STATEMENT BY
MS. AIDA SAFURA NIZA
LONG TERM DELEGATE TO THE 76TH UNGA,
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
AT THE INTERACTIVE DIALOGUE SESSION WITH
MR. SAAD ALFARARGI
THE SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR ON RIGHT TO DEVELOPMENT
14 OCTOBER 2021, NEW YORK
Thank you Mr Chair.
Malaysia thanks the Special Rapporteur for his report and recommendations.
2. As a strong proponent of the Right to Development, Malaysia remains firmly committed to its full operationalisation which we believe will pave the way for people to enjoy other human rights, as they are afforded the opportunities to improve their overall wellbeing and live in dignity. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges in the efforts of states in achieving and implementing internationally agreed agendas and conventions, particularly the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Malaysia itself is not spared.
Mr. Chair,
3. The intersection of climate action and the right to development is real. Prior to the emergence of the pandemic, climate-driven challenges such as natural disasters and extreme weather events have already impacted socio-economic conditions and the healthcare systems of vulnerable countries. The mitigation costs for response and recovery from climate-driven challenges had already placed such countries under extreme duress. The pandemic has only exacerbated the situation for vulnerable countries and vulnerable groups that were already overwhelmed with climate-driven challenges. The focus on the intersection of climate action and the right to development is also timely. It is important that climate change and climate action is not sidelined, as countries place greater focus and resources on tackling the pandemic.
4. In this regard, we welcome the Special Rapporteur report that highlights the linkages between climate change and the right to development. We concur with the Special Rapporteur that vulnerable and developing countries are disproportionately affected by both climate change and the impacts of the global pandemic. We share the view that developed countries have a leading role to play in addressing climate change by providing new, adequate and consistent financial assistance and technological transfer to support developing countries’ mitigation actions, as well as adaptation to climate change. This would ensure that in building back better, member states would be able to develop economies that are more climate-resilient and sustainable development that would further strengthen the right to development.
Mr. Chair,
5. Malaysia welcomes the Special Rapporteur’s activism and engagements with Member States on the important issue of Rights to Development. These sustained, constructive and proactive engagements contribute to our collective endeavour towards the full realisation of Right to Development. Malaysia staringly supports the mandate of the Special Rapporteur and calls that this mandate must be fully and effectively supported by States and all stakeholders.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.