Sixth Committee, 14th plenary meeting - General Assembly, 81st session

Good morning, colleagues.

I call to order the 14th meeting of the Sixth Committee for the 81st session of the General Assembly.

Distinguished delegates, this afternoon, the Sixth Committee will continue its consideration of agenda item 88, United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries on protection of persons in the event of disasters.

Given the length of the list of speakers,

it is now expected that we will only commence the debate on agenda item

85, the scope and application of the principle of universal jurisdiction, during the course of the day tomorrow.

This means that we are about a day behind schedule.

Please be informed that the Bureau met and has decided to propose that the Sixth Committee hold a further plenary meeting this coming Friday morning, the 16th of October, starting at 10 a.m. The meeting of the Working Group on Measures to Eliminate International Terrorism, initially scheduled for the morning, will now

take place from 3:00 to approximately 4:30.

This with the informal briefing on agenda item 150, administration of justice at the UN,

now starting immediately following the adjournment of the working group. Please be aware that at the meeting on Friday morning, the Sixth Committee will briefly revert to agenda item 124, revitalization of the work of the General Assembly, to receive a presentation by the co-chairs of the ad hoc working group on revitalization of the General Assembly. Finally, permit me to recall the decision taken at our first meeting that statements delivered in a national capacity should be limited to seven minutes, while statements by group of states will be limited to 12 minutes. Delegations are strongly encouraged to adhere to these time limits. Doing so will help us keep the Committee's program of work on track. Distinguished delegates, as announced, let us continue and conclude the debate on agenda item 88, United Nations Conference on Plenipotentiaries on Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters.

There are no reports issued under this agenda item.

The first speaker on my list is the distinguished representative of Chile.

You have the floor.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. My delegation wishes to begin by reiterating Chile's firm commitment to the strengthening of international law as an essential framework to provide an effective, predictable and coordinated response to disasters. We reaffirm our full support to the negotiation and adoption of a universal, legally binding convention on the protection of persons in the event of disasters, which places human dignity at the very heart of international actions and that strengthens international cooperation. Madam Chair, In light of the debates that have taken place within the framework of the working group, my delegation wishes to underscore some principles that we believe the future convention should draw on. First of all, absolute respect for the sovereignty and principle of non-interference, reaffirming that the ultimate responsibility to protect people undoubtedly lies with the state affected. What's more, demanding the prior consent of the state affected or as an essential requirement for the provision of external assistance, which must be based on international solidarity and good faith, free from pressure or conditionalities. In turn, the enshrinement of the inherent dignity of people and the full upholding of human rights as the guiding pillars that must guide each and every step of the response to emergencies. It's important, what's more, to underscore the vision of disaster risk reduction as a due diligence duty that covers each and every phase of the cycle, continuously. On this point, my delegation wishes to clarify that this is not an absolute obligation. The compliance standard will vary based on the resources and capacities of each State. Madam Chair, at this stage, the priority of the Sixth Committee should be to facilitate a solution to the different pending issues. before the Conference of Plenipotentiaries that is due to take place in January 2027. We thank the Government of Thailand for their generous offer to host and to co-organise this Conference. With the aspiration of ensuring that this Conference is a success, my delegation believes that it is of particular importance to address during this session the organizational and procedural matters which include the following: 1. Ensuring that proposals and comments from States are systematized so that the Secretariat can consolidate them in a timely and efficient manner. 2. Establish as far as possible inter-sessional consultations so that we have a informal space for dialogue before January 27. This should allow us to look at bringing our positions together on the most complex issues and to optimize in-person work that will take place during the conference. Now, in terms of inclusion and participation, my delegation wishes to launch an appeal to all Member States to adopt the financial and logistical measures required in order to ensure the full and effective participation of all states in this conference, in particular those from developing countries, which are particularly vulnerable to disasters. Madam Chair, disasters know no borders and their devastating effects require a global legal commitment that is based on solidarity. Chile trusts that with the political will of states and the spirit of consensus, like the one that characterizes this committee, we hope that this will reflect during the conference in 2027. And thanks to this, we hope we'll be able to strike a balance in the text and make it inclusive and effective. An agreement of this nature should allow us to fill avoid the currently existing international law. It will help us to harmonize practices and to strengthen multilateral cooperation in all of the phases of the management of disasters. Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

The Chair, I thank the distinguished representative of Chile for her statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of South Africa. Madam, you have the floor.

Thank you, thank you, Madam Chair. South Africa aligns with the statement delivered by Cameroon on behalf of the African Group. At the outset, my delegation expresses its appreciation to the International Law Commission for its foundational work on the draft articles and to the Secretariat for their efforts in preparing the consolidated text, which we welcome. We welcome the progress made pursuant to General Assembly resolution 79/128 of 4 December 2024, in particular the successful convening of the resumed session and the Preparatory Committee. We look forward to the forthcoming United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries on Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters to be held in Bangkok, Thailand, in 2027, and we thank the delegation of Thailand for their efforts in hosting this important conference. South Africa remains firmly committed to the elaboration and codification of a legally binding instrument on the protection of persons in the event of disasters. Madam Chair, the urgency of this endeavour is underscored by the lived realities of our people. South Africa's domestic framework, anchored in the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002, prioritizes prevention, risk reduction, mitigation, preparedness, rapid response, and post-disaster recovery. Whilst it affirms human dignity and the primary responsibility of the state, South Africa continues to be confronted by the intensifying impacts of climate-related weather events, which disproportionately affect our most vulnerable communities. We also hold in our thoughts all those who have lost their lives or remain missing in climate-related disasters, including the recent and devastating flooding in Nepal, where South African nationals are among those still unaccounted for. These experiences reinforce our conviction that a future instrument must be must go beyond a purely reactive paradigm. It must embed a genuine international cooperation, capacity building and technology transfer as core obligations, particularly to enable developing countries to fulfill their responsibilities in risk reduction. To ensure that disasters do not perpetuate cycles of poverty and marginalization, The structural vulnerabilities of the Global South cannot be placed on the back burner. We affirm the centrality of state sovereignty and the primary role of the affected state in directing, controlling, coordinating and supervising disaster relief. We urge that the duty to seek external assistance be carefully curated and balanced, and also encourage the operationalization of protection for particularly vulnerable groups, including women, children, persons with disabilities, and those in informal settlements and rural areas. Madam Chair, South Africa stands ready to engage constructively in this process and at the Conference of Plenipotentiaries. We call on all Member States to approach the negotiations in a spirit of equity and mutual responsibility to ensure that the resulting treaty reflects a recognition of our shared humanity and, most importantly, that it is adopted by consensus. I thank you, ma'am.

I thank the representative, the distinguished representative of South Africa for the statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of France. You have the floor.

Madam

President, at the time where crises are multiplying, protection of people who are impacted is becoming increasingly important, and we cannot remain indifferent to that. Humanitarian assistance provided by the various actors of the international community to people who are impacted by these disasters is decisive when it comes to covering immediate disasters, restoring communications to enable the assistance to arrive, and in reconstruction efforts. We intend to fully participate in these efforts in support to the countries impacted and their people, as we did recently when we sent tons of humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Through its resolution 79/128, the General Assembly decided to develop and conclude a legally binding instrument on the protection of persons in the event of a disaster, without prejudice to the legal effects of any particular provisions it may contain. On several occasions, we have spoken during the discussion within this committee on the draft articles developed by the International Law Commission. My delegation would like to recall that numerous articles reflect customary law and allow a welcome clarification of certain issues, but a deeper reflection needs to take place as they are being translated into a potentially legal instrument. We have conveyed our observations on draft articles, which could be a basis for such a reflection. We would like to renew our commitment to the adoption of an international relevant legal instrument and encourage all of the delegations to participate in the Conference of United Nations Plenipotentiaries to take place in Bangkok in 2027 and is to be inclusive and constructive. Madam President, here we would like to make two comments which we think are essential. First of all, we reaffirm the importance of abiding by the highest standards when it comes to multilingualism. This is an essential principle for the United Nations and a precondition to making sure that the legal documents we are negotiating are of high quality. Under this regard, we welcome the decisions undertaken by the PrepCom to guarantee that multilingualism is upheld within the framework of future conferences. Secondly, my delegation reiterates its attachment to the consensus adoption of the future convention, and we would wish to see that the exchanges at the plenipotentiary conferences lean towards that outcome. Adoption by consensus of the rules of procedures is essential to make sure that the plenipotentiary's conferences goes well, and this has been a good sign, and we welcome that. Madam President, and finally, and once again, we would like to thank Thailand for the hosting of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries, where we affirm our intention to work constructively and in good faith as we proceed with the substantive negotiations at Bangkok, and we invite all delegations to do the same. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of France for their statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Slovenia. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Vice Chair. Slovenia aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union and its member states and would like to add the following remarks in its national capacity. As a strong supporter of humanitarian action, disaster risk reduction, and civil protection mechanisms, Slovenia attaches particular importance to the topic of PPED. Drawing on its national experience, particularly in 2023, we experienced severe floods that summer, its regional cooperation and engagement within international and multilateral frameworks, Slovenia recognizes the increasing frequency and complexity of natural disasters and the consequent need for clear, coherent, and principal legal guidance at an international level. In this context, Slovenia also recognizes the important role of technical tools, such as satellite imagery, in enabling timely assessments and effective coordination and responses to disasters. Madam Vice-Chair, with regard to the draft articles on the PPED prepared by the ILC in 2016, I have in front of me a number of comments on specific draft articles. However, for the sake of time, I will refer at this point to our full statement, which will be made available online. Madam Vice Chair, at next year's United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters in Bangkok, Slovenia will endeavor to work constructively towards reaching agreement on a clear, comprehensive, and coherent legally binding instrument based on the draft articles. In our view, such an instrument should reflect the relevant rules and principles of international law and ensure a timely, impartial, needs-based and coordinated response to disasters. Finally, Slovenia attaches great importance to the successful outcome of the conference and would like to express its sincere gratitude to the Government of Thailand for hosting this important event. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Slovenia for this statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cameroon. You have the floor, sir.

