Phls advocates rules-based framework for UN

UNITED NATIONS (Xinhua) — Libran Cabactulan, permanent representative of the Philippines to the UN, said here Tuesday that activities of the UN should be rules-based, with these rules grounded in justice and equity.

His statements came as he addressed the general debate of the 66th session of the UN General Assembly.

“Two global wars exposed our vulnerability to leaders and nations that do not hesitate to use violence to resolve disputes, and underscored the need for an international system to govern the behavior of states,” Cabactulan said.

“This is the rules-based framework that underpins everything we want to build, raise, and do as one United Nations. This framework — built by our shared values and common aspirations–provides the way by which we can effectively move together as one global community towards our common objectives.”

Cabactulan said that the need for a rules-based system that is just and equitable has been proven around the world.

“Recent events across the globe, particularly in the Middle East, have shown that individuals rise together for what they believe is just and equitable,” he said. “Individuals clamor for the rule of law based on equity and fairness. When they realize the injustice of repressive and iniquitous rule, they will not hesitate to bring effective and positive change.”

The permanent representative said that the Philippines, as a country with some 10 million nationals working as migrants overseas, would like to see more rules to protect migrant workers.

“In line with the rules-based approach, the Philippines supports the establishment of guidelines that would ensure the welfare of all migrant workers,” he said.

Cabactulan also said that rules-based activities at the UN should extend to reform of the organization itself.

“To strengthen an international rules-based regime, the Philippines advocates UN reforms aimed at making our organization more resilient, relevant, and responsive, particularly in the Security Council,” he said.

Reform for the Security Council’s structure and composition has been proposed and supported by member states that feel that the council no longer accurately reflects realities on the international stage.

“On the record, it is only the Philippines that presented specific drafts of resolutions concretely stating the proposals on five key issues- categories of membership, question of the veto, size of the enlarged Security Council and working methods, relationship between the General Assembly and the Security Council, and question of regional representation,” stated Cabactulan.

The Security Council, the UN’s peace and security body, is currently comprised of 15 members. The permanent members–China, the U.K., the U.S, France, and the Russian Federation–have the power to veto resolutions. The ten other members are non-permanent, lack veto power, and are elected to two-year terms.

“It is our obligation as individual nations and as a collective global community that all nations–big or small behave responsibly through adherence to the rule of law and a rules-based regime,” said Cabactulan. “Only then can we hope to enjoy the benefits of our world and live together in greater peace, progress, and prosperity.”