Fifth Committee, 16th plenary meeting - General Assembly, 80th session

I call to order the 60th meeting of the Fifth Committee at the 80th session of the General Assembly. I invite the Committee to resume its consideration of agenda item 136, entitled Proposed Programme Budget for 2026. Under this agenda item, the Committee will first consider the report relating to the question of the Strategic Heritage Plan of the United Nations Office at Geneva. In this connection, I invite the Deputy Controller and Director, Finance Division, Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget, Ms. Maria Costa, to introduce the annual progress report of the Secretary-General on the Strategic Heritage Plan of the United Nations Office at Geneva, contained in document A/80/435. Ms. Costa, you have the floor.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair and distinguished delegates. I'm pleased to introduce the 12th annual progress report of the Secretary General on the Strategic Heritage Plan of the United Nations Office at Geneva, A/80/435. The report is submitted following Assembly Resolution 79297, in which the Assembly decided to approve a revised estimate cost of $924,244,000 for the strategic heritage plan to implement the scope of the project, including the remaining construction elements that are both interdependent and required for code compliance, and excluding items that are independent and beyond code compliance. The resolution allowed the secretariat to financially commit to a guaranteed maximum price for the renovations of building E, the final section of the major works in the project. The report contains a summary of the activities undertaken since the publication of the update to the 11th progress report, which is report A/79/352/Add.1. It also informs about the updated overall construction schedule and details on cost controls and cost saving measures, voluntary contributions and the use of conference space. In accordance with the request from the General Assembly, the project will deliver on the original scope of the buildings and sections with a clear priority on code compliance for health, fire and life safety and basic accessibility. As outlined in the current report, programme management costs are adjusted to the timeline, with the phasing out of two staff positions this year and another two next year, and with reductions in consultants. The current cost plan reflects the gradual drawdown of the project team after 2026. Madam Chair, considering the broader budgetary pressures facing the United Nations, the Secretary General remains committed to managing this project with transparency, discipline and in consideration of financial realities, while also delivering the best value for money for Member States. Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, my team and I, as well as the leadership of UNOB and the project team, look forward to supporting the Committee during its review of this item. Thank you.

I thank Ms. Costa for her introduction. I now invite the Vice-Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, Mr. Carlo Iacobucci, to introduce the related report of the Committee contained in document A/80/7/Add.23. Mr. Iacobucci, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, It is my pleasure to introduce the report of the Advisory Committee on the 12th Annual Progress Report on the Strategic Heritage Plan project. At the outset, allow me to reiterate the Advisory Committee's gratitude to the host country for its continued support to the Strategic Heritage Plan since its inception. Madam Chair, the Committee trusts that the Secretary-General will make every effort to strictly abide by the approved revised budget and schedule, including through tight cost control, regular and proactive review of risks, value engineering and cost-saving measures as requested by the General Assembly. The Committee notes that, pursuant to General Assembly resolution 79/297, The project team reviewed the itemized costs remaining in the project, prioritizing those elements of work where costs could be reduced while maintaining code compliance. The Committee trusts that detailed information will be provided to the General Assembly at the time of consideration of the present report, including, first of all, the current scope of the project with removal of elements beyond code compliance compared with the original scope. Secondly, an update on the conclusion of the guaranteed maximum price agreement for Building E. And finally, estimates in the planning assumptions of contingency for contractual consultancy services, project management and Building E renovation. The approved cost of the project that remains to be financed from assets contributions from 2026 to 2030 amounts to Swiss francs 166.8 million. The project implementation in 2026 and 2027, before its planned substantial completion by the end of 2027, requires the highest levels of resources from assessed contributions since the beginning of the project. The committee notes that the Secretary General presents a revised cost plan reflecting a refined methodology in formulating the annual budgetary request of construction projects that is derived from cash flow projections. The Committee also notes that the refined methodology in formulating annual budgetary requests aims to alleviate the pressure on the regular budget for the 2026 and 2027 financial periods by postponing the resource requests for retention release to the contractor to 2028 after the substantial completion and 2030 after the end of the defect liability period. The Advisory Committee emphasizes again that robust monitoring and strengthened efforts should be made by the UN Office at Geneva to manage and mitigate risks associated with the project implementation with improved and effective oversight from headquarters. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank Mr. Iacobucci for his introduction. The floor is now open for any delegation who wishes to make a statement. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iraq on behalf of G77 and China.

