Sixth Committee (Legal) — 75th session
Summaries of meetings
20th plenary meeting ()
7 June 2021 | GA Hall
Election of the officers of the Main Committees: election of the Chair and the Bureau of the Sixth Committee at the seventy-sixth session of the General Assembly – Item 5
His Excellency Milenko Skoknic (Chile), Chair of the Sixth Committee, opened the meeting.
The Committee elected, by acclamation, Her Excellency Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani (State of Qatar) as its Chair for the seventy-sixth session of the General Assembly.
The Committee also elected, by acclamation, Mr. Ahmed Abdelaziz (Egypt), Ms. Justina Krutulyté (Lithuania), and Mr. Ricardo García López (Spain) as Vice-Chairs, as well as Ms. Ana L. Villalobos (Costa Rica) as the Rapporteur, of the Sixth Committee for the seventy-sixth session of the General Assembly.
The Committee thus concluded its work for the seventy-fifth session of the General Assembly.
19th plenary meeting ()
19 November 2020 | 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Conf. Rooms 1, 2 & 3
Criminal accountability of United Nations officials and experts on mission – Item 77
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 77.
The Committee adopted draft resolution , without a vote.
The Committee thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 77.
Report of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law on the work of its fifty-third session – Item 78
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 78.
The representative of Austria, also on behalf of the sponsors, introduced draft resolution and announced that Argentina, Cyprus, Latvia, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Republic of Korea, Republic of Moldova and Ukraine had joined in sponsoring the draft resolution. Subsequently, Israel, Ecuador and Iceland also joined as sponsors of the draft resolution.
The Committee adopted draft resolution , without a vote.
The Committee thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 78.
United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law – Item 79
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 79.
The Committee adopted draft resolution , without a vote.
The Committee thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 79.
Report of the International Law Commission on the work of its seventy-second session – Item 80
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 80.
The representative of Colombia introduced draft resolution , on behalf of the Bureau.
The Committee adopted draft resolution , without a vote.
The Committee thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 80.
Crimes against humanity – Item 81
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 81.
The representative of Georgia introduced draft resolution , on behalf of the Bureau.
The representative of Mexico, also on behalf of Austria, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Lebanon, Norway, Portugal, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Switzerland and Sweden, spoke in explanation of position prior to action on the draft resolution.
The Committee adopted draft resolution , without a vote.
The Committee thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 81.
Expulsion of aliens – Item 82
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 82.
The representative of Honduras introduced draft resolution , on behalf of the Bureau.
The Committee adopted draft resolution , without a vote.
The Committee thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 82.
Status of the Protocols Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and relating to the protection of victims of armed conflicts – Item 83
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 83.
The representative of Sweden, also on behalf of the sponsors, introduced draft resolution and announced that Argentina, Brazil, Croatia, Ecuador, Hungary, Luxembourg, Montenegro, San Marino, Ukraine and Uruguay had joined in sponsoring the draft resolution.
The Committee adopted draft resolution , without a vote.
The representative of the Philippines spoke in explanation of position after the adoption of the draft resolution.
The Committee thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 83.
Consideration of effective measures to enhance the protection, security and safety of diplomatic and consular missions and representatives – Item 84
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 84.
The representative of Finland, also on behalf of the sponsors, introduced draft resolution and announced that Brazil, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Montenegro, Sweden and Uruguay had joined in sponsoring the draft resolution.
The Committee adopted draft resolution , without a vote.
The Committee thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 84.
Report of the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization – Item 85
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 85.
The Committee adopted draft resolution , without a vote.
The Committee thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 85.
The rule of law at the national and international levels – Item 86
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 86.
The Committee adopted draft resolution , without a vote.
The representative of Syrian Arab Republic spoke in explanation of position after the adoption of the draft resolution.
The Committee thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 86.
The scope and application of the principle of universal jurisdiction – Item 87
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 87.
The representative of Ghana introduced draft resolution , on behalf of the Bureau.
The Committee adopted draft resolution , without a vote.
The Committee thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 87.
Responsibility of international organizations – Item 88
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 88.
The representative of Brazil introduced draft resolution , on behalf of the Bureau.
The Committee adopted draft resolution , without a vote.
The Committee thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 88.
Protection of persons in the event of disasters – Item 89
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 89.
