STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS BY MR MARK SEAH, DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SINGAPORE, ON AGENDA ITEM 78: UNITED NATIONS PROGRAMME OF ASSISTANCE IN THE TEACHING, STUDY, DISSEMINATION AND WIDER APPREICATION OF INTERNATIONAL LAW, SIXTH COMMITTEE, 20 OCTOBER 2023

Mr. Chair,

I am pleased to speak on behalf of the ten member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN): Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

2 ASEAN would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the Secretary-General for his report contained in document A/78/514, which covers the implementation of the United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law, and activities planned for 2024. ASEAN also commends the efforts of the Advisory Committee and the Office of Legal Affairs, in particular the Codification Division, in conducting activities under the Programme of Assistance.

3 We note that the three United Nations Regional Courses in International Law for Africa, Asia-Pacific and Latin America and the Caribbean were held in-person, as was the International Law Fellowship Programme. ASEAN greatly welcomes the resumption of in-person courses, which affords the opportunity for in-depth discussions and interactions between participants and their instructors and looks forward to the convening of the UN Regional Course in International Law for Asia-Pacific in Thailand in November to December. Last year, we had emphasised that while the provision of remote learning tools was an appropriate short-term means of capacity-building during the pandemic, remote learning should not become a de-facto substitute for in-person trainings under the Programme of Assistance and had underscored the importance of retaining and resuming all activities in person. We are pleased that this has been done.

Mr Chair,

4 ASEAN acknowledges the key role of and fully supports the Programme of Assistance in promoting the rule of law at the national and international levels, which contributes to the strengthening of international peace and security. The activities conducted in traditional in-person format help deepen knowledge and capacities of participants in the field of international law, provide an invaluable experience, and promote in-depth discussions as well as foster friendly relations and cooperation among participants. The Regional Courses, in particular, are especially important for developing countries.

5 ASEAN takes note of the work undertaken by the Codification Division in supporting the alumni network and providing online interactive sessions on lectures of the Audiovisual Library, and a shared online repository of international law materials and publications. ASEAN is convinced that this platform will serve as a helpful tool for participants of the training programs. ASEAN also appreciates the work undertaken by the Codification Division to further develop the Audiovisual Library of International Law and strongly supports its continued development. The Audiovisual Library has been an important resource for ASEAN and other developing countries.

Mr Chair,

6 ASEAN strongly supports the funding of activities of the Programme from the regular budget of the United Nations. We encourage voluntary contributions to further expand and enhance the activities. Taking this opportunity, ASEAN would like to thank all member countries who have made their continued contribution to the Programme of Assistance.

7 I would like to conclude by reiterating ASEAN’s continued commitment and support for the United Nations Programme of Assistance with a view to further promoting international law, while strengthening multilateral cooperation and friendly relations among nations.

8 Thank you.

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