Topic: 2025 – Responsibility of International Organizations
Country: Malaysia
Delegate Name: Sage England
United Nations General Assembly Legal Committee
Responsibility of International Organizations
Malaysia
Sage England
Forest Hills Eastern High School
The United Nations Legal Committee’s primary purpose is to offer a platform for states to address and debate issues regarding international law. The growing involvement of international organizations, such as the United Nations, NATO, the European Union, and the World Bank, in global governance functions has led, in recent times, to thoughts on issues of accountability. International law has historically dealt with states’ responsibility; however, recent events emphasize that international organizations should also be called upon to account for their actions when they have caused harm. The UN’s role in the Haiti cholera outbreak, NATO actions in operations causing civilian casualties, and the economic crises caused by international financial institutions all brought international inquiry.
Malaysia stands firm in the position that international organizations should function within a legal framework that is clear and enforceable, where accountability is ensured while still allowing their effective and independent operations to function efficiently. We view principles enunciated in the International Law Commission’s Draft Articles on Responsibility of International Organizations (2011) as important, making clear that organizations should take sole responsibility for internationally harmful acts committed as part of their activities. For Malaysia, immunity is essential to ensure that organizations will be safe from being subjected to external political pressure; but immunity should not negate legal accountability. An accountability structure must be clearly defined, equally applicable to all organizations, and set in conformity with international standards.
In these reported cases of alleged harm, victims’ attempts to seek legal action, as well as compensation, are often overlooked. International organizations usually look to internal claims procedures that all, from one institution to another, vary, as well as lack any substantive enforcement. Malaysia maintains that organizations need to clearly outline reporting and follow-up mechanisms to ensure accountability.
Malaysia has often affirmed its respect for international legal structures. On the domestic front, Malaysia puts international responsibilities into national law, and on the global platform, it supports international judicial mechanisms such as the ICJ. Malaysia stands upon the principle of equal responsibility, where international organizations shall be accountable when organizational policies or acts can directly attribute to harm, while member states that direct or authorize such acts shall be equally responsible, where appropriate. This will sustain operational independence while ensuring accountability is administered equally.
Malaysia’s position remains that clear standards, organizational policy, and consistent claims structures must be developed for international organizations to be held accountable. The protection of civilians, confidence in international law, and the credibility of the organizations entrusted with the maintenance of peace, development, and humanitarian assistance worldwide will all remain upheld with these policies put into place.
Works Cited
International Court of Justice. Advisory Proceedings. ICJ,
https://www.icj-cij.org/en/advisory-proceedings.
International Law Commission. Draft Articles on the Responsibility of International Organizations. United Nations, 2011,
https://legal.un.org/ilc/texts/instruments/english/draft_articles/9_11_2011.pdf.
United Nations General Assembly. Responsibility of International Organizations: Report of the Secretary-General.United Nations,
https://documents.un.org/.
United Nations General Assembly Sixth Committee. Sixth Committee (Legal). United Nations,
https://www.un.org/en/ga/sixth/.