The representative of Indonesia made a statement.
The Committee decided to recommend that the General Assembly defer the consideration of the agenda item to the seventy-sixth session of the Assembly.
The Committee thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 89.
Strengthening and promoting the international treaty framework – Item 90
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 90.
The representative of Singapore introduced draft resolution , on behalf of the Bureau.
The representative of Spain spoke in explanation of position prior to action on the draft resolution.
The Committee adopted draft resolution , without a vote.
The representatives of Egypt and Turkey spoke in explanation of position after the adoption of the draft resolution.
The Committee thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 90.
Measures to eliminate international terrorism – Item 114
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 114.
The representative of Canada introduced draft resolution , on behalf of the Bureau.
The Committee adopted draft resolution , without a vote.
The Committee thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 114.
Administration of justice at the United Nations – Item 152
The Committee continued its consideration on agenda item 152.
The Chair of the Committee made a statement.
The Committee authorized its Chair to send a letter to the President of the General Assembly with a request that it be brought to the attention of the Chair of the Fifth Committee and circulated as a document of the General Assembly.
The Committee concluded its consideration of agenda item 152.
Report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country – Item 171
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 171.
The Committee adopted draft resolution , without a vote.
The Committee thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 171.
Observer status for the Cooperation Council of Turkic-speaking States in the General Assembly – Item 172
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 172.
The Committee decided to recommend that the General Assembly defer a decision on the request for observer status for the Cooperation Council of Turkic-speaking States in the General Assembly to the seventy-sixth session of the Assembly.
The Committee thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 172.
Observer status for the Eurasian Economic Union in the General Assembly – Item 173
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 173.
The Committee decided to recommend that the General Assembly defer a decision on the request for observer status for the Eurasian Economic Union in the General Assembly to the seventy-sixth session of the Assembly.
The Committee thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 173.
Observer status for the Community of Democracies in the General Assembly – Item 174
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 174.
The Committee decided to recommend that the General Assembly defer a decision on the request for observer status for the Community of Democracies in the General Assembly to the seventy-sixth session of the Assembly.
The Committee thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 174.
Observer status for the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands Secretariat in the General Assembly – Item 175
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 175.
The Committee decided to recommend that the General Assembly defer a decision on the request for observer status for the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands Secretariat in the General Assembly to the seventy-sixth session of the Assembly.
The Committee thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 175.
Observer status for the Global Environment Facility in the General Assembly – Item 176
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 176.
The Committee decided to recommend that the General Assembly defer a decision on the request for observer status for the Global Environment Facility in the General Assembly to the seventy-sixth session of the Assembly.
The Committee thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 176.
Observer status for the International Organization of Employers in the General Assembly – Item 177
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 177.
The representative of Germany, also on behalf of the sponsors, made a statement.
The Committee decided to recommend that the General Assembly defer a decision on the request for observer status for the International Organization of Employers in the General Assembly to the seventy-sixth session of the Assembly.
The Committee concluded its consideration of agenda item 177.
Observer status for the International Trade Union Confederation in the General Assembly – Item 178
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 178.
The delegation of France, also on behalf of the sponsors, made a statement.
The Committee decided to recommend that the General Assembly defer a decision on the request for observer status for the International Trade Union Confederation in the General Assembly to the seventy-sixth session of the Assembly.
The Committee concluded its consideration of agenda item 178.
Observer status for the Boao Forum for Asia in the General Assembly – Item 179
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 179.
The Committee decided to recommend that the General Assembly defer a decision on the request for observer status for the Boao Forum for Asia in the General Assembly to the seventy-sixth session of the Assembly.
The Committee thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 179.
Observer status for the Small Island Developing States Dock (SIDS DOCK) in the General Assembly – Item 180
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 180.
The representative of Belize announced that Austria, Canada, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Moldova, Switzerland and United Arab Emirates had joined in sponsoring the draft resolution . Subsequently, Spain and Haiti also joined as sponsors of the draft resolution.
The Committee adopted draft resolution , without a vote.
The Committee thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 180.
Observer status for the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Institute in the General Assembly – Item 181
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 181.
The Committee adopted draft resolution , without a vote.
The Committee thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 181.
Observer status for the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization in the General Assembly – Item 182
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 182.
The Committee adopted draft resolution , without a vote.
