Sixth Committee

The Sixth Committee (Legal) welcomed the outgoing President of the International Court of Justice today according to its annual tradition, who reflected on the future of the Court where she has served for over 13 years.

As the Sixth Committee (Legal) continue reviewing the first cluster of the International Law Commission’s annual report, many speakers addressed the juridical nature of general principles of law and its distinction within the international legal system and rules of customary law.

As the Sixth Committee (Legal) began its consideration of the International Law Commission report today, speakers took up the first of three clusters of topics, including the chapters on “General principles of law”, “Sea-level rise in relation to international law” and “Other decisions and conclusions of the Commission”, while also discussing the Commission’s approach and working methods.

Enhanced understanding of international law facilitates greater inclusion in global decision-making and fosters cooperation among those seeking such knowledge, speakers said today in the Sixth Committee (Legal), as they praised the United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law.

Taking up the agenda item on the responsibility of international organizations, speakers in the Sixth Committee (Legal) were divided about the future of the related International Law Commission’s draft articles, debating whether to codify those texts into an international instrument, keep the topic on the Committee’s agenda or utilize the drafts as guidelines.

As the Sixth Committee (Legal) continued its consideration of the rule of law at the national and international levels, speakers underscored their countries’ sovereign right to decide on their national legal system, while others stressed the necessity to ensure full respect for international law through domestic legal frameworks.  (For background, see Press Release GA/L/3694.)

As the Sixth Committee (Legal) commenced today its consideration of the rule of law at the national and international levels and the Secretary-General’s report on the matter, delegates discussed the use of technology to advance access to justice for all, while also underscoring the importance of proper control and accountability to ensure human rights are respected.

The Sixth Committee (Legal) took up the annual report of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) today, as speakers spotlighted how the Commission’s work over its past session — both in methodology and substance — has benefitted developing countries while aiming to harmonize and modernize international trade law.

As the Sixth Committee (Legal) commenced its consideration of the scope and application of the principle of universal jurisdiction today, the debate revealed a rift in speakers’ understanding of its interaction with national legal frameworks and the possible risk that the perpetrators of the most heinous crimes might escape justice.

As the Sixth Committee (Legal) concluded today its deliberations of crimes against humanity, speakers spotlighted the need for a universal instrument on preventing and punishing those crimes in the midst of geopolitical confrontations, including the recent violence between Hamas and Israel, while also welcoming further constructive discussions during the second resumed session in April 2024.