STATEMENT BY MR JASON TAN, DELEGATE TO THE 81ST SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, ON AGENDA ITEM 88, UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE OF PLENIPOTENTIARIES ON PROTECTION OF PERSONS IN THE EVENT OF DISASTERS, SIXTH COMMITTEE, 12 OCTOBER 2026

Madam Chair,

1                  Singapore aligns itself with the statement made by Thailand on behalf of ASEAN. The protection of persons in the event of disasters remains an important and challenging issue for the world. In a single week in September this year, a total of 23 disasters were reported across the ASEAN region, including droughts, floods, landslides and storms. In August this year, severe flash floods and landslides in Nepal resulted in nearly 1500 people being killed, with 5800 people who remain missing, including 9 Singaporeans. These events underscore the importance of disaster risk reduction, effective preparedness and timely response, as well as international cooperation where necessary. Singapore stands in solidarity with countries affected by such disasters and will endeavour to respond when called upon to do so.

2                  Singapore participated actively in the Resumed Working Group on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters, and in the Preparatory Committee for the United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters. My delegation welcomes the successful conclusion of the Preparatory Committee, which paves the way towards ensuring that the Conference’s procedures promote the achievement of consensus-based outcomes. We greatly appreciate the Government of Thailand for stepping up to host the Conference in Bangkok, and welcome the continued hosting of the Conference in the ASEAN region.  

3                  With respect to the elaboration of the legally binding instrument on protection of persons in the event of disasters, the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity are fundamental and must underpin the instrument.

4                  Singapore also reiterates the importance of reflecting the diversity of State practice in the future instrument, particularly regional frameworks that have already been tried and tested. As an ASEAN Member State, Singapore, together with the other ASEAN Member States, is a Party to the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response, or AADMER.

5                  In this regard, my delegation has submitted two proposals on the draft articles, in the preamble and at Article 7. The proposals, which draw from Article 3, paragraph 3, of the AADMER, emphasises the need to take into account the respective needs, capabilities and situations of Parties when engaging in international cooperation.

6                  In addition, my delegation fully supports the proposal from the Alliance of Small Island States to include a new paragraph in Article 18 on the Relationship of the instrument to other rules of international law. AOSIS’ proposal reads: “Nothing in the present treaty shall be interpreted as prejudicing or diminishing the existing rights, obligations or commitments of States under international law, as applicable.” Singapore sees merit in this proposal which provides legal clarity in ensuring the preservation of existing rights, obligations or commitments of States under other treaties, such as those under the Paris Agreement and the Pandemic Agreement.

7                  In conclusion, Singapore looks forward to constructive discussions in the Conference in January 2027, and underscores my delegation’s full support for a successful outcome in Bangkok.

8                  I thank you.