fewer open discussions. Second, it is important to have regular flow of information and documentation to the wider UN membership. My delegation has previously suggested that some form of summary records – or at least decision points – should be maintained of these closed meetings and shared with the wider membership. Third, it is important for every President of the Council to prepare sufficiently detailed monthly assessment reports, and to submit them in a timely manner. The monthly assessment reports are an important tool of communication and information flow, from the Council to the wider UN membership. 

6 Another important consideration is accountability. The veto initiative, initiated by Liechtenstein, is an example of the Assembly’s expectation of greater transparency and accountability from the Council and from the permanent member(s) concerned. Singapore has also suggested previously, pursuant to para 129 of Note 507, that an interactive informal exchange between the Council and the wider membership could take place when the introduction to the annual report is being drafted. It is our hope that Council members will implement this idea as soon as possible.

Mr President,

7 The last point I wish to make is on effectiveness. Allow me to add that even as we strive towards improving working methods, even the best adherence to process alone is not enough to ensure that the Council operates effectively. To put it differently, good working methods are necessary but they are not sufficient to ensure good outcomes from the Council. Ultimately, the wider UN membership expects members of the Council, especially the Permanent Members, to act with unity of purpose in discharging their primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.

8 The reality is that the Council is inevitably hampered by geopolitical tensions and great power rivalry. From time to time, the Council is able to demonstrate effectiveness in addressing some major issues of our time. For example, the Council’s adoption of Resolution 2664 in 2022 to create humanitarian carveouts for sanctions was a significant achievement. However, at the same time, we have been seeing a greater use of the veto in recent years and months. The veto was used four times in 2022 on issues of key geopolitical concern: such as non-proliferation, the Syria border crossing, and on the issue of Ukraine. Most recently, the veto has been used twice within two months to terminate the Syria border crossing mandate, and the sanctions regime and mandate of the Panel of Experts on Mali.

9 Singapore supports the French-Mexican initiative and the ACT’s code of conduct on limiting the use of the veto against mass atrocity crimes. We also echo the E10 statement earlier today, in which the elected members called for restraint on other forms of veto in the subsidiary bodies of the Council. Additionally, we believe that it is important for all Council members including Permanent Members, to abstain from voting if they are a party to a dispute, in accordance with Article 27 (3) of the UN Charter.

Mr President

10 I conclude with an expression of hope: that even in these troubled times, the Council and its members, both Permanent and Elected, will be able to engage constructively to improve the working methods of the Council. As the E10 stated in their statement, improving the working methods is a prerequisite for a more effective Council.  A more effective Council will in turn contribute to the credibility and legitimacy of the Council and the relevance of the United Nations to resolving the major issues of our time. I wish your Presidency every success.

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