26 Jan 2023
1 Co-Chairs, in your letter of 5 December 2022 you had asked Member States to focus on two matters, namely the IGN process and the cluster on “regional representation”.
IGN Process
2 At the outset, my delegation reiterates our full support for the IGN process and to you, Co-Chairs, as you labour to move this process forward. We should continue to use the IGN process wisely and patiently, to build the widest possible convergence of views. Over the last year, there have been robust and substantive discussions during the IGN Meetings. We hope and expect that this process, which is the single process mandated to discuss Security Council reform, continues to progress. In this vein, we welcome the “Revised Co-Chair’s Elements Paper on Convergences and Divergences on the question of equitable representation on and increase in the membership of the Security Council and related matters”.
3 My delegation is of the view that we should focus future IGN discussions to move forward on areas of convergence, as well as look closely at the areas of divergence and where there could be greater potential for narrowing gaps. Moving to text-based negotiations could help accelerate this process and give Member States greater ownership. As mentioned before, my delegation is open to engaging in new formats if these will help in building greater common understanding.
Regional Representation
Co-Chairs,
4 Singapore has consistently supported UNSC reform. We speak for ourselves in this matter, and not for any other country or group.
5 In our view, any reform of the Council should reflect contemporary realities, and ensure, to paraphrase your elements paper, an inclusive, transparent, efficient, effective and accountable functioning of the Council. As we have said before, there must be greater geographical representation and inclusivity in a reformed Council, especially for under-represented regions such as Africa and for the small states, some half of whom have yet to serve on the Council. For reforms to enjoy widespread support and lead to true inclusivity, the process must go beyond the interests of the larger countries.
6 Moving forward, we should look at the views put forth by various Member States and groups regarding the expansion of permanent and non-permanent seats for the various regional groups and small states, including small island developing states, and work towards consensus on what would constitute proportional and appropriate representation. We look forward to continued discussions and elaboration on this issue. In order for small delegations such as mine to participate fully and effectively, we also look forward to Co-Chairs’ early issuance of the timeline of upcoming IGN meetings.
Co-Chairs,
7 While Singapore supports a more representative Council, reform should not just be about expanding the horseshoe table. We have already seen how the existing structure of the Council rendered it unable to discharge its primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Any reform necessarily means expansion, and any expansion should enhance not just the representativeness of the Council but more importantly, its performance. It is for this reason that Singapore does not support extending the veto to new permanent members. Also, permanent membership is an enormous privilege that comes with immense responsibility. States aspiring toward becoming new permanent members should show that they are able and willing to uphold the principles of the UN Charter and international law, and not simply protect their own interests.
8 We have previously suggested the possibility of a “Declaration of Responsibilities” for all members of the Security Council, including existing and potential permanent members. A Declaration of Responsibilities can be part of any agreed package of Security Council reforms that might be eventually adopted.
Co-Chairs,
9 In these troubled times, it is critical that the Council lives up to its function as a forum for maintaining international peace and security, rather than become another arena for geopolitical competition. My delegation hopes that we can build on areas of convergence, and seize the opportunity to push forward on Council reform. We are ready and willing to work with you and fellow Member States to make progress on this important issue.
10 Thank you.
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