Del Rosario stresses role of mediation to resolve conflicts at UN meeting

Secretary Albert F. del Rosario addresses members of the United Nations General Assembly. Photo by DFA

MANILA, Philippines—Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert F. del Rosario underscored the role of mediation in conflict resolution before a high-level meeting of the United Nations.

“Mediation has an important role in breathing life into the letter and spirit of our Charter’s aspiration that all sovereign states are equal,” Del Rosario said in a statement delivered before the General Assembly’s meeting on “The Role of Member States in Mediation”.

The remark was made as the Philippines remained locked in a standoff with China in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

The high-level meeting was convened to provide a platform for an in-depth and comprehensive discussion on the role of Member States in the peaceful settlement of disputes and conflicts.

“Mediation forms an important part of a rules-based approach to the peaceful settlement of disputes.  It is for this reason that we are pursuing this course in hoping to resolve the conflicting claims in the West Philippine Sea as well as in addressing the internal conflicts in my country,” Del Rosario said.

Chapter VI of the UN Charter which deals with peaceful settlement of disputes requires States with disputes to seek solutions through peaceful methods such as negotiation, enquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, resort to regional agencies or arrangements, or other peaceful means of their own choice.

Del Rosario was among five foreign ministers invited to speak in the meeting because of the Philippines’ active involvement in mediation initiatives in the United Nations.

“When parties are in a dispute, differences in political and economic power can often weigh against a fair, just, peaceful and lasting resolution.  Mediation and other third party mechanisms can level the playing field.  These help ensure that although one party may lack in power, it can make up for through reliance on the rule of law,” he said.

Del Rosario said the role of individual nations in mediation starts with their openness to this peaceful option.  He also underscored that an effective mediation process must be mutually voluntary and consensual for both or all parties involved.

The Philippines is a member of the Group of Friends of Mediation and co-sponsored the landmark consensus resolution on “Strengthening the Role of Mediation in Peaceful Settlement of Disputes and Conflict Prevention and Resolution” in June 2011.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said the Manila has always been active in promoting the peaceful settlement of international disputes.   This year, it leads efforts in the United Nations to mark the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the 1982 Manila Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes through a General Assembly resolution that calls on States to “promote and observe in good faith” the historic declaration.