By P Prem Kumar
KUALA LUMPUR (AA) – Malaysia is set to hold a ministerial-level open debate on weapons of mass destruction after assuming the presidency of the United Nations (UN) Security Council.
A foreign ministry statement released Wednesday said that with the appointment, effective Aug. 1, Malaysia would take up top priorities including peaceful resolution of conflict, moderation, protection of civilians and the rule of law.
The month-long appointment is the second since Malaysia was elected as the non-permanent member for Council’s Asia-Pacific region for the 2015-2016 term.
"As a member of the Security Council, Malaysia seeks to contribute constructively to the work of the Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security," the statement said.
Soon after assuming the presidency, Malaysia -- the current chair of the Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict -- held a Security Council Open Debate on the issue of Children and Armed Conflict that began Aug. 2.
According to the statement, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was due to participate in the event to present his annual report detailing grave violations against children in situations of armed conflict.
UN member states are meanwhile expected to reflect on the progress achieved in enhancing the protection of children in armed conflict and ways to address persistent challenges, including violations against children perpetrated by non-state armed groups.
The ministerial-level Security Council Open Debate on preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) is due to be held Aug. 23, with a particular focus on non-state actors.
"The Open Debate seeks to address new threats and challenges in preventing the proliferation of WMDs, related materials and technologies to non-state actors," it added.
Other matters that will be deliberated by the Security Council under Malaysia’s chairmanship in August are the issues of Palestine, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Kosovo, Sudan/South Sudan, and Guinea-Bissau.
As Security Council president, Malaysia will also facilitate the selection process by the Security Council for the next UN Secretary-General, with Ban expected to end his term by the end of this year.