20 Jun 2016
Mme. President,
1. My delegation congratulates you on your election. We are very happy to see you assume this role. You have my delegation’s full support. We would also like to thank Ambassador Kittichaisaree for his leadership of the twenty-fifth Meeting of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
2. We thank the Secretary-General of the Authority, Nii Odunton, for the provision of information on the activities carried out by the Authority since the twenty-sixth Meeting of States Parties.
3. My statement will focus on three issues: first, the draft regulations for exploitation of mineral resources in the Area; second, the workload facing the Authority; and third, the upcoming annual Session in Kingston, Jamaica.
The draft regulations for exploitation of mineral resources in the Area
4. Singapore reiterates our support for the Authority’s efforts to prepare draft regulations for exploitation. The appropriate regulatory frameworks will ensure that activities in the Area are pursued in an environmentally responsible manner. We were looking forward to the circulation of the zero draft of the regulations for exploitation by March 2016, as indicated in the priority deliverables. That said, we understand the constraints that the Legal and Technical Commission faces, particularly its growing workload.
5. Nevertheless, it is important that momentum for work on the draft regulations for exploitation is maintained, even as we bear in mind concerns raised by some States about operating in a data deficient environment and overburdening resources. This is because the zero draft will not be the culmination of the work on this issue but, rather, the beginning. It will facilitate focussed discussions on the development of the regulations and serve as an indicator of what more needs to be done, particularly considering that the development of the exploitation regulations will be an iterative process.
6. Meanwhile, my delegation maintains the view that the exploitation regulations should, first, be consistent with international law; second, ensure that exploitation of resources in the Area is conducted in an environmentally sustainable yet commercially feasible manner; and third, promote exploitation on the basis of fairness to encourage wider participation from members of the Authority, including developing countries. We look forward to the zero draft reflecting these principles. We understand that there are many interests where the exploitation of mineral resources in the deep seabed is concerned, and it is important that the various interests are taken into consideration, and reflected in a balanced manner. We also trust that, where the zero draft of the exploitation regulations may draw from precedents and the work of other relevant organisations and institutions, the unique aspects of deep seabed exploitation will be borne in mind so that the regulations are fit for purpose.
7. Further, my delegation welcomes the three discussion papers that the Secretariat has issued on dispute resolution considerations, and data and information management considerations, arising under the proposed new exploration regulations, as well as on developing a communications and engagement strategy for the Authority to ensure active stakeholder participation in the development of a minerals exploitation code. These are three of the important aspects that need to be addressed for a sustainable and effective exploitation code. The timely circulation of the discussion papers will enable views to be canvassed from stakeholders. As with the earlier report on developing a regulatory framework for mineral exploitation in the Area, and the discussion paper on the development and implementation of a payment mechanism in the Area, Singapore will study these discussion papers so that we can continue to contribute to discussions on the regulatory framework on exploitation.
The workload facing the Authority
8. Regarding the workload facing the Legal and Technical Commission and the Secretariat of the Authority, Singapore has previously noted its steady increase in volume and complexity. We appreciate the steps which have been taken to address this issue and my delegation is fully committed to explore further ways in which the workload can be alleviated. A possible option that is available to us at the upcoming Session, would be to consider increasing the size of the Legal and Technical Commission, giving due regard to the economy and efficiency of the Commission’s work. Not only will this enable all the candidates from the regional groups to be elected by consensus in line with previous practice, it would facilitate the Commission’s dealing with the expanded workload it has before it.
The upcoming annual session
Mme. President,
9. The upcoming 22nd Session of the Authority will have important work before it. Singapore looks forward to attending the meetings. In our capacity as a member of the Council of the Authority, we would like to call for greater participation by other States Parties at the 22nd Session.
10. The Authority is entrusted with organising and controlling activities in the Area, particularly with a view to administering the resources of the Area. UNCLOS provides that the Area and its resources are the common heritage of mankind, and that the activities in the Area are to be carried out for the benefit of mankind as a whole. Accordingly, it is our responsibility as States Parties of UNCLOS to be present and engaged in enabling the work of the Authority, including at its annual Sessions. The significant decisions that will be taken at the upcoming session make the issue of quorum all the more important.
11. In addition to the various elections that will be taking place, the 22nd Session will also have before it the interim report of the review committee established pursuant to the decision of the Assembly to oversee the periodic review of the international regime of the Area pursuant to Article 154 of UNCLOS. My delegation is studying the interim report by the consultants and the comments by the Review Committee on the interim report. We look forward to exchanging views with other delegations on the Review.
12. Thank you.
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