Madam Chair, we align ourselves with the statement we made on behalf of the African group, and I would like to make the following comments in our national capacity. Madam Chair, protection of persons in the event of disasters remains a major concern for the international community in the context where we are seeing increased natural phenomenon and disasters across the world. This results in the loss of human lives, displacements of populations, it destroys goods and infrastructure, undermines people's livelihood and undermines development. And this means that the international legal framework needs to be consolidated here and we based only solidarity among states. It is in this spirit with that where we affirm our support to the development of an international legal binding instrument on the protection of persons in the event of disasters. In this regard, we welcome the advances made since our last session, in particular during the resumed session in April, and the works of the PrepCom, which took place in August and September of 2026, so as to prepare the work and the working methods of the Plenipotentiary Conference on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters. The decision to organize this in Bangkok from 25th January to the 12th of February is a decisive step and the final step of the process that we have been working on. We would wish this conference to transform our earlier work into a balanced, operational and largely accepted international instrument. As we stated in the past, We remain convinced that the development of such a document should result in a constructive and inclusive dialogue, which will take into account the various concerns expressed of States and arrive at consensus decisions on those issues which are still outstanding. Madam Chair, my delegation and an opportunity to speak to various provisions during the previous sessions, and we've submitted proposed amendments. to our documents, and we think that the outstanding issues need to be carefully examined in Bangkok to make sure that we have an appropriate balance between the need to facilitate rapid and effective international assistance, and on the other hand, the respect for the prerogatives of the impacted state, their domestic laws, and their primary responsibility for its nationals. We intend to actively participate. Guided by a constructive spirit, we want to contribute to the development of a text which meets the requirements of the international community, and at the same time takes into account the realities and capacities of states. We attach special importance to the protection of persons in the event of disasters, be they natural or man-made disasters. geographical and climatic diversity of my country is such that we are facing different kinds of risks and our policies of prevention, reacting and recovery is what we're working on. We are developing various instruments for the events of disasters and we continue to contributing towards regional and international initiatives in this area. We remain attached to the Sunday framework and we support the efforts made by the African Union, which aims at strengthening the capacity of the continent when it comes to humanitarian crises. My country attaches special attention to the development of African mechanisms, which can help strengthen early warning, coordination, assistance, reaction to disasters, and the resilience of the vulnerable groups. Madam Chair, nationally speaking, we continue working our national framework on civil protection through our own law that was passed in 2024 on Civilian Protection in Cameroon. Its provisions show the will of the government to strengthen risk prevention and the protection of our people and the coordination of our work in the event of a disaster. As we move closer to the conference in Bangkok, we would like to thank Thailand for hosting the conference. We reaffirm the fact that we are available to contribute actively to the deliberations. And we would wish this conference to enable us to work in the spirit of compromise and solidarity and arrive at an international instrument which strengthens the protection of persons in the event of disasters, whilst respecting the principle of sovereignty, cooperation, and responsibility which needs to guide international work. We will continue working with all delegations inclusively and constructively, contributing towards this important conference and the development of an international instrument. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cameroon for his statements, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Morocco. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. From the outset, we would like to express our solidarity with all of the countries recently impacted by disasters, including Panama, Nepal, and Mexico. We also convey our heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and solidarities of communities. This recalls for us that the issue we're working on is not theoretical. that this impacts people's infrastructure and can compromise in a few hours years of development. Therefore, as we celebrate today the International Day of Disaster Risk Reduction, we are reminded of the importance of strengthening prevention, preparation for and resilience in the face of increasingly complex risks. Madam Chair, for Morocco, the future convention has to go after one fundamental goal, namely effectively strengthen the protection of people impacted by disasters, whilst respecting international law and the responsibilities which belong to states. This goal has to be pursued whilst fully respecting the principles of the Charter, in particular sovereignty, territorial integrity, national unity, non-interference in the domestic affairs of member states. These principles are not in opposition to international solidarity, but they constitute the framework within which it is to be exercised. Madam Chair, my delegation would like to express its appreciation to the International Law Commission for the considerable work they have done on this issue. And we take note of the draft articles that were adopted, comments thereupon, and we would like to raise one point, given that the full statement by my delegation will be conveyed to the Secretariat and available on the website. In case of disaster, the main responsibility for the protection of people impacted is with the affected states. Because of its sovereignty, it is the state which determines the needs and the priorities. And it's up to the state to accept, organize, coordinate, and monitor and verify, as well as supervise any foreign assistance provided on its territory. International assistance is there to support national efforts, not to replace them. This requirement also meets operational realities. Poorly coordinated assistance or too many offers of assistance can become an additional burden for an affected state, which needs to concentrate its resources in situ on the reaction to a disaster and the needs of the population, rather than on managing the actors and means which are not sufficiently coordinated. Madam Chair, The conference in Bangkok is part of the tradition of plenipotentiary conferences convened in the wake of the work conducted by the Sixth Commission when it comes to codification and progressing international law. After several years in the course of which this exercise became less frequent, it is necessary to adapt this organization to the current methods of multilateral negotiations, and the PrepCom has enabled us to work out the framework for the work of the Conference. It finalized the draft agenda, rules of procedure, the methods and the programme of work, and the draft final act. It also developed the modalities for the participation of stakeholders and provided the consolidated text on which to negotiate. We had the honour of being part of the Bureau of the PrepCom and we'd like to thank the Secretariat, in particular the Codification Division. as well as the Chair and the Bureau for the efforts they made in the course of this process. And in this regard, we need to recall here that we are in a codification exercise, which is to arrive at a universal document. Looking for consensus takes on special importance. I have to continue our work within this committee as well as during the Plenipotentiary Conference to make sure that we can adopt an instrument which can have the largest possible number of accessions. To conclude, we will approach the negotiations in Bangkok in a constructive spirit, and we stand ready to work with all of the delegations so as to arrive at a balanced instrument which is implementable, widely accepted, which effectively strengthens the protections of persons in the case of disasters. I thank you for your attention.

I thank the distinguished representative of Morocco for his statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Guatemala. You have the floor.

Senhora Presidenta, Madam Chair, Guatemala aligns itself with the statement made by the Oriental Republic of Uruguay on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States. Guatemala welcomes the successful conclusion of the renewed session of the Sixth Committee and the work of the PrepCom done this year in line with the resolution 80/169. Looking towards the Conference of Plenipotentiaries that is taking place in Bangkok following the generous offer by Thailand, it is the right time to think about the importance of the work that we have ahead of us. Madam Chair, currently disasters are occurring with increasing frequency. frequency, rather, and no region of the world is exempt from their effects. Latin America and the Caribbean has not been an exception, as shown by the earthquakes that took place this year in Venezuela, Colombia, and Panama that left grave consequences for the populations of these countries. These events show the need to make headway to create a legal framework that would facilitate our response to disasters and help to overcome the challenges that states and humanitarian actors face in providing assistance to the persons affected. The future legally binding instrument will contribute to boosting and improving the national response of states to prevent and reduce the risk of disasters. as well as in responding more effectively when disasters do happen. Convinced of how important it is to reach a legally binding instrument on this matter, Guatemala has committed to contributing actively to this process, bearing in mind the principle that drives the efforts of States, and that is human dignity, the fundamental basis of any humanitarian action. Madam Chair, given our geographical and geological characteristics, Guatemala is particularly vulnerable to recurring disasters, including volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods or droughts. Their effects... have a disproportionate impact on people and communities in situations of vulnerability. These phenomena have led to human and material losses, have affected the exercise of human rights, and have interrupted essential services, and have made national development more difficult. When the magnitude of a disaster overwhelms the national capacity to respond, international cooperation is essential. It is for these reasons that it is necessary to benefit from clear, effective mechanisms that are sufficiently detailed and that enable national authorities to act in an agile and swift, timely manner. Finally, Guatemala thanks the ILC for their valuable work drafting the draft articles on the protection of persons in the event of disasters. as well as civil society for their valuable contributions and we reiterate the fact that we stand ready to participate constructively in the next steps of the process. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Guatemala for his statement and I give the floor now to the distinguished representative of China. You have the floor.

Madam Chair, disaster prevention and relief is a common challenge and eternal topic for humanity. Extreme weather events and major disasters are occurring with increasing frequency worldwide, creating an urgent need for the international community to jointly address them. Against this backdrop, launching negotiations on the instrument on the protection of persons in the event of disasters and to provide a universal international legal framework for disaster prevention and relief is of great significance. Pursuant to GA resolution 79/128 and 80/169, prep comm meeting for the conference on PPED was successfully held in September this year. laying a solid foundation for the upcoming formal negotiations. China has constructively participated in the relevant work, and as a member of the Bureau of PrepCom, has actively promoted consensus-building among parties. China supports and appreciates Thailand's offer to host the conference and stands ready to contribute to the meaningful outcomes of the conference. China wishes to share the following points on the upcoming negotiations on the instrument. First, the instrument should accurately reflect the fundamental principles of international cooperation in disaster prevention and relief. Disaster relief cooperation must center on protecting the lives of those affected. and adhere to the fundamental principles of international law, such as state sovereignty, non-interference in international affairs, and international cooperation. At the same time, since most existing international rules on disaster prevention and relief are soft law, it is necessary to further clarify which rules constitute customary international law to be reflected in the instrument. The instrument should also take into account the special circumstances and needs of developing countries and avoid imposing excessive burdens on them. Second, the instrument should clarify its scope of application. It should clearly define core terms such as disaster and specify the relationship between the instrument and the international humanitarian law as well as other rules of international law. China believes that these are overarching issues that need to be carefully discussed in subsequent to reach a consensus so as to avoid complicating the future application of the instrument. Third, the instrument should strike a balance between the rights and obligations of the affected states and the assisting states or actors. China agrees that the affected states should play the primary role in disaster prevention and relief. China supports the timely provision of resources needed for relief efforts to the affected states. At the same time, the sovereignty of the affected states must be fully respected. They have the right to independently assess the severity of the disaster, decide whether to seek external assistance, and whether to accept such assistance. The assisting states or actors should comply with the laws of the affected states and their specific requirements for the provision of assistance. Chair, China actively implements the global governance initiative and engages in international cooperation on disaster prevention and relief through concrete actions. Not long ago, a mudslide occurred along the China-Nepal border, causing massive casualties in both countries. and leaving many foreign nationals killed, injured or missing. Upholding people first and life first principle, while carrying out its own rescue efforts, China provided emergency assistance, including funding, supplies, technology and personnel to the affected areas in Nepal. China always supports UN-centered multilateral cooperation platform for disaster management. It has established the Belt and Road International Cooperation Mechanism for Natural Disaster Prevention and Emergency Management, and dispatched rescue teams to carry out international rescue operations in countries such as Mozambique, Turkey and Myanmar. With regard to the negotiations on the PPE instrument, China will continue its constructive participation and work with all parties to promote the adoption of a balanced, universal and inclusive international instrument on disaster response, thereby making greater contributions to global governance in disaster prevention and relief. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of China for that statement, and I give the floor now to the distinguished representative of Nigeria. Sir, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair, for giving me the floor, and it's good to see you chairing our proceeding this afternoon. Nigeria aligns itself with the statement delivered by Cameroon on behalf of the Africa Group and the statement delivered on behalf of the Core Group of States on PPED. We make the following remarks in our national capacity. Since this committee last considered this item, the arrangements for negotiating a convention on the protection of persons in the event of disasters have been completed. By resolution 80/169 of 15 December 2025, the General Assembly decided to convene the United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries on Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters. The Sixth Committee, meeting in its working group from 6 to 10 April 2026, prepared the consolidated text of the draft articles and the proposals submitted by governments. Nigeria welcomed the successful conclusion of the Preparatory Committee held from 31 August to 4 September 2026, which referred that text to the Conference and agreed on the draft rules of procedure and other arrangements the Conference will need to begin its work. Nigeria welcomes decision 80/551 of 4 September 2026, by which the General Assembly decided that the Conference shall meet in Bangkok from 25 January to 12 February 2027. We thank the Kingdom of Thailand for agreeing to host the Conference at short notice, and the Republic of the Philippines for its earlier offer. Keeping the agreed dates keeps the process within the timeline set by resolution 79/128 for concluding the instrument by the end of 2027. Madam Chair, Nigeria's interest in this instrument is practical. The floods of 2022, which has become an annual occurrence, affected more than 4.4 million people in 34 out of 36 states of Nigeria and displaced more than 1.4 million. In the Lake Chad Basin, the protracted insurgency compounded by environmental stress, food insecurity, and public health emergencies, has displaced more than 2 million people. In the Niger Delta area of Nigeria, oil pollution has caused slow-onset environmental harm with serious humanitarian consequences. No state can manage disasters on this scale alone. A clear legal framework setting out the rights and duties of affected states, assisting actors and affected persons will make international cooperation faster and more predictable. Madam Chair, Nigeria will take several priorities to Bangkok. The primary role of affected states and the requirement of its consent must be preserved. Draft Article 10 recognizes that the affected states have the primary role in the direction control, coordination, and supervision of relief assistance, and draft Article 13 makes external assistance subject to its consent. These provisions guard against the use of disasters for political ends and ensure that assistance is consistent with national priorities and legal frameworks. Nigeria supports retaining them as drafted. The duty to cooperate must be given concrete content. Nigeria supports the proposal of the Africa Group to strengthen draft Article 7 together with the provisions on forms of cooperation through explicit references to financial support, capacity building, technology transfer, the sharing of technical expertise and early warning systems. Africa has contributed least to the causes of climate-related disasters and bear a disproportionate share of their effects. An instrument that places obligations on developing states without corresponding support would be difficult to implement and ratify. Madam Chair, the future instrument should also address the practical obstacles that delay relief, including the transport and importation of relief goods and issuance of visas to relief personnel, building on draft Article 15 and in conformity with national law. Nigeria further supports cooperation that gives developing countries access to new technologies, including artificial intelligence, for early warning and anticipatory action. used alongside community knowledge and national disaster risk reduction systems. Furthermore, Nigeria is of the view that the future instrument should complement international humanitarian law and the conference should clarify that relationship building on draft Article 18 before the text is adopted. The instrument should acknowledge the effect of climate change on disasters without duplicating obligations that states have undertaken under the climate change frameworks. It should also recognize and support regional arrangements, including the disaster management and early warning mechanisms of the Economic Community of West African States, the humanitarian policy framework of the African Union, and the Kampala Convention on the protection and assistance of internally displaced persons in Africa. We reiterate that assisting states, international organizations, and other actors must respect the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. The instrument should provide for protection against exploitation, abuse and discrimination in relief operations and take account of the needs of women, children, older persons and persons with disabilities. Ultimately, the outcome of the conference will carry greater weight if developing countries are able to fully take part in the negotiations. Nigeria encourages states in a position to do so to contribute to the trust fund established to support attendance of delegates developing countries at the conference while expressing our gratitude to countries already contributed. The preparatory work is finalized and the test before the conference reflects years of careful work by the International Law Commission and by this committee. Nigeria expects the conference in Bangkok to conclude a convention that protects persons affected by disasters, respect the sovereignty of affected states, and commands the widest possible support. Nigeria will take part in a conference prepared to negotiate in good faith and looks forward to the adoption of the convention within the time set by the General Assembly. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished.