The Committee thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 182.
Observer status for the Global Dryland Alliance in the General Assembly – Item 183
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 183.
The representative of Qatar announced that Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Iraq, Lebanon, Marshall Islands, Palau, Republic of Moldova, Sierra Leone, Togo and Uganda had joined in sponsoring the draft resolution . Subsequently, South Sudan also joined as sponsor of the draft resolution.
A statement was made by the representative of Kiribati.
The Committee adopted draft resolution , without a vote.
The Committee thus concluded its consideration of agenda item 183.
Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly – Item 126
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 126.
The Chair of the Committee introduced draft decision .
Statements were made by the representatives of Australia, Mexico, Cuba and Canada.
The Committee adopted draft decision , without a vote.
The Committee concluded its consideration of agenda item 126.
Programme planning – Item 142
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 142.
The Chair of the Committee made a statement.
The Committee concluded its consideration of agenda item 142.
Election of the officers of the Main Committees – Item 5
The Chair of the Committee made a statement.
Conclusion of the consideration of the substantive items for the seventy-fifth session
The Chair of the Committee made a concluding statement.
The Sixth Committee thus concluded the consideration of its substantive items for the seventy-fifth session.
18th plenary meeting ()
13 November 2020 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Conf. Rooms 1, 2 & 3
Protection of persons in the event of disasters – Item 89
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 89.
Statements were made by the representatives of Colombia, Israel, Islamic Republic of Iran, China, Nigeria, Viet Nam, Haiti, Brazil, Tonga and United States of America.
The Committee thus concluded its debate on agenda item 89.
Criminal accountability of United Nations officials and experts on mission – Item 77
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 77.
The representative of Pakistan introduced the draft resolution contained in document , on behalf of the Bureau.
United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law – Item 79
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 79.
The representative of Ghana introduced the draft resolution contained in document , on behalf of the Bureau.
17th plenary meeting ()
11 November 2020 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Conf. Rooms 1, 2 & 3
The scope and application of the principle of universal jurisdiction – Item 87
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 87.
The Chair of the Working Group, Mr. Rodrigo A. Carazo (Costa Rica), presented an oral report on the work of the Working Group.
The Committee took note of the report.
Measures to eliminate international terrorism – Item 114
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 114.
The Chair of the Working Group, Mr. Amrith Rohan Perera (Sri Lanka), presented an oral report on the work of the Working Group.
The Committee took note of the report.
Criminal accountability of United Nations officials and experts on mission – Item 77
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 77.
The Chair of the Working Group, Mr. Thabo Molefe (South Africa), presented an oral report on the work of the Working Group.
The Committee took note of the report.
Responsibility of international organizations – Item 88
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 88.
Statements were made by representatives of Singapore, United States of America, El Salvador, Sierra Leone, Israel, Egypt, Portugal, Russian Federation, Cuba, Mexico, Islamic Republic of Iran, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Malaysia and Australia.
The Committee thus concluded its debate on agenda item 88.
Protection of persons in the event of disasters – Item 89
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 89.
Statements were made by the representatives of Sweden (also on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway (Nordic countries)), Singapore, Bangladesh, the Philippines, El Salvador, Switzerland, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Egypt, Brunei Darussalam, Portugal, Jamaica, the Russian Federation, Japan, Italy, Cuba [in English], Thailand, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia.
16th plenary meeting ()
10 November 2020 | 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm | GA Hall
Consideration of effective measures to enhance the protection, security and safety of diplomatic and consular missions and representatives – Item 84
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 84.
Statements were made by representatives of the European Union (also on behalf of its member States (the candidate countries the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania, the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the Republic of Moldova and Georgia aligned themselves with the statement), Finland (also on behalf of Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden (Nordic countries)), the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, United States of America, El Salvador, Saudi Arabia, Portugal, Russian Federation, Mexico, Islamic Republic of Iran, Cameroon, China, Brazil, Turkey and Cuba [in English].
The?representatives of Iraq and Ecuador?spoke?in the exercise of the right of reply.
The Committee thus concluded its debate on agenda item 84.
Expulsion of aliens – Item 82
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 82.
Statements were made by the representatives of Norway (also on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden) (Nordic countries)), Singapore, United States of America, El Salvador, Cuba, Portugal, Russian Federation, Mexico, Islamic Republic of Iran, China, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Malaysia.
