NEW YORK, 18 February 2020 – The Philippines was elected today as Chair of the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization.
In assuming the Chairmanship, H.E. Ms. Kira D. Azucena, Chargé d’affaires, a.i. and Deputy Permanent Representative of the Philippine Permanent Mission to UN Headquarters, New York noted that “2020 is a landmark year for the Philippines and its relations with this Special Committee on the United Nations Charter” as it marks the 40th year anniversary of the Manila Session of the Committee.
The Manila Session culminated in the adoption of the Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes two years later, in 1982. The Manila Declaration is considered the first important instrument of the work of the Special Committee. It is the first comprehensive plan and consolidation of the legal framework for the peaceful settlement of international disputes.
Established in 1974, the UN Charter Committee considers proposals on the maintenance of international peace and security in all its aspects in order to strengthen the role of the United Nations, including strengthening the relationship and cooperation between the United Nations and regional organizations or arrangements in the peaceful settlement of disputes. It also discusses questions related to the application of sanctions and assistance to third States affected by the application of sanctions. END.