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Mr. Chairman,
Pakistan aligns itself with the statement delivered by Bolivia, on behalf of the Group of 77 and China.
We thank the Secretary General for useful information contained in his report on the UN Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law.
Pakistan also appreciates the Codification Division for its efforts to implement the Programme of Assistance and acknowledge the contributions made by the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea, International Law Division and the Treaty Section.
Mr. Chairman,
Pakistan attaches high importance to the dissemination and application of International Law through various means. International Law provides the vehicle for peaceful relations among states. Its enhanced understanding and appreciation contributes to our shared goal of peace and prosperity. We have, therefore, always backed the cause and activities promoted by the UN Programme of Assistance in the teaching, study, dissemination and wider appreciation of International Law. As a member of the Advisory Committee on the UN Programme of Assistance, we have supported efforts to further strengthen and develop the programme.
Mr. Chairman,
While we appreciate the efforts to utilize available resources for activities under the Programme of Assistance, we remain concerned at the consecutive cancellation of regional courses for Asia-Pacific in 2013 and 2014, and for Latin-America and Caribbean in 2014, as mentioned in Paragraphs 15 and 17 of the report due to insufficient funding. We also take note with concern that the activities mentioned in Paragraphs 9, 14, 16, 18 and 35 in 2015 are dependent on availability of adequate resources. We therefore fully share the concern expressed by the Advisory Committee in Paragraphs 60 and 61 of the report and the need to provide reliable funding for all activities under the UN Programme of Assistance.
Mr. Chairman,
Pakistan considers the continuation and further development of the Audiovisual Library as an important activity under the Programme of Assistance. It is essential to note that the Audio-Visual Library has been accessed by more than One Million users since 2008 - roughly 400 users a day. The usefulness of this Library, which will only grow with time as it further develops and more people become aware of it, cannot be overestimated.
Mr. Chairman,
In view of the grave situation regarding the lack of resources and reliable funding being faced by the UN Programme of Assistance, it is imperative to take measures to allow the financial space required by the Codification Division to undertake all activities of the Programme. We acknowledge that in paragraphs 62-65 of the report of the Secretary General, useful recommendations have been made by the Advisory Committee on the UN Programme of Assistance. For this, we thank the Ambassador of Ghana for his admirable leadership of the Advisory Committee. We sincerely hope that these recommendations receive adequate support by the membership at all stages through its realization, leading to improvement in the existing situation.
Mr. Chairman,
Pakistan will continue to work with other delegations in the Sixth Committee and the relevant offices of the United Nations to achieve positive results in our efforts for study, wider appreciation and dissemination of International Law.
I thank you, Mr. Chairman.