UN body OKs PH proposal on settlement of int’l disputes

The Special Committee on the United Nations Charter has approved a Philippine proposal calling on all UN member-states to “observe and promote in good faith the Manila Declaration in the peaceful settlement of international disputes,” according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

The Philippine proposal, which welcomes the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the declaration, was contained in a consensus draft resolution which seeks to recognize the Manila Declaration as a concrete accomplishment of the committee.

According to the DFA, Philippine Permanent Representative Ambassador Libran Cabactulan said that the Special Committee’s approval of the Philippine proposal was an “important step forward” in the UN’s continuing pursuit for a peaceful, secure and stable world.

“That consensus was achieved on the language of this draft General Assembly resolution indicates the full awareness of all member-states of the UN about our individual obligation to settle disputes in a peaceful manner and the collective desire of all to maintain peaceful interstate relations,” Cabactulan said.

Landmark document

He added that the consensus also demonstrates the recognition accorded by the international community to the Manila Declaration as a landmark document on the peaceful settlement of international disputes.

“Most importantly, the consensus language reiterates the call to all states to observe and promote in good faith the Manila Declaration in the peaceful settlement of their international disputes. In the face of continuing disputes around the world, the Manila Declaration—and its provisions on the peaceful settlement of international disputes—remains as relevant today as it was 30 years ago,” he added.

In this regard, the Philippines will undertake several commemorative activities at the UN as well as in Manila, pursuant to the statement of Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario in November 2011.

In that statement, Del Rosario said the Philippines will hold events in Manila and at its UN missions, particularly in New York, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Manila Declaration to highlight the importance the Philippines gives to the peaceful settlement of international disputes.

“The Manila Declaration and the peaceful settlement of international disputes are important in helping make our world safer and more secure,” Del Rosario said.

“A peaceful and stable world is important to all nations.  For the Philippines, it is of even greater importance, for global peace can contribute to assuring the safety and welfare of Filipinos,” he added.

Through the initiative of Egypt, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria, the Philippines, Romania, Sierra Leone and Tunisia and on the basis of a text prepared by the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization, the United Nations General Assembly adopted by consensus the landmark Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of International Disputes as Resolution 37/10 on Nov. 15, 1982.

The draft of the Manila Declaration was negotiated in Manila in January and February 1980 by the Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations and on the Strengthening of the Role of the Organization, the DFA said.