STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR BURHAN GAFOOR, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM 70, ON THE REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE, 27 OCTOBER 2016

Mr. President,

1.                 My delegation would like to thank the International Court of Justice for its detailed report on its work. The Court has indeed had a very busy and productive year.  We would also like to extend our warm congratulations to the Court on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of its inaugural sitting.  We have every confidence that the Court will continue to grow from strength to strength.

2.                 Singapore attaches great importance to the principle of the rule of law, at both the national and international levels.  For small states like Singapore, the principle of the rule of law is not an academic notion.  It is a critical precondition for our survival and continued existence as independent, sovereign states.  An integral and indivisible part of rule of law is the settlement of international disputes by peaceful means.  The Court plays a crucial role in this regard, by providing an effective, established and objective mechanism for States to resolve their disputes in accordance with international law.  The Court’s role in resolving disputes and maintaining international peace and stability cannot be over-emphasised.  The International Court of Justice is the only international court of a universal character with general jurisdiction.  The Court therefore occupies a special position within the international community from which it is well-placed to uphold and promote the rule of law.  Singapore has been and will continue to be supportive of the Court.

3.                 Singapore notes that the Court’s workload has grown considerably over the past 20 years, and that the number of cases brought before the Court has been increasing.  The Court has done its best to meet this challenge through the use of new technologies as well as by setting a highly demanding schedule of hearing and deliberations.  We commend the Court on the level of commitment and professionalism with which the Court, its Judges and the Registry discharge their functions, and express our appreciation for their dedicated service to the global community.

4.                 Singapore also notes the concerns raised by the Court in its report regarding the final budget approved by the General Assembly for the biennium 2016-2017.  As the principal judicial organ in the United Nations system, and one which has discharged its function responsibly, the Court should enjoy the full support of its member States.  It is therefore vital that member States demonstrate their support by ensuring that the Court be given adequate resources to discharge its role efficiently and effectively.

Mr. President,

5.                 To conclude, Singapore has always supported, and will continue to support, the work of the Court.  We will also continue to monitor with great interest every decision and opinion of the Court.  We wish the Court every success in the coming year.

6        Thank you, Mr. President.

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