Representative of Nigeria for this statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Israel. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Israel continues to welcome and support all efforts to protect persons affected by disasters. Israel remains at the forefront of numerous relief missions around the world, demonstrating its commitment to saving lives and to cooperating internationally during times of crisis. Israel continues to provide assistance to communities affected by disasters around the world. In July 2026, a 64-member Israeli aid delegation operated in Venezuela following devastating earthquakes. Working with local authorities, the delegation conducted structural assessments of buildings to help restore critical infrastructure and enable residents to return safely to their homes. Israeli experts also helped develop a national recovery plan. Just a month later, in August 2026, Israel dispatched an aid delegation to Colombia following a magnitude 7.4 earthquake. Comprising approximately 80 rescue personnel, engineers, medical personnel, and other experts in various fields, the delegation operated for 12 days at several major destruction sites in the city of Cali. During the operation, and in cooperation with local authorities, 29 missing persons were located and rescued. Alongside these efforts, Israeli engineers worked with local professionals to map and classify damaged buildings and support recovery efforts. Israel also sent an additional five tons of medical equipment for emergency medical response. Madam Chair, Israel recalls General Assembly resolution 80/169, by which the General Assembly decided to convene a conference from the 25th of January to the 12th of February 2027 with a view to elaborating and concluding a legally binding instrument on the protection of persons in the event of disasters. At the same time, Israel reiterates its position, expressed in previous sessions of this Committee, that disaster relief cooperation should not be framed in terms of legal rights and obligations. To provide effective assistance, to another state in times of disaster, Israel believes flexibility must be maintained to tailor support to specific circumstances. This approach accounts for the capabilities of the assisting state, the needs of persons affected by disasters, and diplomatic considerations based on state consent and respect for sovereignty. With this in mind, ISIL still maintains that the International Law Commission's draft articles on the protection of persons in the event of disasters should serve only as non-binding guidelines for voluntary international cooperation. ISIL hopes that the forthcoming negotiations will be conducted in a constructive manner that will take into account divergence of state opinion as well as other key considerations. Madam Chair, In this context, Israel wishes to reiterate its expressed position and stresses that armed conflict should not fall within the scope of the draft articles. With reference to the draft article 18, Israel wishes to clarify that, in accordance with its longstanding position, the law of armed conflict constitutes the applicable lex specialis and remains the exclusive governing framework in situations of armed conflict. Madam Chair, Israel will continue to engage in disaster relief cooperation around the world, not out of legal obligation, but because our culture and heritage are deeply rooted in saving human lives and lending a hand in times of need. As stated in Jewish tradition, "Kol ha'matzil nefesh echad, k'lo hitzil olam umlo." Whoever saves a single life, it is as though they have saved an entire world. Israel firmly believes that international cooperation in this field should not be limited and governed by restrictive legal rules. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Israel for his statement, and I give the floor now to the distinguished representative of India. Madam, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. India appreciates the convening of the Preparatory Committee meeting for the United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters, held from 31 August to 4 September 2026, and resumed on 11 September 2026. India participated actively in the discussions and welcomes the successful conclusion of the PrepCom, including the finalization of the rules of procedure and other modalities for the diplomatic conference. We also express a sincere appreciation to Thailand for agreeing to host the diplomatic conference in Bangkok in early 2027, and we look forward to its successful deliberations. We thank the International Law Commission and the Special Rapporteur for their work on this critical issue. Given the increasing frequency and intensity of natural and human-induced disasters, further aggravated by climate change, effective mechanisms for disaster prevention and mitigation are essential. From our perspective, we may define disaster as a catastrophe, mishap, calamity, or grave occurrence arising from natural or human-made causes, accidents, or negligence, resulting in significant loss of life, human suffering, property destruction, or environmental degradation, and overwhelming the coping capacity of the affected community. Madam Chair, India remains committed to constructive engagement on the legally binding instrument on the protection of persons in the event of disasters. The primary responsibility for protecting persons and providing disaster relief rests with the affected state. International assistance, while valuable, must supplement and reinforce national efforts, not replace them. Consent of the affected state and state sovereignty must be fully respected. It follows that the decision to request assistance must remain the prerogative of the affected state based on its own assessment. No state should be compelled to seek external assistance, even when a disaster exceeds its response capacity. At the same time, the United Nations has an indispensable role in promoting the protection of persons in disasters. On the ILC draft articles, we are of the view that draft article 11 raises concerns regarding state sovereignty. States must retain the right to determine whether to accept external assistance. Accordingly, draft articles 13, 14, and 15 must be carefully framed to avoid infringing upon national sovereignty. All relevant provisions should align with the UN Guiding Principles on Humanitarian Assistance as reflected in General Assembly Resolution 46/182. We advocate a flexible, context-sensitive approach that avoids codifying obligations that could be interpreted as customary international law or conflict with established treaty obligations. Madam Chair, India has demonstrated its commitment to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction through initiatives addressing public awareness, resilient infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and the principle of build back better during recovery, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. We continue to strengthen disaster risk governance through the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction and the National Disaster Management Authority, chaired by the Prime Minister and operating under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. India's international humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts are guided by the Sendai Framework, our neighborhood First policy, and the ethos of Vasudeva Kutumbakam, or the whole world is one family. Assistance is always extended with the consent of the affected state. respecting its sovereignty and ensuring a dignified, non-coercive response. In conclusion, India emphasizes the need for continued deliberations to clarify the relationship between the draft articles and existing international legal frameworks. India supports inclusive, transparent, and constructive dialogue to ensure the effective protection of persons in the event of disasters. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of India for her statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Syrian Arab Republic. Madam, you have the floor.

President, Saida Raisa.

Madam Chair, we appreciate the efforts of ILC in preparing the draft articles regarding the protection of persons in the event of disasters. We stress the importance of concluding a balanced international convention that promotes international cooperation while respecting national sovereignty. We also welcome the progress achieved during the first session of the Preparatory Committee for the UN Conference of Plenipotentiaries on a Convention on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters, which was held in early September of this year. Reflecting the special importance that my country attaches to this issue, Syria made sure its participation in the committee's work was done through a high-level delegation headed by the Deputy Minister for Emergency and Disaster Management. We also made sure we are an active partner in shaping the international legal framework for the protection of persons in disaster situations. Our participation is of particular significance in light of the difficult experience endured by the Syrian people over recent years, and the natural disasters and successive crises we faced amid a damaged infrastructure and the depletion of national resources and capacities. Accordingly, My country views this ongoing negotiating process as an opportunity to contribute its expertise and national experience to the development of international legal rules that respond to the real challenges confronting affected states, that would also strengthen international cooperation and solidarity, and support states' capacities for prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. In this context, the Syrian Arab Republic looks forward to completing the remaining steps needed to lift restrictions, remove obstacles imposed on the previous regime, thereby enabling the flow of investments and financial resources, facilitating access to equipment and technology, rehabilitating infrastructure and essential services, while creating the conditions necessary for economic recovery and sustainable development. We stress that investing in states' capacities to confront disasters is, in essence, an investment in the protection of human beings, their dignity, and their future. Madam Chair, it is a painful paradox that Syria, while striving to overcome the legacy of decades of repression and destruction, while it attempts to rebuild its institutions and strengthen its capacity to address disasters, It is a painful paradox that Syria continues to face ongoing Israeli attacks that aggravate the suffering of its people and undermine its recovery efforts. Instead of dedicating Syria's resources to healing its citizens and rebuilding what has been destroyed, Syria finds itself compelled yet again to confront the consequences of a continuing Israeli occupation. military incursions, air strikes, and attacks targeting civilians, their property, and their farmlands. These practices not only constitute violations of Syria's sovereignty, territorial integrity, international law, and international humanitarian law. They also drain the resources necessary for protecting the population and responding to disasters. They impose new burdens on a people exhausted crisis and was eager to turn the page on suffering and embark upon recovery. In conclusion, Madam Chair, the Syrian Arab Republic reaffirms its commitment to continue its constructive participation in the forthcoming negotiations with a view to achieving a balanced international convention that responds to genuine humanitarian needs, strengthens international solidarity and cooperation, and at the same time respects the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national competencies of states. Protecting human beings in the face of disasters is a shared responsibility. It cannot be achieved merely through the adoption of legal rules. It also requires the provision of adequate capacities and resources. the strengthening of national capabilities, and the establishment of genuine international partnerships, enabling states and societies to recover and build resilience while safeguarding human dignity in the most difficult circumstances. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the Syrian Arab Republic for their statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Algeria. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. My delegation aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the African Group and the Arab Group respectively, and wishes to make the following observations in its national capacity. We look forward to the convening of the United Nations Conference on Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters to be held in Bangkok from 25 January to 12 February 2027. We express our sincere appreciation to Thailand for its generous offer to host this important conference and extend our gratitude for its able leadership during the work of the preparatory committee held from 31 August to 4 September 2026. Madam Chair, while my delegation considers that the draft articles prepared by the International Law Commission may in principle provide a basis for negotiations towards a future international convention, we believe that several fundamental considerations must be duly taken into account in the development of this instrument and reaffirm the comments and observations made by my delegation on the draft articles during previous sessions. In this regard, allow me to highlight four key points that my delegation considers essential to the future international convention on the protection of persons in the event of disasters. First, the future convention must fully preserve and uphold the principles of sovereign equality of states, sovereign state sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of states. These principles must remain central to any international framework governing disaster response and humanitarian assistance. Second, the provision of humanitarian assistance must be subject to the request for and consent of the affected state. The affected state retains the sovereign authority to accept, regulate, coordinate, supervise, or withdraw its consent to assistance to assistance activities within its territory in accordance with its national legislation, priorities, and interests. Third, once consent has been granted by the affected state, humanitarian assistance must be provided transparently, impartially, and in good faith. Such assistance must not be politicized or used as a pretext for interference in the internal affairs of the affected state. Fourth and finally, international cooperation in technology transfer, capacity building, the sharing of technical expertise, and the development and dissemination of early warning systems and technologies is of paramount importance. These efforts are essential to strengthening disaster preparedness, prevention, and response, particularly in developing countries, which often face significant challenges in accessing the resources, technologies, and expertise required to mitigate disaster risk and protect their populations. Madam Chair, in conclusion, Algeria reaffirms its unwavering commitment to international cooperation and to the collective efforts aimed at developing an international convention on the protection of persons in the event of disasters. We look forward to the convening of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries in Bangkok in January 2027 and reaffirm our full support and readiness to engage constructively in its work, with a view to achieving a consensual outcome that responds that respects the sovereignty of states, promotes international cooperation, and effectively strengthens the protection of persons affected by disasters. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Algeria for the statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Germany. You have the floor.

