STATEMENT BY MS DIANE TAN, DELEGATE TO THE 75TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, ON AGENDA ITEM 89, ON PROTECTION OF PERSONS IN THE EVENT OF DISASTERS, SIXTH COMMITTEE, 11 NOVEMBER 2020

1 Singapore thanks the Secretary-General for his report A/75/214 on this agenda item.

2 The protection of persons in the event of disasters is an important issue for our region and the world. Singapore stands in solidarity with countries that have been affected by such disasters, and will endeavour to respond when called upon to do so.

3 Singapore appreciates efforts to reflect the diversity of State practice in the draft articles, including the practice of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) found in the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response. We cite two examples. Draft article 12, paragraph 2 provides that requested entities should expeditiously give due consideration and reply to the affected State. Draft article 13, paragraph 1 states that provision of external assistance requires the consent of the affected State. These Articles have informed Singapore’s contributions in support of neighbouring and regional countries affected by disasters.

4 The draft articles represent an important contribution to the field of international law governing response to disasters and can serve as a useful guide for States and others engaged in disaster relief.  Given the broad scope of the draft articles, it may be helpful to have further clarification on how they would interact with other existing legal frameworks. 

5 We note the divergence of views concerning future action, and have taken note of the comments by other delegations on whether to elaborate a convention on the basis of these draft articles, including those reflected in the Secretary-General’s report. We look forward to further discussions on this issue.

6 Thank you.

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