Thank you, Madam Chair, for giving me the floor. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on agenda item 136, 12th annual progress report on the strategic heritage plan at the United Nations Office at Geneva. The group wishes to thank Ms. Maria Costa, the deputy controller, director of finance division, and Mr. Carlo Jacobucci, the Vice-Chair of the ACIP-Q, for introducing their respective reports. The Group expresses its gratitude to the Government of Switzerland as the host country of the United Nations Office in Geneva for its continued support to facilitate the implementation of the Strategic Heritage Plan construction project. We acknowledge that the project remains on track for substantial completion by December 2027, as mandated by the General Assembly and resolution 79/297. In this regard, we stress the importance of effective project management, strict budgetary discipline, and the need to prevent further cost overruns and implementation delays. The group stresses the importance on strict oversight and include close coordination between United Nations Office at Geneva and the headquarter, particularly the Global Assistance Management Policy Service, to ensure the project remains within scope and on schedule. The group notes the progress in consultation UN entities at the Palais des Nations, including OHCHR, the planned relocation to building H. We emphasize the need to ensure maximum and efficient space utilization in accordance with General Assembly resolution 79/297. on the use of the conference facilities by the non-governmental organization, the group emphasized the need to continue compliance with ECOSOC accreditation rules and cost recovery principle and outlined the report. The group encouraged intensified efforts to mobilize additional voluntary contribution from donors in line with the relevant rules and regulations. In conclusion, Madam Chair, the Group reaffirms its commitment to supporting the successful and timely completion of the Strategic Heritage Plan. We expect the Secretariat to fully implement the recommendations of the ACAPQ, uphold transparency, and provide all information requested by the General Assembly to facilitate effective oversight. The Group will engage constructively in the upcoming discussion under the agenda item with a view to ensuring that the project is delivered on time, within budget, and in full compliance with the Assembly's mandate. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Switzerland.

Madam Chair. I would like to thank the Secretary General as well as the ACABQ for their reports and their ongoing support to the proper implementation of the Strategic Heritage Plan. Thanks to collective efforts, we have been able to adopt additional resources required to complete this project while confirming its scope as decided by the General Assembly in 2015. This is an essential accomplishment guided by a vision of a modernized Palais that is adapted to staff needs. This is essential. Madam Chair, the context in which these decisions were taken should not be underestimated. As discussions progress on UN80 and the financial situation of the organization remains difficult, member states responded to legitimate questions about the need to invest more. Together, we recognized evident truths, namely the cost of inaction, increased risks of security and accessibility were well identified both financially as well as politically. A strong consensus on this has sent a clear signal regarding our commitments to an effective multilateralism, of which Geneva is a hub and an operational pillar. Madam Chair, we're encouraged by recent advances in the project and the positive momentum in its implementation. The progress made bring us closer to a renovated, functional, durable Palais that meets the expectations of Member States. Switzerland remains ready to work constructively with all delegations in order to assure a swift adoption of this agenda item. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank you. If there are no further comments, the Committee has thus concluded its general discussion on this question. Informal consultations on this agenda item will be coordinated by Mr. Michael Lloyd-Isthone of Canada. Under the same agenda item, The Committee will next consider the reports relating to the questions of use of the commitment authority and requests for subventions to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia and to the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone. In this connection, I invite the Deputy Controller and Director, Finance Division, Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget, Ms. Maria Costa, to introduce in one intervention the reports of the Secretary-General on the use of the commitment authority and request for a subvention to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia and the use of the commitment authority and request for a subvention to the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone as listed in today's journal. Ms. Costa, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair and distinguished delegates. I have the honour to introduce two reports of the Secretary-General on the use of the commitment authority and request for a subvention relating to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, ECCC, contained in A/80/441, and for the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone, RSCSL, contained in A/80/420. Both reports outline the progress of the residual functions the previous reports and provide information on the financial situation of both institutions. With regard to the Extraordinary Chamber in the Courts of Cambodia, pursuant to General Assembly resolution 75/257B, the initial residual period for the ECCC was to conclude at the end of 2025. In March 2025, the Secretary-General informed the Assembly in his report on the residual functions of the court that the United Nations and the Royal Government of Cambodia had agreed that it would be necessary for the ECCC to continue implementing its residual function for an additional two-year period, except for monitoring the enforcement of reparations awarded to the civil parties, which the parties agreed would be completed by the end of 2025. In its resolution 79/324, the General Assembly took note of the extension of the residual period and encouraged the parties to fully implement the addendum with a view to working