Remarks by Steven Hill, Counselor, U.S. Mission to the United Nations, at a General Assembly 6th Committee (Legal) Session on October 14, 2011: United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study and Wider Appreciation of International Law

Steven Hill, Counselor, U. S. Mission to the United Nations

New York, NY

October 14, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mr. Chairman:

The United States thanks the Secretary-General for his report on the United Nations Program of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law.

The United States is pleased to participate on the Advisory Committee on this United Nations Program of Assistance.

The Program of Assistance, which was established in 1965, continues to make a great contribution to educating students and practitioners throughout the world in international law.

Knowledge of international law is a key component to furthering the rule of law at the national and international levels. Through a firm understanding of international law, new generations of lawyers, judges and diplomats gain a deeper understanding of the complex instruments that govern so many aspects in this interconnected world. Thus, the program of assistance is one of many important tools to strengthen the rule of law, person by person, country by country, region by region.

The United States thanks the Office of Legal Affairs and the Codification Division in particular for its efforts in implementing the Program of Assistance, as well as the other entities at the United Nations that further the wider appreciation of international law. We very much appreciate the creative ways in which the Codification Division has been able to keep important programs going in the face of limited resources, and we encourage it to continue those most commendable efforts.

Thank You, Mr. Chairman

###