Madam Chair, distinguished delegates. Germany aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and would like to add the following remarks in its national capacity. Germany welcomes the consensus reached during the preparatory committee in August and September regarding the procedural framework for the State Conference on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters. The work of the preparatory committee has demonstrated the value of multilateral cooperation. In particular, the successful adoption of a clear set of procedural arrangements Together with the significant opportunities provided for the participation of civil society are encouraging achievements. While we await the decision of the General Assembly regarding the selection of non-ECOSOC civil society organization, Germany considers the agreed rules of procedure to provide an important foundation, a foundation to develop an ambitious instrument that responds to the pressing need for more effective international cooperation and protection of people in the event of disasters. In this light, Germany would like to express its sincere appreciation to the delegation of Thailand for its commitment and visible dedication to host the Conference of Plenipotentiaries in Bangkok. In preparing for the upcoming PPED convention, Germany sees considerable potential to strengthen both the normative and operational framework for international cooperation in the event of disasters. Realizing this potential will require a fine balance between the normative and operational aspects. The draft articles provide a sound basis for discussion as they are informed by and based on humanitarian principles, human rights, and international soft law instruments such as the Sendai Framework. At the same time, we see a need to operationalize these principles further into applicable rules on the legal protection of humanitarian personnel, access, domestic regulations on work permits, and the freedom of movement in times of crises. These practical questions merit further consideration during the negotiations and beyond. In the negotiations to come, Germany will attach great importance to the meaningful participation of civil society, academia and humanitarian practitioners. The expertise and practical experience of civil society organizations will make a valuable contribution to our deliberations and help inform the development of effective and workable solutions. Germany remains committed to engaging constructively in the negotiations and to contribute its experience and expertise in the field of disaster risk reduction and management. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Germany for their statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of El Salvador. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Now in Spanish. Madam Chair, please allow me, first of all, to express El Salvador's solidarity with the people and government of the Republic of Panama Following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that took place last Friday, we really hope that the population affected will be able to recover its security and well-being and for the swift recovery of the areas impacted. We also extend our solidarity to the people of Mexico following the effects of Hurricane Simon and Tropical Storm Rachel. These events and the growing vulnerability of our countries to the risks and impacts of disasters confirm just how relevant this issue, this agenda item is for Member States. Madam Chair, El Salvador aligns itself with the statement made by the Oriental Republic of Uruguay on behalf of CELAC, and we wish to make the following statement in our national capacity. My delegation welcomes the work of the PrepCom, working on the United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters, established under resolution 80/169, and that met from the 31st of August to the 4th of September this year. We recognize the leadership of Her Excellency Ambassador Suvannvasa Chotikajarnthang of Thailand, who effectively led the work of the Committee, as well as the efforts of the other members of the Bureau, where my delegation was honoured to represent the GRULAC. The Committee adopted important decisions on the dates and the venue for the Conference, its programme of work, its rules of procedure, its working methods and procedures, the draft final act, and worked on the participation of civil society organizations. Together, these decisions make up the architecture required to fulfill the mandate. My delegation thanks the Kingdom of Thailand for their generous offer of the city of Bangkok to host the conference that will take place from the 25th of January to the 12th of February 2027, and we welcome the decision of the General Assembly to organize this meeting, this event. in the city of Bangkok. Furthermore, we express our gratitude to the donor countries who have made donations to the trust fund, whose contribution will make the participation of delegations possible, in particular the delegations from developing countries, on an equal footing, thus fostering an inclusive negotiating process that reflects the interests of all future parties of this instrument and the diversity of existing legal systems. Madam President, El Salvador sincerely hopes that the Conference will be able to carry out its work efficiently with an approach that is action-focused. We sincerely hope that substantive progress will be made on the negotiation of the draft articles on the protection of persons in the event of disasters. using the consolidated tax as a basis and the observations and proposals made by governments without prejudice to the additional contributions that may be made during the negotiations, ensuring universal representation in the process. All delegations, including those that will make up the coordinating bureau of the conference, must assume this commitment. with a view to fulfilling the mandate given to us and to ensure an effective organization and conducting of our work. As some delegations have said, in this room, consensus is essential and should not be weaponized as a veto. And we would add that this must be demonstrated by delegations leading by example. Madam Chair, El Salvador is clear on its priority in this process, that is to guarantee the protection of rights that are inherent to people from a comprehensive approach focused on human dignity that enables us to effectively identify the humanitarian assistance needs of the persons affected. True to this priority, El Salvador has submitted to the Codification Division of the Office of Legal Affairs a series of proposed amendments to the draft articles that go beyond those mentioned in this statement, with a double goal for the obligations in the draft to ensure that we protect human dignity and that the subject of this legally binding instrument addresses the whole of the risk of disaster management cycle, including prevention, mitigation, preparation, response and recovery. Madam Chair, lastly, we reaffirm our firm commitment to continue to work proactively in the negotiations with a view to achieving a future treaty on the protection of persons in the event of disasters that would foster cooperation based on human dignity, sovereign equality, capacity building, technology transfer, in particular for early warning systems, and international solidarity. Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of El Salvador for their statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. You have the floor.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the statement given by the European Union on behalf of the EU and its member states and would like to make the following remarks in national capacity. At the outset, the Kingdom of the Netherlands wishes to express its gratitude to the Kingdom of Thailand for hosting the upcoming United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries on Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters in 2027. The Kingdom of the Netherlands has continuously recognized the global need for stronger protection of those affected by disasters and for better coordination of disaster responses. We therefore welcome the elaboration of the Convention on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters, a convention that will reflect our shared commitment to an adequate and effective response to disasters. so as to meet the essential needs of the persons concerned. Such responses must be provided with full respect for the rights of all persons affected. A shared commitment was already visible during the preparatory committee in September of this year. We thank all colleagues involved for their constructive engagement during that meeting. We also express our appreciation for the commitment shown in reaching consensus on the rules of procedure, which we hope will be swiftly adopted at the start of the conference so we can focus on the substance of the convention. Looking ahead to the conference, the Kingdom of the Netherlands wishes to underline the importance of an open, inclusive, transparent and efficient process. Such a process will enable delegations, civil society and other stakeholders to engage in meaningful debates and to make valuable contributions. In this regard, we, like others, welcome that the Conference will be open to the active participation of relevant non-governmental organizations. Madam Chair, The Kingdom of the Netherlands looks forward to constructive and fruitful discussions in Thailand and is convinced that a shared commitment will help us achieve the conclusion of this important convention. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for their statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Italy. You have the floor.

Sir. Italy aligns itself with the statements delivered by the distinguished representative of the European Union and by the distinguished representative of Nigeria on behalf of the PPD core group and would like to add some remarks in a national capacity. As a country with a history of natural disasters and commitment in contributing with its personnel and resources to international rescue operations in areas affected by disasters, Italy has consistently supported the process towards the conclusion of a legally binding instrument on the protection of persons in the event of disaster. We were among the founding members of the core group in 2020. We engaged in the negotiations that led to the creation of the working group in 2021 and to the historic decision to conclude the treaty by 2027, containing resolution 79/128. We facilitated together with Jamaica the modalities resolution the Sixth Committee adopted last year. We actually contributed to the consensual adoption of the rules of procedure for the conference during the recent PrepCom. And we have provided a substantial financial contribution to the trust fund for the purpose of facilitating the participation of least developed countries and small island developing states in the conference to be held in Bangkok from January 25th to February 12th, 2027. But we were not alone in this effort. The Core Group, a diverse and cross-regional group of States, was instrumental in leading to the consensual adoption of resolution 79/128 and resolution 80/169. We also wish to acknowledge the important contributions of the International Federation of the Red Cross, relevant UN offices and academia, in improving the understanding of the legal and practical challenges related to international cooperation in relation to disasters. And last, but definitely not least, we cannot stress enough the diplomatic and logistical effort that is being undertaken by the government of Thailand in hosting the conference in exceptional circumstances and under a very tight timeframe in collaboration with the Secretariat. Madam Chair, now it is time to turn our attention to the substantive merits of the future convention. While we consider the LC draft article as a very good basis, we see value in making the future instrument more operational and capable of adapting to changing circumstances. For that purpose, Italy presented some proposals for amendments. These include a broader specification of cooperation in matters such as disaster risk reduction and the facilitation of humanitarian assistance, and the provision for a light Conference of the Parties that may in the future adopt technical standards and implementing instruments. We are also considering other proposals by other States that seem to pursue the same objective. In conclusion, Madam Chair, the discussions in the working group for 2023 to 2026 have shown that there is a broad convergence over the principle that should govern the instrument and on most of its provisions. The wealth of amendments that have been presented testifies to the interest of states in engaging and concluding a legally binding instrument, enhancing international cooperation in relation to disasters. Especially at times in which disasters are on the increase and significantly affect the well-being of communities and societies worldwide. Italy stands ready to engage with other member states and relevant stakeholders in the course of substantive negotiation in Bangkok in order to conclude a legally binding instrument by the end of that session. We see this an historic opportunity and one that should not be missed. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Italy for their statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cote d'Ivoire. You have the floor, sir.

Madame Chair, my delegation would like to congratulate and thank the International Law Commission for the constant work they are doing so as to codify and progressively develop international law. In particular, their work was to work out draft articles on the protection of persons in the event of disasters. We align ourselves with the statement made on behalf of the Group of African States, and we would like to, in our national capacity, make the following comments. Madam Chair, the issue of the protection of persons in the event of disasters is a point of great concern for us. My country is amongst those which have faced the greatest threat of natural disasters, mainly because of global warming. What we lose in terms of human life and material damage, and this covers floods, droughts, extreme weather events, offends our people and our environment, our economy, and is a threat for peace and social stability. We therefore welcome the advances we have seen in the process aimed at developing and concluding a legally binding instrument on the protection of persons in the event of disasters, and we welcome the conclusion of the work of the PrepCom with a view to having a plenipotentiary conference in Bangkok from 25th January to 12th February next. Madam Chair, we attach special importance to the principles we have in the draft articles by the International Law Commission, in particular human dignity, human rights, humanitarian principles, the duty to cooperate, and the disaster risk reduction. countries of the view that the protection of persons in the event of disasters cannot be limited to just reacting and saving people. It also has to include anticipatory work and has to be integrated. It has to include prevention, preparation for adaptation and resilience. And this is in line with what we have in the Sunday framework covering 2015-2030, which is particularly adapted to the realities of our land. Madam Chair, so as to meet these challenges, the government of Cote d'Ivoire continues consolidating our national legislature on risk management, and we are trying to map them well together with the United Nations. Recent work have allowed us to analyze the risk of flooding and better target the areas and vulnerable populations. This data now inform our choices in terms of land development, investment, and prevention. In parallel to that, we strengthen our adaptation capacities in terms of our local communities, which are the most vulnerable. And we do this by disseminating climate information, deploying agro-meteorological stations, rain gauges, and modernizing our agricultural practices, and the development of resilient infrastructure. Madam Chair, the protection of persons in the event of disasters cannot be separated from food security. and the resilience of our agricultural systems. Therefore, the Government of Cote d'Ivoire welcomes the approval in July 2026 by the Green Climate Fund of the financing for a major project which is there to strengthen the lasting management of lands and agro-food systems facing climate change. This is over five years and it will help strengthening the livelihoods of our producers and to support agriculture, which is more inclusive and more lasting. Madam Chair, preserving water and the integrating management of ecosystems is at the same time an environmental, health, economic and social imperative. And it is also essential to mitigate risks. Beyond the national strategy of humanitarian multi-risk contingencies, which we adopted in 2022, and this enabled us to clean up our riverways, to modernize the way we handle waste, reforest 32,000 hectares. The government is committed to reducing by 21% our CO2 emissions and increase our share of renewable energy sources to 42 by 2030. This commitment also is included in our five-year program on combating our water pollution. And this includes the protection of our coastal areas, restoring our coast, and regenerating 30,000 hectares of mangroves and our sandbanks. Madam Chair, this is very ambitious. But these national efforts will not be enough, given the growing scope of disasters and how unpredictable they are. This kind of challenge requires greater international solidarity. Collective response has to be based on cooperation, knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and the availability and the ease of access to funding for developing countries. My country reaffirms here the need of having greater consistency between the future legal instrument and the Sunday framework, the Paris accord, the 2030 agenda, and other relevant international instruments. It is by ensuring this complementarity that we will truly will be able to move from the logic of being reactive to the culture of prevention and resilience. In conclusion, I would like to assure you that my delegation stands ready to contribute constructively to this process. And we also underscore the importance of preserving in the future instrument of an appropriate balance between our effectively protecting people, upholding human rights, the need to cooperate internationally, and the sovereignty of impacted states. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Cote d'Ivoire for their statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of the Philippines. You have the floor, Madam.