towards completing the remaining residual functions and to ensuring an orderly and timely transition to the new Cambodian institution. In the past year, the ECCC continued to pursue its fundraising activities with the goal of broadening the donor base and maintaining the support of traditional donors. Despite the on-going fundraising efforts, the sustained receipt of voluntary contributions has proven to be increasingly challenging over the years. For 2026, voluntary contributions are projected at only $4,600. As in previous years, the ECC continues to implement cost-saving measures without adversely impacting its core work. Such measures include outsourcing administrative service provision to the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and engagement of consultants and independent contractors, remunerated according to the actual programme delivery. In light of the foregoing, the Secretary-General seeks the approval of the General Assembly of an appropriation for a subvention for the international component of the ECC in the amount of $1,945,300 for 2026, taking into account the projected voluntary contributions received to date. Such support would enable the United Nations to meet its obligations in accordance with the agreement between the UN and the Government of Cambodia. Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, with regard to the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone, the report addresses the use of the commitment authority and the activities of the court in 2025, also the current financial situation and efficiency measures taken by the court, and contains a request for a subvention in 2026 to enable the court to continue to carry out its mandate. The funding situation of the residual special court remains a matter of serious concern for the United Nations, the Government of Sierra Leone, the principals of the court and the oversight committee of the RSCSL. Section 4 of the report provides detailed information on the fundraising efforts that have been and continue to be undertaken to seek voluntary funding. Despite on-going efforts, the pledges and contributions received since October 2024 amount to approximately US$58,000 for 2025, including US$30,000 earmarked for special projects, and US$20,000 for 2026. To date, no additional pledges or contributions have been confirmed for the 2025 and 2026 financial years. In light of the foregoing, the Secretary-General seeks the approval of the General Assembly of an appropriation for a subvention in the amount of $2,771,700 in 2026, taking into account the projected voluntary contributions received to date. Such support would enable the residual court to implement its function. Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, our team looks forward to supporting the committee during its review of these items. Thank you.

I thank Ms. Costa for her introduction. I now invite the Vice-Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, Mr. Carlo Iacobucci, to introduce in one intervention the related reports of the Committee, as also listed in today's Journal. Mr. Iacobucci, you have the floor.

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates. I am pleased to introduce the reports of the Advisory Committee on the use of the commitment authority and request for a subvention to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia and to the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone. In the context of the Extraordinary Chambers, the Committee notes the extension of the residual phase until 31st of December 2027 pursuant to Resolution 79/324. The Committee commends the efforts of the Chambers to achieve the completion of its mandate. Furthermore, the Advisory Committee is of the view that all judicial tribunals in the Residual Stage must pursue an end state strategy in accordance with their respective mandates and relevant jurisdictions. The Committee encourages the Residual Special Court, in consultation with the Government of Sierra Leone, the Oversight Committee and the Office of Legal Affairs, to review its remaining activities with the aim of achieving a final concluding status. The Advisory Committee notes with appreciation the sustained level of national commitment of the Royal Government of Cambodia for the work of the Extraordinary Chambers and acknowledges its continuing contributions to the functioning of the Court. Finally, in this current situation of strained finances and liquidity challenges, the Committee recommends that the General Assembly authorize the Secretary-General to enter into commitments in an amount not to exceed $1,856,700 to supplement the voluntary financial resources of the international component of the Extraordinary Chambers for the period from 1 January to 31 December 2026. Madam Chair, distinguished delegates, turning to the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone, the Committee notes that fundraising efforts yielded limited results in 2025 and emphasizes again the need for intensified efforts by the Secretary-General. The Committee notes with appreciation the sustained contributions made by the Government of Sierra Leone and the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Advisory Committee is of the view that, given the scale of the UNAT initiative and of the target reductions set to be achieved by most budget sections and secretariat entities in the revised estimates of the proposed programme budget for 2026, the residual the Special Court and the Chamber's proposed level of resources for 2026 should have reflected further reductions. The Committee recommends that the General Assembly request the Secretary-General to redouble his efforts to identify additional savings and explore further cost-efficient measures and provide an update in the next report. The Committee, therefore, recommends that the Secretary-General be authorized to enter into commitments as a bridging financing mechanism to supplement the resources of the Residual Special Court in an amount not exceeding $2,633,100 for the period from 1 January to 31 December 2026. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank Mr. Iacobucci for his introduction. The floor is now open for any delegation who wishes to make a statement. I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Iraq on behalf of G77 and China.