A statement was also made by the observer of the Holy See.
The Committee thus concluded its debate on agenda item 82.
The rule of law at the national and international levels – Item 86
The Committee continued the consideration of agenda item 86.
The representative of Mexico introduced the draft resolution entitled “The rule of law at the national and international levels” (), on behalf of the Bureau.
15th plenary meeting ()
10 November 2020 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Conf. Rooms 1, 2 & 3
Report of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law on the work of its fifty-third session – Item 78
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 78.
The Chair of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law at its fifty-third session introduced the report of the Commission ().
Statements were made by representatives of the European Union (also on behalf of its member States (the candidate countries the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania, the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia aligned themselves with the statement), Finland (also on behalf of Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden (Nordic Countries)), Austria, Argentina, India, Honduras, the Philippines, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, United States of America, El Salvador, Sierra Leone, Israel, Republic of Korea, the Russian Federation, Chile, Japan, Peru, Thailand, Islamic Republic of Iran, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Zambia, Italy, Belarus, Belgium and Singapore.
The Chair of the fifty-third session of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law made some remarks.
The Committee thus concluded its debate on agenda item 78.
Observer status for the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization in the General Assembly – Item 182
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 182.
Statements were made by the representatives of Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Cambodia and Indonesia.
The Committee thus concluded its debate on agenda item 182.
Observer status for the Global Dryland Alliance in the General Assembly – Item 183
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 183.
The representative of Qatar introduced the draft resolution contained in document and announced that Azerbaijan, Costa Rica, Malaysia, Oman, Republic of Korea, Singapore and Turkey had joined as sponsors of the draft resolution.
Statements were made by the representatives of Malaysia and Tunisia.
The Committee thus concluded its debate on agenda item 183.
Report of the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization – Item 85
The Committee continued its consideration on agenda item 85.
The representative of Ethiopia introduced the draft resolution contained in document , on behalf of the Bureau.
Report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country – Item 171
The Committee continued its consideration on agenda item 171.
The representative of Cyprus introduced the draft resolution contained in document , on behalf of Bulgaria, Canada, Costa Rica, C?te d’Ivoire and Cyprus.
14th plenary meeting ()
6 November 2020 | 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Conf. Rooms 1, 2 & 3
United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law – Item 79
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 79.
The Chair of the Advisory Committee on the Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law made a statement.
The Secretary of the Advisory Committee on the Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law made a statement.
A statement was made by a representative of the Division of Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea of the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs.
Statements were made by representatives of Guyana (on behalf of the Group of 77 and China), Eswatini (on behalf of the African Group), Cambodia (on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)), the European Union (also on behalf of its member States (the candidate countries Turkey, the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania, the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia aligned themselves with the statement), Finland (also on behalf of Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden (Nordic Countries)), Singapore, Argentina, Republic of Moldova, the Philippines, United States of America, El Salvador, Sierra Leone, Malaysia, the Sudan, Cuba, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Paraguay, the Russian Federation, Poland, Chile, Islamic Republic of Iran, Mexico, Lebanon, Nigeria, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Egypt and Thailand.
The Committee thus concluded its debate on agenda item 79.
Observer status for the Small Island Developing States Dock (SIDS DOCK) in the General Assembly – Item 180
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 180.
The representative of Belize introduced the draft resolution contained in document and announced that Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Singapore had joined as sponsors of the draft resolution.
Statements were made by the representatives of Malaysia, Micronesia (Federated States of) and Singapore.
The Committee thus concluded its debate on agenda item 180.
Observer status for the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Institute in the General Assembly – Item 181
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 181.
The representative of China introduced the draft resolution contained in document .
Statements were made by the representatives of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan and Pakistan.
The Committee thus concluded its debate on agenda item 181.
Observer status for the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization in the General Assembly – Item 182
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 182.
The representative of the Republic of Korea introduced the draft resolution contained in document and announced that Bangladesh, Qatar and Turkey had joined as sponsors of the draft resolution.
Statements were made by the representatives of the Philippines, Viet Nam, Malaysia and Myanmar.
13th plenary meeting ()
5 November 2020 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Conf. Rooms 1, 2 & 3
Report of the International Law Commission on the work of its seventy-second session – Item 80
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 80.
