Madam Chair,

1. I have the honour deliver this statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China under agenda item 136, on the request for a subvention to the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone (RSCSL).

2. The Group wishes to thank Ms. Maria Costa, the deputy controller, Director, Fininance Division, and Mr. Carlo Jacobucci, the Vice Chair of the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions, for introducing their respective reports.

3. The Group of 77 and China also expresses its sincere gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone, as well as to other Member States and institutional partners, for their sustained support to the Court. Their contributions remain essential to preserving the legacy of the Special Court for Sierra Leone.

4. The Group attaches great importance to the proper functioning of mandated judicial institutions, particularly those in their residual phase. The Residual Special Court continues to carry out critical judicial and non-judicial functions, including: the protection and welfare of witnesses, supervision of enforcement of sentences, cooperation with national authorities, consideration of potential judicial proceedings, preservation and digitization of archives, and outreach activities to safeguard the legacy of the Special Court. These activities remain essential to accountability and long-term peace in Sierra Leone.
  
5. The Group notes that the Court was originally intended to be financed through voluntary contributions. However, voluntary funding has remained chronically insufficient since 2015, resulting in growing reliance on regular budget subventions. This situation is neither sustainable nor predictable.

6. The Group reiterates that the unpredictable nature of voluntary contributions continues to pose serious challenges to mandate delivery. We therefore underscore the need for the General Assembly to consider a long-term, sustainable financing arrangement for the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone.

7. Thee Group continues to support the Secretary-General's request for a subvention from the UN Reguler Budget for the year 2026, in which we trust will be positively considered during our deliberations.

8. Therefore, the Group stresses to maintain the resource level approved by the General Assembly to enable the Court to fulfil its mandated functions.

9. The Group acknowledges the efficiency measures implemented by the Court, including virtual engagement, administrative collocation, and adjustments in staffing. We encourage continued efforts to explore synergies and efficiencies, consistent with the UN80 Initiative, while safeguarding the ability of the Court to fully implement its mandate.

10. The Group attaches particular importance to the completion of archiving and full digitization of judicial records. We note the progress achieved and the projected timelines for concluding the digitization of the Special Court archives by 2026. Any challenges, including those related to liquidity constraints, should be addressed proactively.
 
11. In conclusion, the Group assures you, Madam Chair, of its commitment to engage constructively with all delegations to ensure a timely and successful conclusion of this agenda item.

Thank you.