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have the honor to deliver a brief version of the statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China under this agenda item. The full text is available on the Fifth Committee website. At the outset, the Group wishes to thank the Secretariat and the Vice-Chair of the ACABQ for introducing their respective reports. With respect to the request for a submission to the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone, the Group of 77 and China expresses its sincere gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone, as well as to the other Member States and institutional partners for their sustained support to the Court. Their contribution remains essential to preserving the legacy of the Special Court for Sierra Leone. The group notes that the Court was originally intended to be financed through voluntary contributions. However, voluntary funding has remained chronically insufficient since 2015, resulting in a growing reliance on regular budget submissions. This situation is neither substantial nor predictable. The Group reiterates that the unpredictable nature of the voluntary contribution continues to pose serious challenges to mandate delivery. We therefore underscore the need for the General Assembly to consider long-term sustainable financing arrangements for the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone. The Group continues to support the Secretary-General's request for subvention from the UN regular budget. for the year 2026, in which we trust we positively considered during our deliberation. Therefore, the group stresses to maintain the resource level approved by the General Assembly to enable the court to fulfill its mandate functions. Turning to the request of subvention to the extraordinary chambers in the court of the Cambodia, the group takes note of the Secretary General's report on the use of the commitment authority and request for subvention for 2020-26, as well as the 26th report of the ACABQ. The group further notes the General Assembly resolution 79/324, which endorsed the extension of the residual function of the chambers until December 31, 2027, and welcomed the Government of Cambodia's intention to establish a resource center, a permanent public institution dedicated to preserving the court's legacy and archive. We underscore that the effective implementation of the residual phase as well as successful establishment of this resource center will depend on a predictable and sustainable financing. The group acknowledged the substantial national effort of Cambodia including its full funding of the national component and and its commitment to ensuring a smooth transition. We also express appreciation to the Member States that have contributed voluntary funding. However, the Group is deeply concerned by the sharp decline in voluntary contributions, which has fallen from 65% of the budget requirement in 2015 to only 20% in 2025. Given this situation, the Group stresses that the financial failure of the Chambers at this advanced stage of its work would be unacceptable. It would undermine decades of efforts in the pursuit of justice for the people of Cambodia and weaken the international community's broader commitment to combating impunity. With the ECCC scheduled to complete its function by the end of 2027, the Group stresses the ensuring a predictable and adequate level of funding remains indispensable to allow the Chambers to complete its remaining judicial and administrative functions. Madame Chair. In this regard, the Group continues to support the Secretary-General's request for a subvention from the UN regular budget for the year 2026, which we trust will be positively considered during our deliberations. In conclusion, the Group assures you, Madam Chair, of its commitment to engage constructively with all delegations to ensure a timely and successful conclusion on this agenda item. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Singapore on behalf of SAM.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, on agenda item 136, regarding the request for a subvention to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, or ECCC. ASEAN fully aligns itself with the statement delivered by Iraq on behalf of the Group of 77 and China. ASEAN expresses its appreciation to the Secretariat and the Advisory Committee for introducing their respective reports. ASEAN commends the Chambers for the substantial progress in fulfilling its mandate, despite persistent financial challenges. We look forward to the completion of the Chambers' remaining residual functions over the next two years, as well as to an orderly and timely transition to the ECCC Resource Centre, established as a permanent public institution that will serve as a research hub and repository for information related to atrocity accountability. ASEAN underscores that a smooth and effective transition of the Chamber's operations requires sustainable and predictable financing. We commend host country Cambodia for its unwavering commitment to the work of the Chambers, including through in-kind contributions and full funding of the national component in 2023, 2024 and 2025. ASEAN also extends its gratitude to Member States that have supported the Chambers' work through voluntary contributions. Recognising the Chambers' ongoing financial challenges, including the continued annual decline in voluntary contributions, ASEAN fully supports the request for a subvention from the United Nations regular budget. We encourage Member States to increase their voluntary contributions and urge the Secretary-General to continue pursuing fundraising efforts to support the Chambers in the completion of its important mandate. The failure to provide adequate financial support to the Chambers at this critical juncture would not only undermine the pursuit of justice for the Cambodian people, but would also weaken the international community's broader efforts to combat impunity and uphold the rule of law. In this context, ASEAN supports the Secretary-General's proposal to appropriate the amount of $1,955,300 for the international component of the Chambers in 2026. In conclusion, ASEAN remains firmly committed to supporting the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia in its pursuit of justice and reconciliation. We look forward to continued constructive cooperation with all delegations to ensure the timely conclusion of this agenda item. Thank you.

I thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Ghana on behalf of the African Group.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The African Group wishes to express its appreciation to the Secretariat and the Advisory Committee for introducing their respective reports. The Group aligns this statement with the statement delivered by the distinguished delegate of Iraq on behalf of the G77 and wishes to add the following. The Group acknowledges that the Residual Special Court was established under the agreement between the United Nations and the Government of Sierra Leone, with the understanding that its expenses will be financed through voluntary contribution from the international community. However, voluntary contribution funding has remained persistently insufficient since 2015, compelling the court to rely almost entirely on regular budget subventions, which poses serious challenges to the continuous stability of the court. The group notes that the court continues to perform critical judicial functions and non-judicial functions, including protection and welfare of witnesses, supervision of enforcement of sentences, review of convention and equatables, cooperation with national authorities on access to evidence and compensation matters, preservation review, and digitization of archives, among other important functions. Additionally, the Residual Special Court also retains the authority to prosecute the last remaining fugitive, should circumstances demand. These functions remain indispensable to the justice system in Sierra Leone, and the court's continued presence provides an important backbone to the country's criminal justice system. The proposed budget for the residual courts for Sierra Leone for the upcoming budget year is $2,771,700 proposed by the SG, which represents almost 10% reduction from the 2025 commitment authority level authorized by the General Assembly. In this regard, the African Group stresses that any resource level approved by the General Assembly must be sufficient to allow the Court to carry out its mandated function effectively, particularly in view of its ongoing judicial responsibilities, witness protection needs, and the compilation of archiving and digitization work projected through 2026. The group acknowledges the efficiency measures implemented by the court, including increased virtual engagement, administrative co-location, staffing adjustment, and efforts to leverage synergies consistent with the broader UN80 reform initiative. However, such efficiency measure must not come at the expense of the court's ability to deliver its mandate. The court already operates with a small core staff and has consistently applied cost savings measures over the years. The group wishes to express its appreciation to the government of the Republic of Sierra Leone, as well as other member states, for their contribution to the court, and encourage all member states to make voluntary contributions to the court. We also underscore the need for the General Assembly to consider a long-term sustainable financing arrangement for the residual court the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone. However, until such sustainable arrangements are agreed, the group is of the view that the adequate subvention remain necessary to ensure that the Court fulfills its mandates without interruption. The African group stands ready to engage constructively with all delegations to ensure a timely and successful conclusion of this important agenda item. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cambodia.

