STATEMENT : RESUMED SESSION OF THE SIXTH COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA ITEM 86: PROTECTION OF PERSONS IN THE EVENT OF DISASTERS, WORKING GROUP DISCUSSION

STATEMENT BY

MR. AHMAD GHAZALI MUHAMAD NADZRI

COUNSELLOR

PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS

AT THE RESUMED SESSION OF THE SIXTH COMMITTEE MEETING

AGENDA ITEM 86: PROTECTION OF PERSONS IN THE EVENT OF DISASTERS

WORKING GROUP DISCUSSION ON CLUSTER I:

 GENERAL PROVISIONS (PREAMBLE AND DRAFT ARTICLES 1, 2, 3 AND 18)

Mr. Chair,

1.         Since this is the first time my delegation is taking the floor, Malaysia thanks you for your able stewardship of this working group and for the clear guidance on our program of work. We also express our appreciation to the Secretariat for preparing document A/80/610 and its compilation of proposals, which provides a solid basis for our deliberations.

2.         With regard to Cluster 1, on the preambular paragraph, Malaysia supports the reaffirmation in the preamble that the Affected State has the primary responsibility in the protection of persons and in the direction, control, coordination, and supervision of disaster relief assistance. This principle is consistent with Malaysia’s national framework. In this regard, Malaysia supports the incorporation of this principle in the preambular paragraph.

3.         With regard to draft Article 3, Malaysia observes that the definition of the term “disaster” under draft Article 3 could be further expanded and refined to include other relevant elements such as economic loss and impacts on the environment and ecosystem.  Malaysia believes that a disaster is an incident that causes disruption to community activities and national affairs, involving loss of life, damage to property, economic losses, and destruction or impact on the environment and ecosystems, which exceeds the community's capacity to address it and requires extensive resource mobilization.

4.         In this regard, Malaysia suggests that the definition in the draft articles could be refined to include economic loss and ecosystem impact, as well as reflect the element of exceeding the coping capacity of society and requiring extensive resource mobilization. The definition should also clarify that disasters encompass both natural and human-made hazards.

5.         Malaysia’s proposal is also based on the definition used in the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response (AADMER), a legally binding regional treaty among the 10 ASEAN member states designed to manage disasters, reduce losses, and enhance disaster response cooperation.

6.         In light of the foregoing, Malaysia reserves its right to provide further detailed comments on the draft articles, including in subsequent clusters and at later stages of the process. Malaysia looks forward to engaging constructively with other Member States towards a balanced outcome that safeguards sovereignty while ensuring effective international cooperation in disaster management.

I thank you.