STATEMENT BY JASON TAN, DELEGATE TO THE 81st SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, ON AGENDA ITEM 80, ON EXPULSION OF ALIENS, SIXTH COMMITTEE, 21 OCTOBER 2026

Mdm Chair,

1.              The topic on Expulsion of Aliens is a complex one given the sensitive interface between a State’s sovereign right to expel aliens from its territory, that State’s obligation to comply with applicable international human rights law, and the rights and obligations of receiving States, as well as of individuals.

2.              Singapore has expressed our concerns consistently on the content of the draft articles over the years. We remain of the firm view that progressive development in respect of the laws and practices applicable to the expulsion of aliens must be approached with caution. In this respect, we maintain our concerns, alongside other delegations, about the lack of distinction between codification and progressive development in the draft articles and its commentaries. We also reiterate our opposition to the expanded principle of non-refoulement articulated in paragraph 2 of draft article 23. That paragraph is not reflective of customary international law. There is no customary international law obligation to the effect that a State that has abolished the death penalty is bound not to expel a person to another State where the death penalty may be imposed.

3.              Therefore, on the question of form to be given to the draft articles, Singapore does not support their status as draft articles. The General Assembly should simply take note of the draft articles as well as the concerns and reservations expressed by the delegations on them.

4.              Thank you.