It received an oral report [in English] of the Chair-designate of the International Law Commission for the seventy-second session, pursuant to General Assembly decision 74/566 of 12 August 2020.? ?
It also received an oral report of the Secretary of the Commission, pursuant to General Assembly decision 74/566 of 12 August 2020.?
Statements were made by the representatives of Sierra Leone (on behalf of the African Group), Tuvalu (on behalf of the Pacific Islands Forum), Belize (on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS)), Singapore, United States of America, El Salvador, Sierra Leone, Papua New Guinea, Russian Federation, Chile, New Zealand, Japan, Viet Nam, Fiji (on behalf of the Pacific Small Island Developing States), Micronesia (Federated States of), Maldives, Tonga, Turkey, Cyprus, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, India, Armenia and Solomon Islands.
The Committee thus concluded its debate on agenda item 80.
12th plenary meeting ( ()
4 November 2020 | 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Conf. Rooms 1, 2 & 3
The scope and application of the principle of universal jurisdiction – Item 87
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 87.
A statement was made by the representative of Zambia.
The Committee thus concluded its debate on agenda item 87.
Status of the Protocols Additional to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and relating to the protection of victims of armed conflicts – Item 83
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 83.
Statements were made by the representatives of the European Union (also on behalf of its member States (the candidate countries the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania, the country of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, and Georgia, aligned themselves with the statement), Sweden (also on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway (Nordic countries)), New Zealand (also on behalf of Australia and Canada (CANZ)), the Syrian Arab Republic, the Philippines, United States of America, El Salvador, Switzerland, Sudan, Israel, Cuba [in English], Portugal, the Russian Federation, Monaco, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Ukraine, the Islamic Republic of Iran and Armenia.
A statement was also made by the observer for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The representative of Azerbaijan made a statement in the exercise of the right of reply.
The Committee thus concluded its debate on agenda item 83.
[See also the statement of Niger]
Report of the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization – Item 85
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 85.
Statements were made by the representatives of Mexico, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Algeria, Republic of Korea, China, Oman and Morocco.
The Committee thus concluded its debate on agenda item 85.
[See also the statement of Niger]
11th plenary meeting ()
3 November 2020 | 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Conf. Rooms 1, 2 & 3
The scope and application of the principle of universal jurisdiction – Item 87
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 87.
Statements were made by the representatives of Islamic Republic of Iran (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)), South Africa (on behalf of the African Group), Sweden (also on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway (Nordic countries)), Canada (also on behalf of Australia and New Zealand (CANZ)) [in English], Singapore, Syrian Arab Republic, India, Philippines, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, United States of America, El Salvador, Slovakia, Brazil, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Czech Republic, South Africa, Malaysia, Israel, Egypt, Cuba [in English], Paraguay, Russian Federation, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Mexico, Viet Nam, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Cameroon, China, Costa Rica, Slovenia, Algeria, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Nigeria and Haiti.
A statement was also made by the observer representative of the Holy See.
Interaction with members of the ILC
28 October 2020 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Virtual Event
An online informal interaction with members of the International Law Commission was held on Wednesday, 28 October 2020. Statements were made by H.E. Mr. Milenko E. Skoknic Tapia, Chair of the Sixth Committee; Mr. Dire Tladi, Special Rapporteur on Peremptory norms of general international law (jus cogens); Ms. Marja Lehto, Special Rapporteur on Protection of the environment in relation to armed conflicts; Ms. Concepción Escobar Hernández, Special Rapporteur on Immunity of State officials from foreign criminal jurisdiction; and Ms. Nilüfer Oral and Mr. Bogdan Aurescu, Co-Chairs of the Study Group on Sea level rise in relation to international law. The presentations were followed by a question and answer segment.
International Law Day
26 October 2020 | 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | Virtual Event
Monday, 26 October 2020, has been designated “international law day”. An informal online event took place on Monday morning, under the theme “The 缅北禁地@75: international law and the future we want". Statements were made by H.E. Mr. Milenko E. Skoknic Tapia, Chair of the Sixth Committee; H.E. Mr. Volkan Bozk?r, President of the General Assembly; H.E. Judge Abdulqawi A. Yusuf, President of the International Court of Justice; Ms. Michelle Bachelet Jeria, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights; Prof. Laurence Boisson de Chazournes, Professor of International Law at University of Geneva; Prof. Patrícia Galv?o Teles, Professor of International Law at Autonomous University of Lisbon; Mr. Mahmoud D. Hmoud, Chair-designate for the seventy-second session of the International Law Commission; and Mr. Miguel de Serpa Soares, Under-Secretary-General for Legal Affairs and United Nations Legal Counsel.
