Sixth Committee

As the Sixth Committee began its annual review of the report of the International Law Commission today, the Committee Chairman, Mourad Benmehidi, welcomed the presence of legal advisers from numerous capitals, saying it would “enrich our debate on the report”.

As the Sixth Committee considered reports of its Working Groups on terrorism and criminal liability today, it took actions recommending that observer status in the work of the General Assembly be granted to three organizations.

As the Sixth Committee (Legal) continued its deliberations today on the principle of “universal jurisdiction”, delegates called for a clear definition of the principle in order to thwart potential misuse, bias and politicizing in its application under the guise of justice being done.

Acting without a vote, the Sixth Committee this morning approved a resolution on the administration of justice at the United Nations while also opening debate on the scope and application of the principle of universal jurisdiction.

As the Sixth Committee (Legal) today began its deliberations on the report of the Special Committee on the Charter and the impact of sanctions against Member States, concerns were expressed about the effect on civilians and on third countries, which were not the intended target of the sanctions.

As the Sixth Committee (Legal) today concluded its current consideration of the rule of law at the national and international levels, it also heard the introduction of three draft resolutions on observer status for organizations in the General Assembly, while also approving a resolution that grants such status to the International Olympic Committee.

The Sixth Committee (Legal) met today to address the issue of the development of the rule of law at national and international levels. Although there were reports of progress in many areas, concerns of an inequality in adherence to desired standards were also expressed. The United Nations Deputy Secretary-General said the complex field of rule of law was central to achieving the vision of the United Nations of a just, secure, peaceful world.

As the Sixth Committee (Legal) this morning addressed the issue of criminal accountability of United Nations officials and experts on missions, the debate centred on impunity, language regarding scope of accountability and the need for an international convention.

As the report of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) was taken up by the Sixth Committee (Legal) today, the Chairperson of the Commission, Soo Geun Oh (Republic of Korea) said that adoption of the Practice Guide on Cross-Border Insolvency Cooperation was a key and very timely achievement of UNCITRAL’s forty-second session (held in Vienna, 29 June-17 July) during the time of the global economic crisis.

As the Sixth Committee (Legal) today concluded its debate on measures to counter international terrorism, Sudan’s representative called for the convening of a high-level conference and establishment of the Saudi Arabian proposed centre as strong measures to counter attacks against Islam.