Mr. Chair,
I warmly congratulate you on your election as the Chair of the Special Committee. Bangladesh aligns itself with the Statement delivered by the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). In addition to that I would like to make the following comments in our national capacity:
First, we take note of the 2020 Report of the Special Committee A/75/33 and the corresponding report of the Secretary-General A/75/145. We join other delegations to commend the progress made on the Repertory Practice of the United Nations Organs and Repertoire of the Practice of the Security Council. However, we also recognize that the Secretariat lacks adequate resource and capacity, and hence we support the demands for strengthening the Secretariat to fulfill its responsibility in this regard.
Second, we subscribe the view that the reform of the United Nations should be carried out in accordance with the principles and procedures established by the Charter of the United Nations.
Third, peace and security are inextricably linked to sustainable development. The implementation of Agenda 2030 constitutes an important precondition towards ensuring sustaining peace. As such, there is a need to achieve the right balance between the functions and powers of the principal organs of the United Nations, especially among the General Assembly, Security Council and the Economic and Social Council to achieve such goals. We believe the Special Committee could be an appropriate forum for examining the legal aspects of those issues, without duplicating the efforts being made in other forums of the United Nations.
Fourth, on the question of the implementation of sanctions, we would like to reiterate that sanctions should be applied only as the last resort, when repeated failure of a member State to fulfill its obligation under the Charter poses genuine threat to international peace and security, without affecting the civilian population and third parties. We acknowledge the 2020 Report of the Special Committee which highlights the arrangements in the Secretariat including the role of the Security Council in order to minimize the adverse impact of sanctions on the general public and third states. In this regard we take note of the fact that the shift from comprehensive to targeted sanctions has minimized unintended consequences for the Third States.
Fifth, Pacific settlement of disputes is one of the underlying issues for the Charter Committee’s work, as reinforced by the Manila Declaration of 1982. We appreciate the annual thematic debate organized by the Committee on “Exchange of information on State practices regarding the use of arbitration”. We look forward to constructively engaging in the debate on Arbitration during the current session of the Special Committee.
Sixth, we are happy to know about the Philippines’ proposal to encourage the United Nations and its Member States to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Manila Declaration in 2022.
In conclusion, my delegation reaffirms its unwavering commitment for the full implementation of the resolution A/RES/75/140 and mandate of the Special Committee.
I thank you Chair.