Statement by

Mr. Mohammad Sadegh Talebizadeh Sardari

Attaché

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Before the Sixth Committee, UNGA 77

On Agenda Item 83: "Report of the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization”

New York, 3 November 2022

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Mr. Chairperson,

At the outset, I would like to align myself with the statements delivered on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of Friends in Defence of the Charter of the United Nations and deliver the following in my national capacity. 

There is no doubt that multilateralism in the framework of the United Nations is at a critical juncture. International relations are heavily threatened by the arbitrary interpretation of the principles and rules of international law, including the Charter, as well as the misuse of UN mechanisms by some specific States in order to achieve their narrow political agenda. In this environment, the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization is considered the only enduring mechanism within the UN framework capable of discussing issues related to the UN Charter and strengthening of the role of the Organization as well as addressing the challenges toward UN principles. The attempts to politicize the Charter Committee during its last session are an alarming development with the potential to endanger the legal nature of the work of the Sixth Committee as well as consensus decision-making.

Therefore, my delegation supports any proposal that contributes to strengthening and promoting the Special Committee’s well-established role that can, in turn, ultimately strengthen the UN. In this regard, my delegation expresses its support for the proposal of Cuba on strengthening the role of the UN and enhancing its effectiveness. 

My delegation also acknowledges and upholds the Committee as it is entrusted with addressing substantial issues related to international peace and security as well as pacific settlement of disputes.

On issues related to international peace and security, we reiterate our support to the joint proposal of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus to seek the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice through the General Assembly on the legal consequences of the resort to the use of force without authorization by the Security Council, except in the exercise of the right to self-defense. My delegation also supports the consideration of the Working Paper submitted by the delegation of Mexico entitled “Analysis of the application of Articles 2 (4) and 51 of the Charter of the United Nations”.

Regarding sanctions imposed by the United Nations, while the imposition of Security Council sanctions under Chapter VII of the UN Charter has a paramount effect on the political life of countries as well as their peoples, unfortunately such sanctions are introduced or lifted completely dependent on the political will of a small number of Member States. There should be pre-established standards or criteria for recognizing the relevant situations or cases as enshrined in the Charter while determining and imposing sanctions.

These criteria should include, inter alia, the considerations related to the equal sovereignty of Member States as well as the basic human rights of the concerned nations.

On the agenda of pacific settlement of disputes, we attach particular importance to the annual thematic debate under the agenda item on the peaceful settlement of disputes, which contributes to the more efficient and effective use of peaceful means while promoting a culture of peace among Member States. Therefore, my delegation supports exploring other means for the peaceful settlement of disputes in consideration of the Special Committee in its prospective sessions since the enumerated means of peaceful settlement of disputes in Article 33 (1) of the Charter of the UN is nearly exhausted.

 Mr. Chairperson,

Another discouraging account regarding the UN Charter and international legal order involves the imposition of unilateral coercive measures (UCMs). Considering the grave and adverse consequences of UCMs and with an outlook to develop a legal framework to stand against these unlawful measures, my delegation put forward a proposal entitled “Obligations of Member States in relation to unilateral coercive measures: guidelines on ways and means to prevent, remove, minimize and redress the adverse impacts of unilateral coercive measures” contained in Annex II, document A/75/33. We believe it is high time that the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization consider this proposal substantively.

We also welcome the Working Paper submitted by the Syrian Arab Republic entitled “Privileges and immunities enjoyed by representatives of the Members of the United Nations and officials of the Organization that are necessary for the independent exercise of their functions in connection with the Organization”. Hosting the United Nations is a great privilege with certain specific responsibilities. We invite the Host Country to live up to its obligations under the relevant international instruments in order to implement them indiscriminately and responsibly.

Finally, Mr. Chairperson, on the working method of the Special Committee, while stressing the importance of the functions of the Special Committee related to the different agendas under its consideration, including clarification and interpretation of provisions of the Charter, the Special Committee is urged to fully implement the decision on the working methods adopted in 2006 as reflected in paragraph 3 (d) of General Assembly resolution 75/140. We believe the working methods of the Special Committee should be guided by a pragmatic approach to the substance of its work.

I thank you.