Newly approved resolution on oceans and Law of the Sea
The Philippine government is hoping that a newly approved resolution would protect the country’s 350,000 sailors, who comprise nearly 25 percent of the world’s seafarers.
The Philippines hopes that the annual omnibus resolution on oceans and Law of the Sea, approved by the United Nations General Assembly, would:
- protect seafarers from piracy attacks,
- promote marine biodiversity, and
- contribute to the peaceful settlement of disputes.
A report of the Philippine mission to the UN said 134 member states voted “Yes” while one voted “No” and six abstained in the 93rd meeting of the GA’s 66th session.
“(On the peaceful settlement of disputes), as a country that holds keen interest on the oceans and its resources, the Philippines expresses its commitment once again to be a constructive and active partner, fully aware of the promise they hold for the maintenance of the legal order for the oceans and of our responsibility and duty to ensure that we comply with international obligations,” Philippine Representative to the UN Libran Cabactulan said.
“Indeed, piracy is a menace to the world. It disrupts global trade and poses genuine security threats. It also impacts directly on the lives of seafarers and their families,” Cabactulan said.
“We know fully well how each piracy incident cuts through the lives of every seafarer and his family. In this regard, we wish to thank all the delegations that supported the inclusion of this important issue in this year’s draft resolution,” he said.
Marine diversity
The Philippines also welcomed the developments on marine biodiversity reflected in Section X of the draft resolution.
It cited the importance of marine biodiversity, including in areas beyond national jurisdiction, for global food security, healthy functioning marine ecosystems, economic prosperity and sustainable livelihoods.
It welcomed the recommendations of the Ad Hoc Open-Ended Working Group in June 2011 that a process be initiated by the General Assembly to ensure the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
The UN GA decided to study issues relating to the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity, which would focus on questions including the sharing of ocean benefits, environmental impact assessments, capacity-building and the transfer of marine technology, and would identify gaps and ways forward.
The resolution also cited the upcoming UN Conference on Climate Change, dubbed “Rio+20,” as a chance to consider measures to implement internationally agreed goals, commitments on the conservation and sustainable use of the marine environment and its resources and measures to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems. It would also be a chance to work out agreements to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
“(The resolution is) of utmost importance to an archipelagic nation like the Philippines and many of our country’s and people’s interests need to be advanced and protected by our active participation in the drafting of this resolution,” Cabactulan said.
Source: VVP, GMA News