STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR BURHAN GAFOOR, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM 74, ON THE REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE, 26 OCTOBER 2017

Mr. President,

1.                                My delegation would like to start by thanking his Excellency, President Ronny Abraham, for his very comprehensive presentation of the activities of the International Court of Justice over the past year. Through the able stewardship of President Ronny Abraham and Vice-President Abdulqawi Ahmed Yusuf, the Court continues to discharge its critical duties to the highest standards as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.

2.                                Singapore notes the Court’s demanding case-load, and the continued regional and subject-matter diversity of the 17 cases standing on the Court’s List at the end of the period under review. This includes two cases involving Singapore that were referred to the Court by Malaysia, and pertaining to the Court’s 2008 Judgment in the Case concerning Sovereignty over Pedra Branca, Middle Rocks and South Ledge.

3.                                Singapore believes in a stable and peaceful international order based on the rule of law. The international rule of law is an indispensable premise for the purposes and principles of the United Nations. These include the maintenance of international peace and security, and the preservation of friendly relations. When the Court exercises its advisory jurisdiction, the Court provides guidance on important issues of international law. When the Court exercises its contentious jurisdiction, the Court fulfils a key function in facilitating the obligation to settle disputes peacefully under article 33 of the Charter. In this regard, Singapore reiterates its commitment to the peaceful resolution of disputes, including those that are brought before the Court.

4.                                Turning to the work of the Court during the period under review, Singapore welcomes the Court’s continuing drive to innovate and ensure that its procedures are responsive to the needs of the parties coming before the Court. In this regard, Singapore noted with interest the Court’s appointment of two experts in the exercise of its power under article 50 of the Statute, and appreciates that the experts’ report was made available on the Court’s website. Related to this, Singapore also welcomes the Court’s special effort to redesign its website to enhance its usability and so enhance the reach of the Court’s jurisprudence.

5.                                In closing, Mr. President, Singapore reaffirms its strong support for the work of the Court, which plays a vital role in the international rule of law. We wish the Court every measure of success in meeting its future challenges and in the discharge of its duties in the year ahead.

6.                                I thank you very much for your attention.

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