Madam Chair, the Philippines aligns itself with the statement delivered by Thailand on behalf of ASEAN and wishes to make the following remarks in its national capacity. Across the world, disasters continue to remind us of the fragility of human lives and the limits of our preparedness. From devastating floods across Asia and Africa, to destructive storms in the Pacific and the Americas, and wildfires in Europe, communities have suffered loss of life, displacement, and destruction of livelihoods. These tragedies underline that no state is beyond the reach of disasters, and their consequences concern us all. For the Philippines, an archipelagic state situated along the Pacific typhoon belt and the intersection of major tectonic plates, this is all too familiar. As Foreign Affairs Secretary Maria Teresa P. Lazaro underscored before the General Assembly last month, a single disaster can erase decades of hard-won development gains. Since August alone, severe monsoons and storms have affected more than 2.7 million Filipino families. Our people have learned resilience through experience, but resilience must never become a substitute for prevention, preparedness, and effective protection. At a high-level event on the Sendai Framework during the General Assembly's High-Level Week, Secretary Lazaro likewise emphasized people-centered resilience, practical cooperation, and translating commitments into concrete results. These considerations underpin our long-standing support for an international legal instrument on the protection of persons in disasters. Madam Chair, the Philippines welcomes the progress achieved under General Assembly resolutions 79/128 and 80/169 and the decision to convene the diplomatic conference in Bangkok from 25 January to 12 February 2027. We thank Thailand for generously hosting the conference and enabling us to move forward within the aspired timeframe. We welcome the completion of the preparatory committee's work and thank Ambassador Sufanisa for her leadership as chair. Madam Chair, as we turn to substantive negotiations, the Philippines emphasizes the need for a convention that respects state sovereignty and the affected state's primary responsibility and discretion in seeking or accepting assistance, upholds human dignity, human rights, humanitarian principles, and the meaningful stakeholder participation, addresses the full disaster management cycle in accordance with national capacities, and strengthens international cooperation while complementing existing frameworks, including the Sendai Framework and ADMIR. International law must make a practical difference. Our experience under ADMIR demonstrates the value of effective coordination and cooperation responsive to national needs and capacities. The future instrument should build on existing frameworks, identify genuine gaps and avoid unnecessary duplication. The instrument must command broad support and be capable of effective implementation. Consensus pursued in good faith should foster genuine accommodation and durable commitments. Madam Chair, in 2024, the Philippines hosted the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Manila, reaffirming our commitment to the Sendai Framework. As the framework approaches the end of its implementation period in 2030, we must assess its achievements and the challenges that remain. The forthcoming diplomatic conference offers an opportunity to consider how international law can complement existing disaster risk reduction arrangements while respecting their distinct purposes and legal character. Our task is not to reproduce existing commitments in treaty form, but to determine where international law can add meaningful value, taking into account national circumstances and capacities. The Philippines approaches Bangkok with openness, pragmatism, and a commitment to constructive engagement. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished delegate for her statement, and I give the floor now to the distinguished representative of Mexico. Sir, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The draft articles drafted by the ILC on the protection of persons in the event of disasters constitutes a solid basis for the consolidation of a legally binding instrument in this regard. Over the years, we have worked to strike a balance in the document that seeks to protect the victims of disasters as well as their human rights. and also to safeguard the sovereignty of states. Recent natural disasters such as the floods and mudslides in Nepal, as well as torrential rainfall, are a grave reminder of how important this issue is. Both the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as climate change and its consequences, such as flooding, forest fires, droughts, hurricanes, and other extreme phenomena have taught us that we increasingly frequently face adverse situations across the world. And this is why Mexico recognizes the fact that states are ready to work on an instrument that enables us to respond in an effective and rapid manner to the needs of those who face such calamities. Madam Chair, we are currently in the preparatory phase of a diplomatic conference that seeks to draft and deliver a legally binding instrument that would provide us a legal basis in order to request and provide assistance to the international community. At this time, my delegation wishes to underscore two key points that the representatives of member states must bear in mind. Number one is that the convention will apply to the benefit of states and their populations and that's why it's essential to provide for the inclusion of the gender perspective in the way we designed the articles and also the inclusion of groups in situations of vulnerability as part of the humanitarian principles that guide the Convention. And two, one of the main concerns of States is prevention and mitigation as an essential aspect to consider in the drafting of the articles. Mexico agrees with this perspective and will work in order to ensure that we include it in the next meeting of the working group. In this regard, we're delighted to underscore that Mexico has a national center for the prevention of disasters that promotes a network of civil protection schools whose goal is to train professionals in risk management so that communities are prepared and resilient. We're working particularly on training people to deal with mental health issues and emotional recovery in the event of disasters. Mexico thus reiterates the fact that we stand ready to collaborate with states who are interested in exchanging good practices in the area of disaster prevention, and we applaud the efforts of the Sixth Committee to continue to make strong headway towards the conclusion of a legally binding instrument. We trust that we will count on the goodwill of all delegations and the sense of urgency required in order to adopt a new convention on this issue during the Conference of Plenipotentiaries that's taking place in Thailand early next year. Thank you very much, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Mexico for his statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Sri Lanka. Madam, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Sri Lanka welcomes the opportunity to participate in the consideration of the agenda item on the protection of persons in the event of disasters and commends the International Law Commission for its longstanding work on this important topic and welcomes the progress made through the work of the Preparatory Committee. The discussions held during the preparatory committee have contributed to a deep understanding of the issues before us and have allowed member states to further clarify their positions on the scope and content of the draft articles. Sri Lanka extends our gratitude to Thailand for hosting this important conference and looks forward to the development of an international legal instrument on the protection of persons in the event of disasters in Bangkok. For Sri Lanka, this issue must be approached across the full disaster cycle. Our experience has underscored that effective protection cannot begin only once a disaster has occurred. Preparedness, prevention, disaster risk reduction, resilience building and recovery are equally integral to protecting affected populations. Sri Lanka recognizes the importance of disaster risk reductions. and considers it essential to strengthen national preparedness in accordance with the resources and capabilities of countries while reducing the human and economic cost. We therefore support maintaining a strong prevention dimension, including recognition of particular vulnerabilities of developing countries and communities exposed to climate-related disasters. The duty to cooperate and the references to humanitarian assistance, coordination, communications, and scientific, medical, and technical resources provide an important foundation for strengthening international solidarity. For developing countries, however, cooperation should extend beyond the immediate mobilization of relief. It should also facilitate access to financial resources, technical expertise and appropriate technologies and capacity building. Recovery should not be treated as a separate or secondary phase of disaster response. Our national experience underscores the importance of integrating environmental considerations into post-disaster needs assessments, reconstruction and recovery planning. Through the build back better approach, Sri Lanka focuses on reconstruction. livelihood recovery, adaptive capacity, institutional coordination, and stronger damage and loss management systems. The protection of vulnerable persons must likewise remain at the center of our approach. Our own experience has demonstrated the importance of ensuring that disaster response systems are capable of identifying and responding to the needs of children, pregnant women, persons with chronic illnesses, persons with disabilities, and other persons whom we face heightened vulnerabilities during disasters. Sri Lanka also attaches importance to strengthening national resilience and institutional preparedness. Our experience following Cyclone Dikwa in December 2025 demonstrated the importance of effective coordination between national and local authorities, timely communication and community participation in responding to disasters and supporting affected communities. Chair, Sri Lanka recognizes the importance of ensuring that international assistance can be provided in a timely and effective manner while respecting the sovereignty and primary role of the affected state. National ownership should be complemented by meaningful international cooperation where national capacities are exceeded. The consideration of this topic should therefore maintain an appropriate balance between facilitating assistance and preserving the affected state's ability to determine the nature, scope and modalities of the assistance required, consistent with its national circumstances and priorities. Madam Chair. Sri Lanka believes that the progress achieved thus far, including through the work of the Preparatory Committee, provides a constructive foundation for the next stage of our consideration of this important topic. As we move forward, Sri Lanka remains committed to engaging constructively with all delegations towards an outcome that is practical, balanced and responsive to the realities faced by affected States. particularly developing countries that remain highly vulnerable to the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related disasters. We look forward to continuing this work in a spirit of international solidarity while respecting sovereignty, supporting national capacities and facilitating meaningful international cooperation and above all, ensuring that the protection, dignity and well-being of persons affected by disasters remain at the center of our efforts. Thank you, Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Sri Lanka for her statement. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Egypt. Sir, you have the floor.

So, over lunch break, we were given instructions, at least in the African group, by the African representative on the Bureau, I do your sister from South Africa, to limit our speeches. Also, our distinguished colleague, the rapporteur, sent us a message for the Arab group. So, I would please request the Secretary to consider that the statement sent, e-statements, is the statement for the official record. For here, I'm just going to limit my comments to five core points. First, we believe that the Convention has to cover the entire disaster cycle, and I entirely agree with my colleague from on this point. It has to cover prevention, response and mitigation, reconstruction and recovery. Second, prevention requires the exercise of due diligence, and that includes both the state in which a disaster may occur or originate, but also other affected states, which means that we would require an expansion of the definition of the affected state to include states that are affected by transboundary disasters. That also requires an expansion of the definition of disasters to include human-made and natural disasters, in addition to slow-onset onset phenomena. Third, capacity building, and I take note of what my distinguished colleague from Mexico mentioned about their efforts in capacity building. We think the convention should be absolutely, is absolutely fundamental in leveraging and mobilizing international efforts in the area of capacity building. Fourth, I join many colleagues, including my colleague from Algeria, who referenced core principles of international law that should be respected in the convention, including non-intervention, prohibition on the use of force, and consent. I also support what was mentioned by the distinguished representatives of Cote d'Ivoire and Philippines that this convention should build on other instruments such as the Sendai framework. Finally, IHL, from our perspective, is not the exclusive applicable field of law, but it is one of the applicable rules of international law in an armed conflict.

I thank the distinguished representative of Egypt for his flexibility in making a more concise statement and setting an example for all of us. I give the floor now to the distinguished representative of Singapore. Sir, you have the floor.

Madam Chair, Singapore aligns itself with the statement made by Thailand on behalf of ASEAN. The protection of persons in the event of disasters remain an important and challenging issue for the world. In a single week of September this year, A total of 23 disasters were reported across the ASEAN region, including droughts, floods, landslides and storms. In August this year, severe flash floods and landslides in Nepal resulted in nearly 1,500 people being killed, with 5,800 people who remain missing, including nine Singaporeans. These events underscore the importance of disaster risk reduction effective preparedness and timely response, as well as international cooperation where necessary. Singapore stands in solidarity with countries affected by such disasters and will endeavour to respond when called upon to do so. Singapore participated actively in the resumed Working Group on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters and in the Preparatory Committee for the United Nations Conference of plenipotentiaries on the protection of persons in the event of disasters. My delegation welcomes the successful completion of the preparatory committee, which paves the way towards ensuring that the conference procedures promote the achievement of consensus-based outcomes. We greatly appreciate the government of Thailand for stepping up to host the conference in Bangkok and welcome the continued hosting of the conference in the ASEAN region. With respect to the elaboration of the legally binding instrument on the protection of persons in the event of disasters, the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity are fundamental and must underpin the instrument. Singapore also reiterates the importance of reflecting the diversity of state practice in the future instrument, particularly regional frameworks that have already been tried and tested. As an ASEAN member state, Singapore, together with the other ASEAN member states, is a party to the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response, or AADMER. In this regard, my delegation has submitted two proposals on the draft articles in the preamble and at article 7. The proposals withdraw from article 3, paragraph 3 of the AADMER emphasizes the need to take into account the respective needs, capacities, and situations of parties when engaging in international cooperation. In addition, my delegation fully supports the proposal from the Alliance of Small Island States to include a new paragraph in Article 18 on the relationship of the instrument to other rules of international law. AOSIS proposal reads, nothing in the present treaty shall be interpreted as prejudicing or diminishing the existing rights, obligations or commitments of states under international law as applicable. Singapore sees merit in this proposal, which provides legal clarity in ensuring the preservation of existing rights, obligations or commitments of states. under other treaties, such as those under the Paris Agreement and the Pandemic Agreement. In conclusion, Singapore looks forward to constructive discussions in the conference in January 2027 and underscores my delegation's full support for a successful outcome in Bangkok. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Singapore for his statements, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Pakistan. You have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Vice-Chair. Pakistan appreciates the ongoing discussion regarding the ILC draft articles for elaborating an international convention on the protection of persons in the event of disasters, which continued during the Sixth Committee's working group. and later in the meeting of the Preparatory Commission held earlier this year. Natural disasters are not confined to any region or country. They pose a global challenge and merit a collective response. Without global cooperation, it will be challenging to adequately protect any nation or person from disasters and calamities. As a major victim of climate-induced natural disasters, Pakistan calls for galvanizing global cooperation to assist climate-bound countries for disaster mitigation and management. Given the escalating frequency of natural disasters, including earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, and pandemics, the draft articles of ILC offer valuable guidance for member states. However, the draft articles should draw inspiration from existing international humanitarian law instruments, including the UN Guiding Principles on Humanitarian Assistance. By integrating these principles, the draft articles can provide a comprehensive and robust framework for addressing disaster risk and ensuring effective humanitarian assistance. Climate-induced disasters have become arbitrary abrupt and frequent. Pakistan is one of the 10 most climate vulnerable countries, even though it contributes less than 1% to global carbon emissions. We would like to here make following observations on the draft articles and the forthcoming treaty. In the preliminary part, both natural and man-made disasters are explicitly mentioned. However, any forthcoming convention based on these articles should maintain a distinct separation between the two. This distinction is crucial as different types of disasters are regulated by different legal rules. Second, disasters magnify the vulnerability of underprivileged countries. Consequently, special focus should be given to the disaster-prone countries in the global south for providing them with necessary assistance for reconstruction and rehabilitation in the aftermath of such debilitating events. Third, it is important that wording of draft for Article 11 is carefully drafted to respect the sovereignty of the member states. It should not impose any obligation to seek external assistance indiscriminately, irrespective of the actual need. Fourth, the disaster affected countries must have the sole right to boss request and conclude external assistance. The principles governing humanitarian aid must respect the principle of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of the states. Draft Article 13, paragraph 2, which suggests that a state's consent to the external assistance should not be arbitrarily withheld, is ambiguous and open to politically influenced interpretation. The drafting of articles should eliminate any potential for arbitrary interpretation. Madam Chair, in conclusion, we extend our full support to Thailand for the success of the diplomatic conference next year. Pakistan looks forward to engaging constructively with the UN member states on this important subject. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Pakistan for your statement, and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brunei Darussalam. Madam, you have the floor.