10th plenary meeting ()
23 October 2020 | 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Conf. Rooms 1, 2 & 3
Report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country – Item 171
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 171.
Statements were made by the representatives of Islamic Republic of Iran (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)), the European Union (on behalf of its member States (the candidate countries Turkey, the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania, the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the Republic of Moldova, aligned themselves with the statement)), Cuba, Singapore, Syrian Arab Republic, Russian Federation, Nicaragua, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Islamic Republic of Iran, China and United States of America.
The Committee thus concluded its debate on agenda item 171.
Report of the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization – Item 85
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 85.
The Chair of the 2020 session of the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization introduced the report of the Special Committee ().
The Director of the Codification Division of the Office of Legal Affairs made a statement on the status of the Repertory of Practice of United Nations Organs.
The Political Affairs Officer, Security Council Practices and Charter Research Branch of Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs made a statement on the status of the Repertoire of the Practice of the Security Council.
Statements were made by the representatives of Islamic Republic of Iran (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)), South Africa (on behalf of the African Group), the European Union (also on behalf of its Member States (the candidate countries the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania, the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia aligned themselves with the statement)), Ghana, India, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, the Philippines, Nicaragua, the Sudan, United States of America, Peru, El Salvador, Islamic Republic of Iran, Egypt, Cuba, Qatar, Russian Federation and Viet Nam.
9th plenary meeting ()
22 October 2020 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Conf. Rooms 1, 2 & 3
The rule of law at the national and international levels – Item 86
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 86.
Statements were made by the representatives of Bangladesh, Maldives, Belarus, Thailand, Ukraine, Peru, the Philippines, Malaysia, Russian Federation, Nigeria, Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Eritrea, Armenia, Myanmar, Pakistan, Cameroon, Azerbaijan, Algeria, Morocco, Costa Rica, Mauritius, Kuwait, Dominican Republic, and Turkey.
Statements were also made by the observers for the Holy See and the International Development Law Organization (IDLO).
The representatives of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Azerbaijan and Mauritius made statements in the exercise of the right of reply.
The Committee thus concluded its debate on agenda item 86.
Report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country – Item 171
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 171.
The Chair of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country introduced the report of the Committee ().
8th plenary meeting ()
20 October 2020 | 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Conf. Rooms 1, 2 & 3
The rule of law at the national and international levels – Item 86
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 86.
The Assistant Secretary-General for Strategic Coordination, Executive Office of the Secretary-General, made a statement.
Statements were made by the representatives of Australia (also on behalf of Canada and New Zealand (CANZ)), Ghana, India, China, Nepal, Guatemala, Brazil, Croatia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Viet Nam, Israel, Egypt, Cuba [in English], Georgia, Republic of Korea, Lebanon, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Colombia, Qatar, Japan, Senegal, Togo, Serbia, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, South Africa, Burkina Faso, Mexico and Ecuador.
7th plenary meeting ()
19 October 2020 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Conf. Rooms 1, 2 & 3
Strengthening and promoting the international treaty framework – Item 90
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 90.
Statements were made by the representatives of Egypt, Spain, Slovenia, Colombia, Russian Federation, Chile, Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Korea, France, Mexico, Malaysia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Greece, the Netherlands, Belgium, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Cuba [in English], Cyprus, China, the Philippines, and Turkey.
The Committee thus concluded its debate on agenda item 90.
The rule of law at the national and international levels – Item 86
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 86.
Statements were made by the representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)), South Africa (on behalf of the African Group), Cambodia (on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)), the European Union (on behalf of its member States (the candidate countries Turkey, the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania, the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, aligned themselves with the statement)), Denmark (also on behalf of Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden (Nordic Countries)), Nicaragua, Austria, Liechtenstein, Singapore, Argentina, Syrian Arab Republic, Slovenia, Honduras, Saudi Arabia, United States of America and El Salvador.
