28 Oct 2021
Mr President,
1 I would like to begin by expressing Singapore’s deep sadness at the passing of Judge James Richard Crawford. He was a titan in international law and his death is a great loss for the international law community.
Mr President,
2 My delegation thanks the President of the International Court of Justice for her comprehensive presentation on the activities of the Court during the period under review.
3 Singapore congratulates the Court on the seventy-fifth anniversary of its inaugural sitting. In its seventy-fifth year, the Court has shown no signs of slowing down. Its docket covers a diversity of subject matter and also geographical spread. This is a reflection of the international community’s trust and confidence in the Court’s role in the peaceful settlement of disputes. The ICJ continues to be an important pillar of a multilateral system based on international law. As a small State, such a system is critical for Singapore’s vital interests, including our sovereignty and territorial integrity. This is why Singapore is, and continues to be, a staunch supporter of the United Nations and the International Court of Justice, which we regard as the guardian of the international rule of law.
Mr President,
4 My delegation would like to make three points on the Report of the Court. First, Singapore welcomes the establishment of the trust fund for the Judicial Fellowship Programme of the Court. Singapore is honoured to have been 2 part of the group of five States that co-coordinated the General Assembly resolution to establish the trust fund. We believe the trust fund will contribute to the success of the Programme by supporting the participation of young practitioners from developing countries in the Programme to gain invaluable insights into the Court. This will, in turn, promote greater geographic and linguistic diversity in the Judicial Fellowship Programme. In time, this will also hopefully lead to greater adherence to and respect for international law.
5 Second, we note that consultations between the Court and the host country are underway to prepare concrete plans for the Court’s temporary relocation in advance of the renovation of the Peace Palace. We look forward to receiving further details on the scope, extent and schedule of the Court’s relocation in due course. It will be important for the Court’s temporary premises to suit the needs of the Court so that it can carry out its judicial functions in an uninterrupted manner.
6 Third, Singapore commends the Court on its efforts to modernise and streamline its processes. Initiatives like the establishment of an ad hoc committee under the new Article 11 of the Resolution concerning the Internal Judicial Practice of the Court will contribute to the sound administration of justice by the Court. The Court also showed its adaptability and flexibility in the use of technology in response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This included the holding of public sittings by video link and in hybrid format, which allowed the Court to maintain its high workload despite the challenging circumstances.
7 In closing, Singapore reiterates its steadfast commitment to the rules-based multilateral system and its unstinting support for the Court’s role in the peaceful settlement of disputes under international law.
8 Thank you for your attention.
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