STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR DR. AHMAD FAISAL MUHAMAD, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
ON BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS (ASEAN)
AT THE PLENARY MEETING OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY ON AGENDA ITEM 30 ENTITLED “ELIMINATION OF UNILATERAL EXTRATERRITORIAL COERCIVE ECONOMIC MEASURES AS A MEANS OF POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC COMPULSION”
NEW YORK, 16 JUNE 2025
Thank you, President.
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the ten member states of ASEAN as its chair for this year.
As a regional grouping, ASEAN is united by a common desire to live in a region of lasting peace, security and stability, sustained economic growth and shared prosperity. We continue to respect the importance of amity and cooperation, the principles of sovereignty, equality and non-interference. The values of democracy and respect for the rule of law remain our guiding principles as we work together to address common challenges and collectively pursue shared opportunities for the benefit of all our peoples.
Given ASEAN’s strong commitment to these principles, values and aspirations, we view the use of unilateral coercive measures (UCM) as inconsistent with these shared commitments. Rather than fostering common prosperity for all peoples, UCM hinders global economic cooperation. Instead of facilitating peaceful dispute resolution, they could escalate tensions. Furthermore, far from strengthening multilateralism, UCM may undermine trust in multilateral institutions and processes, including the UN.
President,
Allow me to elaborate on these three points:
Humanitarian concerns
First, ASEAN is particularly concerned about the far-reaching humanitarian impact of UCM on innocent populations, especially children. Sanctions lacking humanitarian safeguards disproportionately harm these groups, disrupt access to healthcare, and impede progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Such measures, though often intended to address political disputes, risk becoming instruments that inflict severe hardship and suffering on civilian populations. They also place additional burdens on the most vulnerable, especially in developing countries striving to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The humanitarian needs and welfare of civilians must be prioritized.
Peaceful resolution of disputes
Second, ASEAN emphasizes resolving disputes and addressing differences through negotiations, inclusive and peaceful dialogue, based on principles of international law. This approach is exemplified by ASEAN’s own experience in managing complex trans-boundary and territorial issues, demonstrating the effectiveness of diplomacy over unilateralism. It also underscores the value of principled engagement guided by international law over coercion. The peaceful settlement of disputes is also a fundamental principle enshrined in the UN Charter.
Bypassing and eroding trust in multilateralism
Third, ASEAN is concerned that the imposition of UCM bypasses established multilateral institutions and processes, including the UN. It allows individual states, or a group of states, to impose their will or take punitive actions without seeking consensus or authorization from mandated UN organs such as the Security Council. Consultations are necessary. However, as the decision to impose unilateral coercive measures is often made without engaging member states or third parties that could be indirectly affected. Such unilateral actions erode trust in multilateralism and undermine the principles of the UN Charter.
President,
Malaysia’s theme for our chairmanship of ASEAN is “Inclusivity and Sustainability.” Regretably, UCM, with its indiscriminate nature and impact, are neither inclusive nor sustainable. It is an exclusionary approach, isolating entire populations from global economic participation and prosperity. The consequences of UCM are far-reaching and, in the long-term, could result in many being left behind.
ASEAN urges all member states to uphold inclusive and constructive multilateral dialogue, grounded in the principles of mutual respect, and pursue consensus-driven solutions that respect the principles that are consistent with international law and the UN Charter, while protecting the welfare of all people.
I thank you, President. Now, I will deliver a statement in my national capacity.