6th plenary meeting ()
15 October 2020 | 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Conf. Rooms 1, 2 & 3
Crimes against humanity – Item 81
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 81.
Statements were made by the representatives of Israel, Turkey, China, Malaysia, Senegal, Indonesia, Lebanon, Philippines, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Armenia and Colombia.
A statement was also made by the observer for the State of Palestine.
The representatives of Myanmar, Bangladesh, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Armenia made statements in the exercise of the right of reply.
The Committee thus concluded its debate on agenda item 81.
Administration of justice at the United Nations – Item 152
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 152.
Statements were made by the representatives of South Africa (on behalf of the African Group), the European Union (on behalf of its member States (the candidate countries the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania, the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, aligned themselves with the statement)), Canada [in English] (also on behalf of Australia and New Zealand), United States, Switzerland, Jamaica, Russian Federation, Mexico, China and Netherlands.
The Committee thus concluded its debate on agenda item 152.
Strengthening and promoting the international treaty framework – Item 90
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 90.
Statements were made by the representatives of Italy (also on behalf of Argentina, Austria, Brazil and Singapore), Finland (also on behalf of Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden (Nordic Countries)), Argentina, Singapore, Republic of Moldova, United States, El Salvador and Switzerland.
5th plenary meeting ()
14 October 2020 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Conf. Rooms 1, 2 & 3
Criminal accountability of United Nations officials and experts on mission – Item 77
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 77.
Statements were made by the representatives of Nigeria, Indonesia, China, Viet Nam, Brazil, El Salvador, Morocco, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
The Committee thus concluded its debate on agenda item 77.
Crimes against humanity – Item 81
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 81.
Statements were made by the representatives of South Africa (on behalf of the African Group), the European Union (on behalf of its member States, the candidate countries the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Albania, the country of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the Ukraine, Republic of Moldova and Georgia, aligned themselves with the statement), Sweden (also on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway), Austria, Argentina, Singapore, Syrian Arab Republic, Bangladesh, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Germany, Switzerland, El Salvador, Slovakia, Brazil, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Czech Republic, Egypt, Cuba [in English], Portugal, Paraguay, Russian Federation, Chile, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Viet Nam, United Kingdom, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Republic of Korea, India, Estonia and Mexico.
4th plenary meeting ()
12 October 2020 | 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Conf. Rooms 1, 2 & 3
The President of the General Assembly, Mr. Volkan Bozkir, paid a visit to the Committee and made a statement.
Measures to eliminate international terrorism – Item 114
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 114.
Statements were made by the representatives of Burkina Faso, Uruguay and Malawi.
Statements were also made by the observers for the Holy See, the State of Palestine and for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
The representative of Myanmar spoke in the exercise of the right of reply.
The Committee thus concluded its debate on agenda item 114.
Criminal accountability of United Nations officials and experts on mission – Item 77
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 77.
Statements were made by the representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)), Cameroon (on behalf of the African Group), the European Union (also on behalf of its member States (the candidate countries? the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania, the country of the Stabilization and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, aligned themselves with the statement)), Norway (also on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden (Nordic Countries)), New Zealand (also on behalf of Australia, and Canada) (CANZ)), ?India, Slovenia, Ethiopia, Nepal, ?United States of America, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, Malaysia, Sudan, Togo, Egypt, Russian Federation, Peru, Senegal, ?United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and South Africa.
3rd plenary meeting ()
8 October 2020 | 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Conf. Rooms 1, 2 & 3
Measures to eliminate international terrorism – Item 114
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 114.
Statements were made by the representatives of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the Republic of Korea, Bahrain, Viet Nam, Lebanon, Paraguay, Ukraine, Indonesia, Algeria, Panama, Armenia, Afghanistan, the Russian Federation, Myanmar, Mexico, Nigeria, Ghana, Costa Rica, Azerbaijan, Syrian Arab Republic, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Islamic Republic of Iran, Nicaragua, Kuwait, Eritrea, Central African Republic, Senegal, Niger, Libya, Namibia, Sri Lanka and United Arab Emirates.
The representatives of Turkey, Armenia, Bangladesh and Azerbaijan made statements in the exercise of the right of reply.