Madam Chair, as this is the first time my delegation is taking the floor, allow me to extend our warmest congratulations to you and the other members of our Bureau on your elections. Under your able leadership, please be assured of Brunei Darussalam's full support and cooperation throughout the 81st session of the Sixth Committee. Brunei Darussalam aligns itself with the statement delivered by Thailand on behalf of ASEAN and would like to add the following in its national capacity. The protection of persons in the event of disasters goes to the core of our shared humanity. Disasters transcend national borders and are capable of threatening economic stability, human security and sustainable development across every region. Over recent years, the world has witnessed an alarming surge in the frequency and severity of disasters, particularly those exacerbated by climate change, underscoring the urgent need for collective and decisive action. Brunei Darussalam stands in solidarity with countries and communities affected by disasters. Like many other small developing states, Brunei Darussalam recognizes its heightened vulnerability to the detrimental impacts of such events. We therefore place great importance on strengthening national disaster resilience while fully recognizing the value of enhanced international cooperation towards comprehensive, coordinated and effective responses. Madam Chair, allow me to briefly share that at a national level, Brunei Darussalam ensures the protection of persons during disasters through a robust institutional framework. The introduction of the Disaster Management Act, Chapter 293, provides a statutory basis for effective disaster management and mandates the creation of dedicated bodies, namely the National Disaster Council, which functions as the high-level policy-making and strategic planning body, and the National Disaster Management Centre, which serves as its operational arm. The development of Brunei Darussalam's Disaster Management Strategic Policy Framework guides the country's overall strategy for managing disaster risks and ensures that national actions reflect global best practices. At the regional level, Brunei Darussalam aligns with the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response ADMM, which it signed in 2009, as well as the One ASEAN, One Response policy. We work closely with fellow ASEAN member states through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management and utilise the ASEAN Standard Operating Procedure for regional standby arrangements and coordination of joint disaster relief and emergency response operations. Madam Chair, in light of this, Brunei Darussalam welcomes the significant progress made and the continued engagement at the UN on this agenda item thus far. We reaffirm our support for the General Assembly's adopted resolutions 79/128 and 80/169 and welcome the decision 80/551 to convene the United Nations Conference on Plenipotentiaries on Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters in Bangkok early next year. We further express our appreciation to the working group of the Sixth Committee on the protection of persons in the event of disasters for preparing the consolidated text, which incorporates the ILC's draft articles as well as proposals for amendments submitted by governments. We look forward to an open, transparent and inclusive negotiation process that will transform this text into a treaty by the end of 2027. In this context, Bruni Darussalam underscores the importance of ensuring coherence between the forthcoming treaty and existing international frameworks, in particular the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We believe that best practices and lessons learned from existing frameworks should be taken into consideration by the conference when developing the legally binding instrument. to ensure that it harmonizes rather than fragments the international legal landscape. Brunei Darussalam also acknowledges the decisions reached by the PrepCom regarding the modalities of the conference. We continue to underscore the importance of ensuring universal participation and reaching agreements by consensus throughout this process. We further reaffirmed that international cooperation in disaster response and humanitarian assistance must remain firmly grounded in the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. These principles must serve as a foundation for any future legally binding instrument. Madam Chair, with regards to the draft articles, Brunei records its support for the emphasis placed on the principle of state sovereignty as reflected in the draft preamble, and the recognition of the primary role of the affected states in the direction, control, coordination, and supervision of its disaster relief response. We further share the view that the determination of whether to seek external assistance should remain within the discretion of the affected state. At the same time, in order to balance this principle with humanitarian needs, we recognize that consent to external assistance must not be withheld arbitrarily. To conclude, Brunei Darussalam looks forward to engaging constructively in the forthcoming negotiations. We remain committed to achieving a balanced and universally applicable treaty that upholds the highest standards of protection for persons affected by disasters. We believe that consensus on these principles is achievable and that this instrument has the potential to make a landmark contribution to international humanitarian law. My delegation stands ready to work together towards achieving this collective goal. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Brunei Darussalam for her statement. And I see that there are some delegates who are not present in the room or who aren't ready to make their statements so that's why we're skipping a few countries on the list of our speakers I'll give the floor now then to the distinguished representative of Costa Rica

sir you have the floor

Madam Chair, distinguished colleagues, Costa Rica reiterates the importance of building consensus that allows us to bring forward a consolidated text to the Conference of Plenipotentiaries of the United Nations on Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters to take place in 2027. More than 20 years has gone by since the ILC identified this theme this issue and put it on its programme of work. Now, thanks to the efforts of the international community and the unanimous recognition of the absolute need to codify and progressively develop international law in this area, and motivated above all by the intensity and impact of disasters on populations, we are now about to meet to build together an international convention. with this firm purpose. Costa Rica has been involved in this process, and we have an historic responsibility to provide humanity with a clear legal framework that serves us as an effective guide in our response to disasters. We're convinced that human beings must be placed at the very heart of any instrument that we adopt, and we have said this before, and we will keep reiterating it. The inherent dignity of people must be preserved and respected in all phases of a disaster, including the response, rehabilitation and recovery, guaranteeing the autonomy, integrity, security and decision-making capacity of all peoples under the responsibility to protect and guarantee their human rights. Costa Rica firmly supports the inclusion of the fundamental humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality and impartiality enshrined in resolutions 46/182 and 58/114 of the General Assembly. Furthermore, our delegation proposes the explicit inclusion of the principle of operational independence, which is an essential pillar to safeguard the autonomy of humanitarian action and to ensure that this is used exclusively to meet the needs of the persons affected free from political or economic conditions. Furthermore, it's fundamental for our country to move towards a management of disasters in line with contemporary paradigms, which requires a comprehensive vision that goes beyond the traditional reactive approach, and this includes understanding that disasters are not just merely natural acts of God, but rather we need to recognize the different vulnerabilities and the effects of unequal development. It's therefore essential to adopt a multidimensional cross-cutting approach that includes social, economic, and environmental dynamics that promotes a productive management of risk. This requires consolidating A conceptual framework that recognizes the profoundly socio-historic nature of disasters, prioritizing both the reduction of existing risks as well as preventing new risks by planning development in order to... achieve better resilience to current challenges. Costa Rica will work constructively, openly and in a committed manner to ensure that this process delivers a solid, effective and truly universal convention. And we will do this always thinking about human beings, placing them at the very heart of this legal instrument. Thank you very much.

I thank the distinguished representative of Costa Rica for their statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Vietnam. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Vietnam aligns itself with the statement delivered by Thailand on behalf of ASEAN and wishes to offer the following remarks in its national capacity. Vietnam welcomes the convening of the United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries on Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters. We express our appreciation to Thailand for undertaking to host the conference and thank the International Law Commission and member states for their work in advancing the process. Disasters, particularly natural disasters, are increasing in frequency and severity, causing devastating loss of life and damage to property and livelihoods. As a country frequently affected by natural disasters, Vietnam understands the importance of disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and response, as well as international cooperation and assistance for affected states. Many countries, especially developing ones, face significant capacity constraints. For these reasons, international cooperation and assistance are essential to saving lives, alleviating suffering, and protecting the dignity and rights of affected persons. Madam Chair, as we move towards the conference, Vietnam wishes to emphasize three priorities. First, the future convention must be consistent with international law and the fundamental principles of the Charter of the United Nations, including respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-intervention in the internal affairs of states. The convention should affirm the primary responsibility of the affected state and its primary role in the direction, control, coordination and supervision of relief assistance within its territory. The decision to seek external assistance must remain within the sovereign discretion of the affected state. The affected state should have the right, rather than a legal obligation, to seek such assistance. External assistance must be provided with the consent of the affected state and in accordance with its assessed needs and priorities. Practical arrangements should be developed to facilitate timely and effective relief and avoid imposing complex procedures. Second, the future convention should provide a practical and balanced framework for cooperation. taking into account the respective needs, capacities and circumstances of States. Vietnam supports the inclusion in the Convention of a provision on the duty to cooperate, as appropriate, in accordance with international law and to the extent possible. Such cooperation should take place among States as well as with international, regional and sub-regional organizations and mechanisms, alongside other relevant assisting actors. The forms of cooperation should not be exhaustively prescribed and should include capacity building, technical assistance, financial support, information sharing and the exchange of knowledge and expertise. Such cooperation should strengthen national capacities in disaster risk reduction, preparedness and response. The convention should complement and be consistent with existing frameworks, including the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 and relevant regional arrangements. In this regard, The ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response, together with the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management, offers a useful reference for coordinated and effective regional assistance. Third, the conference should ensure a transparent, inclusive and consensus-oriented process that takes new account of the diverse views, experience and concerns of member states. Developing countries must be able to participate fully and meaningfully in the negotiations, including through financial support in accordance with the relevant General Assembly resolution. This will be essential to achieving a balanced and broadly supported outcome. To conclude, Vietnam reaffirms its commitment to engaging constructively with all delegations in developing and concluding a convention that strengthens international solidarity, supports national efforts, and delivers practical benefits to persons affected by disasters. I thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Vietnam for their statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Greece. You have the floor, madam.

Greece aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and its member states. And in addition, allow us to highlight the following. The frequency and severity of disasters has recently largely intensified, due also to the adverse effects of climate change. No region of the world and no state is spared. We all have to tackle mega fires, floods, droughts, and earthquakes, as well as man-made disasters. These disasters can result in loss of lives, severe material damages, population displacement, environmental degradation, and other dire consequences, many of them with transboundary effects. International cooperation has already proven its worth in coping with disasters and their effects. So far, relevant legally binding instruments, and in many cases non-binding instruments, have been concluded at the bilateral or regional levels. However, there is no legally binding agreement that would provide the universal legal framework for cooperation in case of disasters and regulatory guidance for the negotiation of more specific and action-oriented agreements between interested states and international organizations. The conclusion of such an instrument would fill a legal gap, and in our view, the draft articles of the ILC provide an adequate basis. Particularly, they strike a fair balance between state sovereignty on the one hand and the imperatives of promoting international cooperation and protecting human rights. In this regard, we note in particular the provisions aiming at safeguarding the dignity and rights of persons affected by disasters. Resolutions 80/169 and 79/128 of the General Assembly have been a decisive step forward. They have set up the framework for convening a United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries entrusted to elaborate a legally binding instrument on the protection of persons in the event of disasters. In addition, the Preparatory Committee through its recommendations on the rules of procedure, methods, and program of work, has paved the way for a conference which will be exclusively dedicated to the substance of the subject matter. Most importantly, it submitted the consolidated text to the conference containing the ILC draft articles and amendment proposals from member states, including those of my country. Greece is confident that the Conference of Plenipotentiaries in Thailand, to which we extend our sincere gratitude, will be dedicated through the relevant good faith efforts of all participants to the elaboration and ultimately the conclusion of a legally binding instrument on the protection of persons in the event of disasters, which will be widely accepted and will become the reference document on this particular issue internationally. Thank you very much, Madam President.

I thank the distinguished representative of Greece for their statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Thailand. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Thailand aligns itself with the statement delivered on behalf of ASEAN and with the statement delivered by Nigeria on behalf of the PPAD core group. allow me to add the following remarks in our national capacity. Thailand has long supported a strong international legal framework for the protection of persons in the event of disasters. As a member of the Core Group since 2023, we have worked closely with partners to move this process from discussion to negotiation. Through resolutions 79/128 and 80/169, the General Assembly decided to convene a conference of plenipotentiaries to elaborate and conclude a legally binding instrument on this topic. Thailand is honored that by decision 80/551, the Assembly accepted our offer to host the conference in Bangkok from the 25th of January to the 12th of February 2027. We are also proud that Her Excellency Mrs. Supanwisa Chotichayanatong chaired the Preparatory Committee. Under her leadership, delegations laid the practical and procedural foundations for the Conference, including the referral of the consolidated text, arrangements for stakeholder participation, and recommendation on the organization of the Conference, including the programme of work and rules of procedure, among others. Thailand thanks the Secretariat, the Bureau, the coordinators, delegations and stakeholders for their constructive engagement. The same spirit of dialogue and flexibility will also be needed in Bangkok. Madam Chair, hosting this conference carries special meaning for Thailand. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami remains deeply etched in our national memory. It demonstrated both the devastating human cost of disasters and the value of international cooperation when national capacities are overwhelmed. We therefore see our role as host not simply as a logistical responsibility, but as part of our commitment to bringing this long-standing process to fruition. Our shared objective should be clear: a convention that is practical, balanced, and consensus-based. It should place the protection, dignity, and rights of affected persons at its center, while fully respecting state sovereignty, including the primary role of the affected state and the requirement of consent for external assistance. It should also address the full disaster risk management cycle, from prevention and preparedness to response and recovery. The Convention should also reinforce the duty to cooperate. No state, regardless of its level of development, can always face disasters of growing scale and complexity alone. Capacity building, as well as the sharing of knowledge, expertise and technology, should therefore be central to our negotiations. Madam Chair, The international community has already devoted many years to building the legal foundations for this convention. The International Law Commission completed its draft articles in 2016, and the General Assembly has now established a negotiating process aimed at concluding a legally binding instrument by the end of 2027 at the latest. Our task now is to turn that legal work and political commitment into an instrument that makes a real difference when disasters strike. Thailand stands ready to continue working with all delegations. We look forward to welcoming you to Bangkok early next year and to working together in a spirit of constructive dialogue, flexibility and consensus towards a convention that strengthens international cooperation, protects human dignity and ultimately saves lives. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Thailand for their statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Brazil. You have the floor, madam.

