STATEMENT BY
MR. LUTFI SHEIKH GHAZALI
LONG TERM DELEGATE TO THE 76TH UNGA,
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE SESSION WITH
MS. ALENA DOUHAN, SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR
ON THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF UNILATERAL COERCIVE MEASURES
ON THE ENJOYMENT OF HUMAN RIGHTS,
13 OCTOBER 2021, NEW YORK
Mr. Chair,
I would like to thank Ms. Alena Douhan for her report that outlines an assessment of the negative impacts of unilateral sanctions on the enjoyment of human rights during the course of COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Malaysia’s position on unilateral coercive measures is clear and consistent. We oppose all forms of unilateral economic, financial and commercial embargo that contravene the norms of international law and purposes and principles of the United Nations as set forth in the UN Charter.
3. Given the hardship faced by countries and their populations due to the pandemic, Malaysia regrets that imposing parties have been persistent in enforcing their unilateral economic sanctions against targeted countries. Malaysia urges States that apply or implement unilateral coercive measures against targeted countries to immediately cease such practice and to resolve their disputes amicably through dialogue and negotiations. Malaysia firmly believes that no State should impose unilateral economic, commercial or financial embargo against other States.
4. These tools of political or economic pressure have only hampered states efforts to rebuild and recover from the pandemic. Unilateral sanctions have only exacerbated the conditions of vulnerable groups that are already under immense strain due to the pandemic. Malaysia reiterates its full support for efforts made by the international community, as prescribed in relevant United Nations resolutions, in calling for the end of unilateral economic, commercial and financial embargo being imposed on targeted countries.
Mr. Chair,
5. Malaysia also believes that further delay towards efforts to end unilateral coercive measures would be detrimental to the sovereignty and the innocent people of the targeted country and hamper efforts to maintain international peace and security in general. Such acts are clearly in violation of the Charter of the United Nations and general principles of international humanitarian law.
6. As the fight against COVID-19 continues, Malaysia echoes the UN Secretary General's appeal in March 2020 for sanctions that can undermine countries’ capacity to respond to the pandemic to be waived.
I thank you.