2nd plenary meeting ()
7 October 2020 | 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm | Conf. Rooms 1, 2 & 3
Measures to eliminate international terrorism – Item 114
The Committee continued its consideration of agenda item 114.
Statements were made by the representatives of Cameroon (on behalf of the African Group), Australia (also on behalf of Canada and New Zealand (CANZ)), Qatar, Ethiopia, Yemen, Mongolia, Bangladesh, United States of America, Peru, El Salvador, Guatemala, Switzerland, Brazil, Sierra Leone, Oman, Malaysia, Sudan, Ecuador, South Africa, Morocco, China, Israel, Egypt, Djibouti, Turkey, Japan, Cuba [in English] and Georgia.
The representatives of India and Pakistan made statements in the exercise of the right of reply.
1st plenary meeting ()
6 October 2020 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm | Conf. Rooms 1, 2 & 3
The Chair, Mr. Milenko Esteban Skoknic Tapia (Chile) opened the meeting and made a statement.
The Committee took note of the decision on the election of the Chair and other officers of the Sixth Committee at the seventy-fifth session adopted through silence procedure on 11 June 2020 pursuant to General Assembly decision 74/555 of 15 May 2020 as well taking into account the provisions of General Assembly decision 74/557 of 29 May 2020.
Election of the officers of the Main Committees
The Committee elected Ms. Sarah Weiss Ma’udi (Israel) as Vice-Chair of the Sixth Committee at the seventy-fifth session of the General Assembly.
The representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran made a statement in explanation of position.
Composition of the Bureau
The Bureau, as constituted on 29 May and on 6 October 2020, is composed as follows: Chair: Mr. ?Milenko Esteban Skoknic Tapia (Chile); Vice-Chairs: Ms. Kristina Pelki? (Czech Republic), Ms. Sarah Weiss Ma’udi (Israel) and Mr. Ghanshyam Bhandari (Nepal); Rapporteur: Mr. Solomon Korbieh (Ghana).
Organization of work and establishment of working groups
The Chair, Mr. Milenko Esteban Skoknic Tapia, made a statement.
The Chair drew the attention of the Committee to the note by the secretariat on the allocation of items to the Sixth Committee () and the organization of work ()
A statement was made by the representative of Cuba (also on behalf of the Syrian Arab Republic, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Russian Federation).
The Committee adopted its programme of work on the basis of document .
Statements were made by the representatives of the Russian Federation, Nicaragua, China and the Syrian Arab Republic.
Pursuant to General Assembly of 18 December 2019, the Committee established a Working Group on the criminal accountability of United Nations officials and experts on mission to continue the consideration of the report of the Group of Legal Experts (), in particular its legal aspects. The Working Group shall be open to all States Members of the United Nations or members of specialized agencies or of the International Atomic Energy Agency will be invited to participate. The Committee elected Mr. Thabo Molefe (South Africa) as the Chair of the Working Group.
Pursuant to General Assembly of 18 December 2019, the Committee established a Working Group on the scope and application of the principle of universal jurisdiction to continue to undertake a thorough discussion of the scope and application of universal jurisdiction. In accordance with General Assembly resolution 74/192, the Working Group shall be open to all Member States and relevant observers to the General Assembly will be invited to participate. The Committee elected Mr. Rodrigo A. Carazo (Costa Rica) as the Chair of the Working Group.
Pursuant to General Assembly of 18 December 2019, the Committee established a Working Group on measures to eliminate international terrorism with a view to finalizing the process on the draft comprehensive convention on international terrorism as well as discussions on the item included in its agenda by Assembly concerning the question of convening a high-level conference under the auspices of the United Nations. The Working Group shall be open to all States Members of the United Nations or members of specialized agencies or of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The Committee elected Mr. Rohan Perera (Sri Lanka) as the Chair of the Working Group.
Measures to eliminate international terrorism – Item 114
The Committee began its consideration of agenda item 114.
Statements were made by the representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran (on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)), Saudi Arabia (on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)), Cambodia (on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)), the European Union (also on behalf of its member States (the candidate countries Turkey, the Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Albania, the country of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova and Georgia, aligned themselves with the statement)), Norway (also on behalf of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden (Nordic Countries)), India, Singapore, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Pakistan, Argentina, Colombia, Honduras, Philippines, Maldives and Nepal.
