Statement by Mr. Bilal Ahmad, Counsellor Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations Sixth Committee of the UN General Assembly Agenda Item 85: "Rule of Law at the national and international levels" (New York, 15 October 2015)

Mr. Chairman,

We welcome this opportunity to speak before this august house on the rule of law at the national and international levels, and the theme chosen for this year’s debate, “the role of multilateral treaty processes in promoting and advancing the rule of law”.

We also take note of the Secretary General’s report focusing on the theme of this year’s debate; and commend various efforts undertaken by the United Nations and its agencies in promoting the activities related to the strengthening of the rule of law.

Mr. Chairman,

Pakistan would like to align itself with the statement delivered by the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.

It has been rightly mentioned in the Secretary General’s report that the rule of law is a common thread that runs through peace and security, development and human rights. Equality is the essence of the concept of rule of law. At the international level, the imperatives for ensuring practical equality among States require ensuring inclusivity in the development of international law, respecting and promoting the fundamentals of laws and principles agreed upon by States and, most importantly, a just and fair application of those laws and principles.

Pakistan has always respected the collective will of the members of the United Nations. This Organization, within the ambit of its principles and purposes, provides the necessary inclusiveness for development of multilateral treaties. And though much needs to be done, the United Nations and its organs and agencies have played a key role in promoting the rule of law as a driver of peace and security, development and human rights.

Mr. Chairman,

The area that urgently needs our attention is the just and fair application of the rule of law at the international level.

The UN Charter, international law and international justice system should form the basis of a just and fair world order. Respect and unequivocal adherence to the fundamental principles of the UN Charter - sovereign equality of states, the pacific settlement of disputes, refraining in international relations from the threat or use of force, non-interference in the internal affairs of States, and the right to self-determination - would strengthen the rule of law at the international level. In this regard, we attach specific importance to the following elements:

Mr. Chairman,

This year’s debate revisits extensive discussions that have taken place in the United Nations on the role of multilateral treaty processes in promoting and advancing the rule of law from 1977-1984 and then during the UN Decade for International Law (1990-1999). The UN Programme of Assistance in the teaching, study, dissemination and wider appreciation of International Law was a consequence of a decade of deliberations. As a member of the Advisory Committee for this Programme of Assistance, we note with concern that the program continues to face serious financial problems hindering realization of its full potential.

Mr. Chairman,

Over the years, the number of multilateral treaty bodies has increased significantly. Their development and operation has become increasingly complex. While this has contributed to the development of international law, it has also magnified the need for capacity building of States and the wider dissemination of knowledge pertaining to International Law. The fast-paced modern communications that are now a hallmark of multilateral diplomacy have accentuated the need for ensuring inclusivity and transparency. These two elements are essential for successful development and, subsequently, effective implementation of any multilateral treaty body. Also enhanced is the demand for system-wide coherence and coordination, as well as avoiding duplication of work resulting from overlapping mandates.

In developing multilateral treaties at the global level, it is important to make every effort to reach consensus. After all, we all join these efforts to move forward together. Delays in achieving goals should not be a cause of frustration. Instead they should lead to introspection and understanding. For these are essential precursors to flexibility and compromise.

Mr. Chairman,

Laws are as good as their implementation. And implementation is as good as the fairness that underpins it. Pakistan, therefore, reiterates its call for ensuring mechanisms that aim for a fair and just application of laws and principles agreed upon by the Member States of the UN – in particular the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

I thank you, Mr. Chairman.