My delegation aligns itself to the statement delivered by Uruguay on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, CELAC, and of Timor-Leste on behalf of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries, and would like to add the following in our national capacity. In 2016, the International Law Commission concluded its work on the protection of persons in the event of disasters. Since then, mostly as a drastic consequence of climate change, we have witnessed a steady and worrying increase in the frequency and intensity of disasters around the world. At that time, The Commission had already identified the need for a broader legal framework in this area. Today, that need is even more evident and more urgent. Brazil has consistently supported efforts to strengthen the international legal framework on the protection of persons in the event of disasters. Currently, guidance on disaster response is found mainly in soft law, complemented in some cases by bilateral and regional instruments. A multilateral convention would help fill an important gap. It would provide greater coherence, legal certainty, and predictability, while facilitating international cooperation in disaster prevention, preparedness, and response. We welcome the work undertaken during the resumed session of the Sixth Committee and the Preparatory Committee. These processes provided a solid basis for negotiations that lie ahead. We also look forward to the diplomatic conference on the topic. We hope it will be marked by broad and inclusive participation, as well as a constructive search for consensus. My delegation reiterates its appreciation to the IOC for its work on this topic. The draft articles provide a valuable starting point for negotiations. At the same time, they would benefit from further refinement. A decade has passed since the draft articles were adopted, and forms of cooperation in the event of disasters have evolved. In this regard, we believe that the scope of the Convention could be broadened in some areas as appropriate. Brazil has submitted amendment proposals and reserves the right to present additional suggestions as negotiations progress. Brazil welcomes, for instance, the Commission's decision to include a standalone provision on the inherent dignity of the human person, as well as a specific reference to the protection of the human rights of persons affected by disasters. It is important never to lose sight of the human rights dimension of disaster response. The Convention should also make clear that such rights must be protected without discrimination. Brazil also believes that particular caution is warranted regarding provisions that do not constitute codification of existing international law. For instance, customary international law does not establish an obligation for states to seek external assistance in the event of disasters. States retain the right to request assistance whenever they deem it necessary. Many do so. However, transforming that possibility into a legal obligation, as envisaged in the current draft, would go beyond existing international law and could create legal uncertainty. A future convention can be designed to foster cooperation among its parties, even in the absence of such an obligation. Madam Chair, principles matter, and Brazil believes that a future convention should be firmly anchored in both humanitarian principles and the fundamental principles of the UN Charter. Brazil welcomes the references to the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, and impartiality. We believe, however, that the principle of independence should also be expressly reflected in the text. Humanitarian action must remain guided exclusively by the needs of affected persons. it must be carried out free from political, economic, or any other form of undue influence. Like all objectives pursued in the international community, the protection of persons in the event of disasters must remain fully aligned with the principles of the UN Charter, including sovereign equality and non-intervention. The provision of external assistance should never be used as a pretext for intervention in the domestic affairs of any state. External assistance should be based on the consent of the affected state. This requirement ensures national ownership and helps align assistance with the needs identified by the affected state. These safeguards help build trust among states when cooperating in the event of disasters. thereby increasing adherence to a future convention. Madam Chair, Brazil remains convinced that a future convention on the protection of persons in the event of disasters can make an important contribution to the international legal framework at a time when it is increasingly needed. We stand ready to continue engaging constructively in the negotiations. Our objective is a balanced and effective instrument. One that strengthens the protection of persons affected by disasters, while remaining firmly grounded in the principles of the UN Charter, respect for sovereignty, international cooperation, solidarity, and human dignity. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Brazil for her statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Cuba. You have the floor, sir.

Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Cuba reaffirms its support for the efforts undertaken by the ILC to honor the protection of persons in the event of disasters. We thank the Secretary General for the presentation of his respected reports that Cuba contributed to with our comments. in relation to the draft articles being drafted by the Commission. Our delegation has underscored several issues that we believe are important for the drafting of the future convention on the protection of persons in the event of disasters, while the definitive drafting of them must continue to be debated by governments for them to be adopted and for the text to enjoy broad consensus. Cuba reiterates that the ultimate responsibility for ensuring the protection of persons, providing aid and helping the territory to recover in the event of a disaster lies with the State. When the State's capacity is not sufficient to respond, they can request bilateral or international support. In this regard, we believe that the current drafting of the draft articles must be reviewed. I'm talking about the ones from the ILC on requesting international bilateral support as an obligation from the state affected. Draft article 11 does not reflect customary international law in this regard, since it introduces a norm of progressive law that does not benefit from broad international consensus. For my delegation, the provision of an offer of international assistance should not be made under pressure or harm the sovereignty of the state affected. In relation to the humanitarian principles, my delegation recognizes the importance of the principles of humanity, neutrality, and impartiality, as well as non-discrimination. However, we believe that the text would be incomplete if it didn't expressly include the principles of sovereignty, independence, and non-interference in the internal affairs of states. Humanitarian assistance, to be truly effective and legitimate, must be presented with the consent of the state affected and with full respect for their domestic legal framework. It is also necessary for the draft articles to more clearly reflect the need to strengthen the national capacities of developing countries. This includes access to adequate financial resources, technology transfer on favourable conditions, the exchange of knowledge and good practices, as well as enhanced, predictable and international assistance without conditions. Experience shows that the capacity of states to prevent, mitigate and respond to disasters is closely linked to the economic conditions in which they operate. In this regard, we cannot forget that the imposition of unilateral coercive measures significantly limits said capacities. The strengthening of the economic and trade embargo by the United States against Cuba in its most recent expression, including the particularly severe siege on the supply of fuel, has a direct impact on all parts of our national life. and even hinders the recovery efforts following the passing of Hurricane Melissa. Madam Chair, by way of conclusion, Cuba reiterates that we can't consider the ALA Sea in itself as a legislative body tasked with international law. Its merits lie in states drafting rules for international law and dealing with issues that could be of interest for states to draft them. The consideration of the draft articles is not an exercise of the codification of customary international law, but rather what it is as an effort for the progressive development of law. In this regard, once again, Cuba expresses the fact that we stand ready to work together with all states in order to achieve a consensus-based outcome. Thank you.

The Chair, I thank the distinguished representative of Cuba for his statements and I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Colombia. Madam, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. In Spanish, it's a real honour to see you presiding over our meeting this afternoon. Madam Chair, on the 10th of August, 34 in the morning when the Colombian people were enjoying their first coffee of the day or dropping their children at school, a 7.4 magnitude earthquake shook the whole of our country. Given how profound it was, it was even felt in neighboring countries. This was the strongest earthquake registered in Colombia this century. Many people were killed and thousands of people injured and thousands of people affected in 500 towns and cities and 16 departments of our country. Hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and aqueducts were affected. Like our Vice President of the Republic said to the General Assembly on the 24th of September last, The instruction from the very beginning was to save human lives. The state acted swiftly with all of the resources at our disposal. However, our experience also recalls something that Colombia has reiterated at this committee and that has been the basis for our significant activism on this issue. That is that no state, however well prepared they may be, can tackle a disaster of this magnitude. And the response was only, was thanks to the solidarity of states and humanitarian organizations, and we express our profound thanks to all of those actors. This solidarity shows that international cooperation does work. Madam Chair. Aligning this statement with the ones made by Uruguay on behalf of CELAC and Nigeria on behalf of the Core Group, please allow me to tell you that for Colombia, this is not a new or accessory issue. The draft articles of the ILC were drafted under the leadership of Valencia Ospina, the Colombian jurist who I would like to pay a heartfelt tribute to this afternoon. My country has supported this process constantly since the very beginning. Colombia has encouraged the process as part of the Core Group. In the working group of this Commission, we participated in the discussion of each and every one of the clusters of articles, and we have defended the recommendations of the Commission to convene a conference of plenipotentiaries. We did this with a conviction that we maintain. The Sixth Committee was created in order to contribute to the codification and progressive development of international law. This is our job here. The ILC has already done its job and the negotiating task is now in our hands. Member States resolution 80/169 confirms that collective effort was beneficial. Now, Madam Chair, the ultimate goal of this instrument is to protect human beings. This has been our lodestar and will remain so. We wish to underscore five elements of Colombia's position moving towards the conference. First of all, we will defend the balance that the ILC struck. The state affected has the ultimate role in the direction, coordination, and control over assistance as an expression of its sovereignty. At the same time, the sovereignty comes with positive duties. vis-a-vis people under their jurisdiction. Second, we will continue to underscore that the duty to cooperate must be a legally binding obligation. It's not an obligation to offer assistance. This will remain voluntary, but rather an obligation to cooperate for states, for developing countries. Goodwill or the expectation for disaster to arrive when disaster happens is not enough. What we are seeking with this instrument is to regardless of how generous this aid is, we need there to be clear rules and they need to be agreed on beforehand so that disasters don't wait for the law to be ready. Third, we all need to cooperate on capacity. States can request and coordinate assistance and To recover, they need technology and the knowledge and personnel to do this. And this is why Colombia has proposed to include specific provisions on capacity building, technical assistance and technology transfer on mutually agreed conditions. We propose that these provisions respond to the needs defined by each and every country and that they take account particularly of developing countries and the regions that are most exposed to disasters. Fourthly, the reduction of the risk of disasters must be consolidated as an obligation of positive law. The Sendai framework is very valuable, however, it is not binding and it comes to an end in 2030. A universal instrument will provide states with the legal basis to legislate, to allocate resources and to strengthen their institutions in cases of disaster. Fifthly, the provisions on facilitation and quality of assistance are the most operative part of the instrument. We remain open to exploring technical nexuses built with the contribution of specialized agencies. Madam Chair, Colombia thanks the Chair of the Bureau of the PrepCom as well as the Secretariat for bringing us this far. All of the efforts of our delegations will bring us to a conference with clear rules of the game. Now though... we need to continue. Developing countries that are most exposed to disasters need to be able to access the trust fund, and that's why we respectfully request countries in a position to be able to do so to continue to contribute to it. And we encourage those and we thank those who have already done so, including Italy, who's made the largest contribution thus far. We also thank the Kingdom of Thailand for swiftly offering to host the conference and for their generosity. For Colombia, this is of particular significance. Thailand has been our partner in the core group and their role as host confirms their sustained commitment to this process. Madam Chair, Colombia is coming to the Plenipotentiary Conference in January and February 2027 with a conviction and with the expectation of concluding a useful, balanced instrument of universal acceptance. We are coming to the conference to build on the progress achieved and not to start from scratch. We will have three weeks in Bangkok and we need to really make the most of those three weeks. Finally, Madam Chair, Colombia will participate in the conference with the hope that Um, the morn- the morning that we had on the 10th of Colum- of August in Colombia will never happen again anywhere else in the world. Thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Colombia for his statement. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Jordan. You have the floor, madam.

I thank you, madam chair. At the outset, my country's delegation wishes to align itself with the statement made by Libya on behalf of the Arab Group. We wish to make the following remarks in our national capacity. The Jordanian position is underpinned by five clear legal pillars. First, explicit support for the establishment of a legally binding international instrument underpinned by the draft articles drafted by the ILC as an adequate basis for the codification and gradual development of international law in the event of disasters. Second, safeguarding sovereignty and the vital role of affected states, namely in accordance with Article 10 of the draft articles. which reiterates the responsibility of affected states in managing, coordinating, and overseeing relief operations on their territories. Third, support for the duty to cooperate, as well as solidarity, and the broad interpretation of the draft articles, which establishes a legal obligation for states and parties that are able to provide humanitarian assistance. Fourth, the principles of humanity, neutrality, and integrity, which constitute indispensable guarantees to prevent the politicization, exploitation of humanitarian assistance, and discrimination in its provision. We stress that the draft articles constitute general rules that fill legal gaps where IHL does not apply in the event of disasters. These rules do not apply as long as rules of IHL are applicable. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Jordan for your statement. And I now give the floor to my dear colleague from the Bureau. Mr. Rapporteur, you have the floor from Qatar, please.

Thank you, Madam Chair. At the outset, we thank you for your management of our deliberations, and we wish to align ourselves with the statement made by the Arab Group. And we also welcome the achievements made by the PrepCom of the conference on the protection of persons in the event of disasters and its work We attach great importance to the issue of the protection of persons in the event of disasters. Amid growing frequency and acuteness, all countries of the world are subject to hurricanes, drought, and wildfires, which lead to human and material losses that no country can face. And this highlights the importance of international cooperation to safeguard human dignity in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter. At the national level, The State of Qatar has established an institutional framework for disaster preparedness and response through various national commissions, such as the National Commission for Disaster Management, the Civil Defense, and the Doha Center for the Coordination of Disasters, as well as humanitarian assistance. And at the international level, we are allocating our resources and experiences to or and expertise to other states. through our national institutions, including the Qatar Fund, and through the establishment of humanitarian corridors. And we continue to provide talents for those in need, and this has included medical supplies, relief equipment for those who suffered from these disasters. We support the adoption of an international legally binding instrument on the protection of persons in the event of disasters as an important framework that governs our efforts to prevent disasters and provide humanitarian relief in accordance with international law. Since in the general international law there are no provisions on the provision of humanitarian or on the duty of states to provide humanitarian assistance, this will constitute a legal basis for the undertaking of necessary measures. to strengthen cooperation. In this regard, the State of Qatar has provided its written proposals in document A/80/610/Add.1, namely on the establishment of a balance instrument, namely to protect the sovereignty of states, including the discretionary right for states to choose organizations which provide assistance to clarify the rules that govern humanitarian assistance in the framework of the United Nations. We welcome the convening of the UN Conference of Plenipotentiaries in Bangkok from the 25th of January till the 12th of February 2027, and we thank the Kingdom of Thailand for offering to host it. And we hope that it will contribute to the establishment of an instrument that can protect the persons in the event of disasters and provide humanitarian assistance in accordance with international law. In conclusion, we reiterate our support for efforts to protect persons in the event of disasters, as well as the establishment of an effective international framework that respects international law, as well as human dignity and human rights. I thank you.

