Madam Chair,

1. I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China on Request for a Subvention to the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia (ECCC).

2. The Group would like to thank Mr. Christophe Monier, Director Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget Division, and Mr. Abdallah Bachar Bong, Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, for introducing their respective reports.

3. The Group recognises the substantial progress of the Chambers in carrying out its mandate since entering into the residual phase. We note the continued importance of the work of the Chambers, as highlighted in resolution 78/253 of the General Assembly, and emphasizes that ensuring adequate and sustainable financing for the Chambers remains a priority for the Group.

4. The Group commends Cambodia for its commitment in providing in-kind contributions and fully funding the national budget for the last two years. We further commend Member States who have provided extra-budgetary resources towards the Chambers' vital mission. However, the Group remains concerned over the persistent financial challenges faced by the Chambers despite fundraising efforts. We note that voluntary contributions have been chronically insufficient to cover the expenses of the Chambers, hence the need for subvention from the General Assembly. The Group strongly encourages the Secretary-General to continue with his efforts in mobilizing the necessary funds, through voluntary contributions from Member States, to fulfil the persistent funding gaps for the Chambers.

Madam Chair,

5. With the Chambers scheduled to end its residual phase in 2025, it remains crucial for the international community to guarantee that the Chambers has necessary financial means to complete its residual functions. A financial failure of the Chambers at this stage would constitute a renewed tragedy in the quest for justice of the people of Cambodia, who have waited decades for these efforts to reach a belated fruition. It would also constitute a serious setback in the international community's fight against impunity.
  
6. In this regard, the Group supports the Secretary-General's proposal to supplement the extra-budgetary resources for the year 2025, which we trust will be positively considered during our deliberations.

7. To conclude, Madam Chair, the Group assures you of our commitment to engage constructively in the consideration of this agenda item with a view to reaching a timely conclusion.

I thank you.