Thank you, Madam Chair. At the outset, on behalf of my permanent representative, allow me to express Cambodia's full support for the statements delivered by the representative of Iraq on behalf of G77 and China, and by Singapore on behalf of ASEAN on this important agenda item. I appreciate the Secretariat and Advisory Committee on the Administrative and Budgetary Questions for their respective reports on the 2026 programme budget concerning the subversion for the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia. On behalf of the Royal Government and the people of Cambodia, I wish to express our profound gratitude to all member states for their valuable support over the years for the functioning of the ECCC in addressing impunity for most serious crimes committed during the Khmer regime. And it has been publicly announced that the resource center of the Extraordinary Chambers will host the new institution upon the closure of the Extraordinary Chambers in 2027. However, this cannot be achieved if financial constraints persist. As highlighted in the Secretary-General report, securing adequate funding is essential to enable the Extraordinary Chamber to complete their work during the residual phase for another two years. Doing so will contribute to preserving and conserving the historical legacy for public education and to preventing recurrence of such crimes in Cambodia while also serving as safeguarding benchmark globally. The Royal Government of Cambodia affirms its full commitment to supporting the national component of the ECCC as it moves forward its concluding phase and support the request for a subvention of extraordinary 2.3 million US dollar for 2026. Cambodia welcome continued voluntary contributions and call on all member states to support the Secretary General's proposed subvention for the international component ensuring that the Extraordinary Chambers can successfully complete their financial duties. To conclude, Cambodia stands ready to engage with all partners in safeguarding the legacy of the Chambers and underscore the importance of accountability for the most serious crimes in accordance with international law and the imperative to eliminate impunity. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank you, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sierra Leone.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Excellencies, distinguished delegates, my delegation aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the Group of 77 and China and the African Group. We commend the Secretary-General and thank Madam Maria Costa, Deputy Controller, Director, Finance Division, OPPFB, for introducing the report of the Secretary-General on the use of the commitment, authority and the request for subvention to the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone, A/80/420. We welcome with appreciation the Secretary-General's request for an additional subvention in the amount of 2,771,700 United States dollars to enable the Court to continue to carry out its mandate and functions in 2026. We also thank Carlo Giacobbi, Vice-Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, for his report A/80/782 and take note of its recommendations. Article 3 of the Agreement between the United Nations and the Government of Sierra Leone on the establishment of the Residual Special Court provides that the expenses of the Court shall be borne foremost by voluntary contributions. However, such contributions have long been insufficient, and since 2015, the Court has had to rely on subventions from the regular budget to carry out its mandate. The Residual Special Court of Sierra Leone, established in 2010 as the successor to the Special Court for Sierra Leone, continues to perform essential judicial and administrative functions including preserving its archives, protecting and supporting witnesses and victims, supervising the enforcement of sentences, and responding to requests from national authorities. Together, the Special Court and the Residual Special Court of Sierra Leone have produced landmark jurisprudence on core international crimes and the accountability of leaders. Preserving this legacy and operational capacity is vital to the global fight against impunity. Chair, we are acutely aware of the liquidity crisis confronting the Organization and support efforts to promote discipline, transparency and value for money in light of the UN80 initiative. At the same time, the Residual Special Court of Sierra Leone, has been from the outset a lean, efficient, and cost-effective institution. The court has consistently implemented cost-saving measures and operates with a small core staff and relies on technology and remote modalities. Any further reductions at this stage would therefore not be marginal. they would cut into the core of its mandate, in particular, witness and victim protection, supervision of sentences, preservation of archives, and the court's ability to respond to judicial and cooperation requests from states. At the 80th anniversary of our organization, one of the United Nations' clearest achievements has been the development of international criminal justice, of which the Residual Special Court of Sierra Leone is a concrete expression. The UN80 process and liquidity measures should therefore not have the unintended consequence of weakening institutions that give practical effect to the Charter's promise of justice, accountability and the rule of law. In this spirit, Sileon supports the Secretary-General's request for a subvention in the amount of $2,771,700 for 2026, with any voluntary contributions reducing its utilization. We also reiterate the need for a predictable and sustainable financing solution for the Court and express our appreciation to all Member States and partners that continue to support the Residual Special Court of Sierra Leone. I thank you.

I thank you. If there are no further comments, the Committee has thus concluded its general discussion on this question. Informal consultations on these questions will be coordinated by Mr. Marinko Avramovic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Before adjourning this formal meeting, I would like to draw the attention of the committee to the letter dated 21st November 2025 from the President of the General Assembly, addressed to the Chair of the Fifth Committee, transmitting the letter dated 21st November 2025 from The Chair of the Sixth Committee, issued under agenda item 146, Administration of Justice at the United Nations, contained in document A/C.5/80/14. The meeting is adjourned.