Thank you. your statements. I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Romania. Sir, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Romania aligns with the statement delivered on behalf of the European Union and its member states and makes the following remarks in its national capacity. No state is shielded from the occurrence of catastrophic events whose impact, more often than not, is felt well beyond the territory in which they originate. This is true not only for the immediate and direct consequences of the event, but also for the spillover effects that oftentimes cascade into complex and wide-reaching challenges affecting societies across borders. It is out of compassion and humanity that communities rally in the support of each other, from the smallest localized scale to international aid initiatives with a global reach. In operational terms, this basic human reflex requires clear, coherent, and practicable rules in order to produce the results needed. The objective here is not perfect homogeneity, but a common language and a common understanding of the best ways to act together in the fields of disaster risk reduction and response, with the protection of the rights of those affected as a central requirement. Thus, at a minimum, such a framework calls for mechanisms ensuring that international relief operations remain anchored in the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, whilst preserving effective coordination with the authorities of the affected state. With this in mind, Romania welcomes the convening of the Conference of Plenipotentiaries in Bangkok from 25th of January to the 12th of February 2027, and thanks Thailand for hosting it. Having supported both the decision to elaborate a legally binding instrument and the modalities adopted last December, Romania remains fully committed to concluding the negotiations within the timeframe set by the General Assembly. Madam Chair, For Romania, safeguarding people's lives and upholding their dignity must take precedence in shaping international arrangements for disaster prevention and response. This is especially relevant since my country has been both a beneficiary as well as a significant and consistent provider of international assistance for disaster response, reduction, and recovery. This has been made possible through a series of regional and other types of institutional mechanisms that facilitated our provision of human, operational, technical, and financial resources where needed. The lessons drawn from our country's handling of emergencies arising from both natural hazards and human activity underscored the importance of building response capacities in advance and working together, while placing humanitarian principles and respect for human rights at the heart of these efforts. Against this backdrop, the Romanian legislative framework on disaster risk management is regularly subjected to continuous updates and improvements, seeking to achieve inclusiveness, the protection of all vulnerable groups, and alignment with relevant European and international legislation. It is comprehensive, as it touches upon all stages of a disaster: prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. The most recent changes sought to simplify the decision-making mechanism and to streamline the integrated coordination structure of emergency situations and disasters. Romania welcomes the conclusion of the work of the Preparatory Committee for the Conference and its contribution towards setting up the framework for negotiations. We are mindful of the demanding nature of the deliberations and that agreement on certain questions, notably decision-making and the participation of stakeholders, was reached only after considerable effort. That it was reached at all, it is, in our view, a statement to the collective will of the delegation to take the process forward. We express the hope that the difficulties experienced in the preparatory phase will not set the pattern for the conference itself, and that delegations will arrive in Bangkok prepared to engage on substance from the outset. Thus, the pursuit of consensus must not become a pretext for stalemate, and the conference should make full use of all available instruments, formal and informal, to make the most of the time available and achieve the results for which it was created. To conclude, Romania calls upon all delegations to engage constructively in narrowing differences and in seeking areas of convergence, so that the negotiations may move towards a text enjoying the widest possible support. We stand ready to play our part in this endeavour, convinced that joint action and solidarity among States are essential if lives and human dignity are to be protected when disaster strikes. I thank you.

I thank the distinguished representative of Romania for his statement, and I give the floor now to the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia.

Sir, you have the floor.

Thank you, Madam Chair. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would like to extend its appreciation to the efforts taken to develop international legal framework relating to the protection of persons in the event of disasters, as well as the ongoing preparations for convening the United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the subject. Saudi Arabia reiterates its support for international efforts aimed at strengthening the protection of persons in the event of disasters and developing an effective international legal framework that contributes to enhancing international cooperation and solidarity, facilitating humanitarian response, alleviating the suffering of those affected, and preserving lives and human dignity. In this context, Saudi Arabia continues its national efforts to reduce disaster risks and to strengthen its capacities in the areas of prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery in a manner consistent with the objectives of its Vision 2030. At the international level, Saudi Arabia continued its humanitarian and relief role, which extended over decades, stemming from its steadfast commitment to providing assistance to those affected by crises and disasters without discrimination. In this regard, as of the end of August 2026, the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center had implemented more than 4,000 humanitarian and relief projects in 113 countries, totaling 8.5 billion US dollars. Saudi efforts are not limited to the provision of urgent humanitarian assistance. They also extend to supporting early recovery, building local capacities, and strengthening the resilience of affected communities through partnerships with UN agencies, international organizations, and relevant national entities. Saudi believes that the effectiveness of humanitarian response is not measured by the volume of assistance provided, but by its ability to reach those who need it and contribute to achieving sustainable humanitarian impact. Madam Chair, Saudi Arabia affirms that the development of any legally binding international instrument in this field should be based on achieving balance between the requirements of humanitarian protection and respect for sovereignty of states and their national legislation. The Kingdom also believes that the future instrument should contain clear and precise provisions defining concepts, terminology, rights and obligations in order to ensure clarity regarding its scope of application and to limit the possibility of differing interpretations or inconsistent implementation of its provisions. The Saudi emphasizes that the importance of respecting the primary role of the affected state in managing disaster response and coordinating humanitarian assistance provided to it. International cooperation should support and complement national efforts while taking into account relevant national laws and regulations. The Kingdom stresses the importance of ensuring that the proposed provisions contribute to facilitating international cooperation, strengthening disaster preparedness and risk reduction, building national capacities, and supporting recovery from disaster impacts while taking into consideration the different circumstances and capacities of state. The Kingdom also looks forward to the work of the UN conference next year. It emphasizes the importance of continuing consultations in a constructive and inclusive manner. In conclusion, Saudi Arabia reiterates its commitment to supporting international cooperation and strengthening humanitarian solidarity in addressing disasters. It also affirms its keenness to continue constructive engagement with Member States in a manner that contributes to achieving the objective of this process, namely enhancing the protection of human beings and safeguarding their dignity in the event of disasters. Thank you, Madam Chair.

I thank the distinguished representative of Saudi Arabia for his statement. And I give the floor to the distinguished representative of Tunisia. So you have the floor.

My country's delegation aligns itself with the statements made by the Arab Group and the African Group. We wish to make the following remarks in our national capacity. Tunisia reaffirms the importance of pursuing efforts to establish an international convention that strengthens the protection of persons in the event of disasters amid their increased frequency and acuteness, as well as their compounding effects due to climate change. triggering human losses as well as socio-economic and environmental repercussions, namely for developing States that face rising challenges in prevention, readiness and response. We welcome the progress made by the Preparatory Committee of the UN Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters. We stress the need for the anticipated convention to be underpinned by international cooperation and solidarity, and to take into account differences between the capacities and needs of states. Particular attention must be paid to the most vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change effects. We stress that international law is crucial for the effectiveness of our disaster response. namely where consequences exceed national capacities to address them. In this regard, we underline the need for the international instrument to provide for the transfer of technology, capacity building, expertise, and technical assistance, exchange, training, and early warning systems. We reiterate the importance of establishing effective, transparent, and sustainable international funding mechanisms that enable developing states to build their national capacities in prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. We consider that obligations to be included in the anticipated international convention must be implemented in a gradual manner and in a manner proportionate to the capacities of affected states and their available resources. These should be coupled with targeted and practical support mechanisms to avoid any disproportionate administrative and financial burdens on developing states. We consider that the delivery of international humanitarian assistance must be done at the request of the affected states and with its explicit consent, with in full respect of its national discretion and authority to accept assistance and coordinate, organize, and oversee assistance activities. We stress the need to ensure the implementation of relief operations in coordination with relevant national authorities. to ensure effectiveness and respect for priorities and needs of affected states, and to ensure noninterference in domestic affairs. We stress the importance of adopting a comprehensive human rights-based approach, which places human dignity at the heart of international efforts to provide assistance during disasters. Special attention must be awarded to the most vulnerable, including children, elderly, and persons with disabilities. We stress the need to ensure the access of affected persons to assistance and humanitarian protection in line with neutrality, humanity, and non-discrimination to ensure response for effective needs. We stress our support for the development of a balanced and practical instrument that upholds protection of persons during disasters and consolidates international cooperation and solidarity, which respects national sovereignty and differences in state capabilities and needs. We stress the importance of ensuring the active participation of least developed and developing states in the diplomatic conference to ensure wide acceptance and a response to aspirations of the international community. Thank you for your kind attention.

I thank the distinguished representative of Tunisia for your statement, and I now give the floor to the distinguished representative of Togo. Sir, you have the floor.

Madam Chair, my delegation fully aligns itself with the statement made by the distinguished representative of Cameroon on behalf of the Group of African States, and we wish to make a few remarks in our national capacity. The review of this item is taking place just a few months from the opening of the conference in Bangkok from the 25th of January to 12th of February, 2027. This will be an opportunity for the international community to translate into legal commitments of political will that has been expressed for more than a decade. This meeting is of the utmost importance for Africa that faces, like other regions of the world, natural disasters of human origin that are more and more frequent and intense, flooding, drought, coastal erosion, epidemics, industrial accidents, and their human consequences as well as social and economic consequences are extremely significant. Madam Chair, since the adoption of the draft articles by the ILC in 2016, The ground covered is considerable. By way of resolution 79/128, the General Assembly decided to draft by the end of 2027 a legally binding instrument on this basis, and then, by way of resolution 80/169, to convene to this end a conference of plenipotentiaries. Togo applauds the summary text in April 2026 by the working group of the Sixth Committee as well as the PrepCom that transmitted this text to the conference and extended recommendations about the organization of it. My delegation thanks the Codification Division for its constant support and the Kingdom of Thailand for offering to host the conference, inviting partners to contribute to the special trust fund to facilitate the participation of developing countries. Madam Chair, the summary text from the working group is a robust basis for negotiations, taking into account the many observations made by delegations throughout the sessions. Approaching the decisive phase of the negotiations, Togo calls for a constructive, inclusive dialogue focused on consensus in order to lead to a robust legal framework that is balanced and predictable. The future instrument must provide a clear normative basis for international cooperation at all stages of the management of disasters, in particular prevention, preparation, response and recovery in complementarity with the Sendai Framework for the reduction of risk of disasters and without prejudice to the rules of international humanitarian law. In this regard, my delegation would like the following principles to guide the work of the conference. Firstly, the respect for the sovereignty of states and the role of the state affected, including the principle of consent for external assistance. Second, the obligation of international cooperation, in particular in terms of prevention, early warning systems, technology transfer and capacity building, the centrality of human rights during all phases of the management of disasters by respecting human dignity, non-discrimination and enhanced protection for persons in situations of vulnerability, including refugees and displaced persons. the recognition of the role of regional and sub-regional organizations, such as the African Union and ECOWAS, whose action complements the actions of the UN system. Finally, implementing effective solidarity mechanisms, including technical, financial and logistical assistance. for developing countries, in particular LDCs and small island developing states, as well as coastal states, which are particularly exposed to flooding and coastal erosion. For Togo, the protection of persons in the event of disasters goes above and beyond humanitarian assistance. It is international solidarity. It is part of international solidarity and the collective responsibility of states. On a domestic level, under the coordination of the national agency for civilian protection, my country has updated its national contingency plan, adopted a preparedness plan and a response plan for 2026 and drafted our national risk profile and strengthened co-operation between the different regions, the private sector and our partners. rest that no, borders, these efforts are not enough and the global legal framework is now essential. My delegation reaffirms its commitment to participating actively and constructively in the conference in Bangkok so that in 2027 we can adopt an ambitious, balanced and instruments that heralds hope for all of the populations exposed to disasters.

The Chair, I thank the distinguished representative of Togo for his statement. Dear colleagues, distinguished delegates, the distinguished representative of Togo was our last speaker on this agenda item for this afternoon. We will continue our debate on agenda item 88, entitled United Nations Conference of Plenipotentiaries on Protection of Persons in the Event of Disasters. tomorrow morning, after which we will turn to the consideration of agenda item 85, entitled "The scope and application of the principle of universal jurisdiction." The meeting is adjourned.