STATEMENT BY MR NATHANIEL KHNG, COUNSELLOR (LEGAL), PERMANENT MISSION OF SINGAPORE TO THE UNITED NATIONS, ON AGENDA ITEM 167, ON THE REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON RELATIONS WITH THE HOST COUNTRY, SIXTH COMMITTEE, 9 NOVEMBER 2021

1 My delegation congratulates Ambassador Andreas Hadjichrysanthou of Cyprus for his election as Chair of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country.  We also thank him for presenting the Committee’s report. 

2 My delegation has followed the work of the Committee closely throughout the reporting period. The lifting of the more stringent travel restrictions applicable to one permanent mission in February of this year was a positive development.  However, we note that issues relating to entry visas and travel restrictions, and other concerns, continue to be raised in the Committee.  We have listened carefully to the issues reported by delegations and the responses of the host country.  In this connection, we wish to make three points.

3 First, the United Nations is at the centre of the rules-based multilateral system.  All aspects of the organisation and its work must necessarily be consistent with international law.   This includes the relationship between the host country and the organisation, as well as with its Member States.  In this regard, the relevant body of international law, which includes the Charter of the United Nations, the Headquarters Agreement and the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations, must be respected and implemented.  

4 Second, my delegation remains concerned that the issues that have been raised in the Committee may have a negative impact on the proper functioning of the United Nations.  It is of paramount importance that the work of the United Nations is not undermined as a result of such issues.  We therefore reiterate our call on the host country and other relevant countries to engage with each other with seriousness and in a spirit of cooperation, and expeditiously seek a resolution that is in accordance with international law.

5 Third, my delegation welcomes the senior-level discussions during the reporting period between the UN Secretariat and the host country on issues raised in the Committee.  We encourage the Secretariat and the host country to engage in such discussions on a regular basis.  This is in line with the direct and central role that the Secretary-General must play as representative of the United Nations, a party to the Headquarters Agreement, in ensuring the effective implementation of that Agreement.                

Mdm Chair,

6 My delegation will continue to follow the work of the Committee closely.  To conclude, I wish to take this opportunity to express my delegation’s appreciation for the efforts of the United States Mission to the United Nations to respond to requests from the diplomatic community, despite the challenging circumstances caused by the global pandemic.

7 Thank you very much for your attention.

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