General Assembly Session 53 meeting 90

The Acting President

I call on the representative of Italy.

Mr. Fulci (Italy)

Italy fully endorses the statement made by the Permanent Representative of Austria on behalf of the European Union, which gave a thorough outline of the Union's policies, philosophy and actions in this crucial area. I wish merely to add some complementary remarks on two human rights areas to which Italy feels especially committed.

Italy is proud to have done its part to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by hosting in Rome the diplomatic conference to establish an international criminal court. We Italians thought that the best way to honour the Declaration was to help the United Nations achieve a goal it had pursued for more than fifty years: the creation of a permanent judicial body to prosecute and punish the most serious crimes of international concern, wherever and by whomever committed. As everyone knows, the conference was a success, and the International Criminal Court is now a reality. Rome, with its millennial legal tradition, provided the ideal setting for this milestone toward defeating the culture of impunity for the most heinous violations of human rights and human dignity. Borders must no longer exist for such crimes.

While the text of the Statute of the International Criminal Court reflects compromise solutions on a number of crucial aspects, the Court is still a strong, effective and independent institution, capable of responding to the demand for justice in today's international society.

What is now essential is to make the new tribunal start its work as soon as possible. We trust that the Preparatory Commission will promptly elaborate the instruments needed for the Statute. More importantly, the signatures and ratifications of the Statute must lead to its entry into force in the year 2000. We warmly congratulate all those States who have already signed the Statute. By the end of this month, 73 nations will have signed it, and we urge all others to do likewise.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs. Mary Robinson, has recently reminded the world that

"millions of victims of human rights violations are children, who, as the most vulnerable part of society, are victims of abandonment, abuses, violence, poverty, lack of education, hunger, wars and economic and sexual exploitation".

One of the many disturbing findings in the recent report on the state of the world's children is that 130 million children in developing countries have no access to any form of education.

Article 1 of the Universal Declaration recognizes that "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights". Children, first and foremost, need and deserve protection, a principle solemnly reaffirmed and integrated by the United Nations through a series of landmark achievements: the foundation of United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in 1946, the Declaration on the Rights of the Child in 1959, the International Covenants on Human Rights of 1966, the International Year of the Child, 1979, and finally, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, of 1989.

This last Convention, which was signed by 193 countries and ratified by 191 of them (six more than the United Nations general membership) has become the most universal legal instrument ever agreed upon by the international community. Furthermore, the relentless work of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, which meets for a total of three months a year in Geneva to monitor implementation by States parties to the Convention, bears testimony to the ongoing commitment of the international community to the rights of children.

On the solemn occasion of the commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Italy reaffirms its belief that children are and must remain the priority of our priorities. This conviction stems not solely from humanitarian concerns, but also from the fact that children represent the future of humanity. If we wish to meet and overcome the challenges and uncertainties of the future, then today's children -- all of them -- must be granted the right to become healthy, educated, mature adults.

From this podium, Italy once again pledges its special commitment to international cooperation in support of child policies, especially in developing countries. We pledge to identify and prioritize, in collaboration with recipient countries, programmes for the care and rehabilitation of children who have been exploited economically or sexually, persecuted, used as soldiers, maimed by mines or left homeless or destitute, who, in short, are the first victims of poverty. To remedy these situations, my Government stands ready to increase its efforts, energies and tangible assistance projects that privilege children and their rights.

I wish to close by taking this opportunity to warmly thank the Secretary-General and the President of the General Assembly for last night's unique celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration. The Declaration testifies to the supreme value we all place in the human spirit, and since music is one of the highest expressions of the human spirit, no more fitting tribute to this achievement could have been made than the clarion voice of Luciano Pavarotti and the swinging sounds of Wynton Marsalis.

The Acting President

I call now on the representative of Jamaica.

Ms. Durrant (Jamaica)

My delegation associates itself fully with the statement made by the Permanent Representative of Guyana on behalf of the Caribbean Community. I make the following statement on behalf of the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica.

On 10 December 1948, in the aftermath of the Second World War, the international community adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a set of commonly accepted standards based on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The international community thus gave recognition to the principle that respect for the inherent dignity and inalienable rights of all members of the human family constituted the foundation for freedom, justice and peace in the world.

Today, some 50 years since this historic event, the Declaration remains a powerful document which continues to influence national legislation and the constitutions of many States. Its emphasis on the universality, indivisibility and interdependence of all human rights and fundamental freedoms has inspired numerous human rights instruments, which together constitute an international standard by which the promotion and protection of human rights are measured.

Jamaica joins the international community in underscoring the significance of this fiftieth anniversary and welcomes this year's theme, "All Human Rights for All", which calls for a holistic approach to the issue of human rights and recognizes that the effective promotion of peace and security, economic prosperity and social equity are interdependent and inextricably linked.

Jamaica takes this opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to playing its part in promoting and protecting the individual and collective rights of all, particularly the most vulnerable among us. We are cognizant of the fact that respect for human rights is central to the work of the United Nations -- from peacekeeping, children's rights, health, education, social development and protection of the environment to the eradication of poverty. This has motivated our adherence to several human rights instruments, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights; the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights; the Convention on the Rights of the Child; the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women; and the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. Further, we have made it our constitutional duty and moral and political obligation to promote respect for human rights. This duty implies a commitment to accountability, transparency and integrity as the basic principles upon which good governance must rest.

It must be acknowledged, however, that while the State bears primary responsibility for ensuring human rights and for creating the necessary environment conducive thereto, people, whether individually or collectively organized in groups, must also take responsibility for the realization and effective promotion and protection of human rights and for building the social harmony and order in which these rights can best be advanced. A social partnership of Government, civil society and private interests in which each person is respectful of the rights of the other and of his or her responsibility to the community, is the best guarantee for the promotion and protection of the human rights and fundamental freedoms of each citizen. This is the basis of the Caribbean Charter of Civil Society, to which Jamaica fully subscribes.

Over the last fifty years much has been achieved, but much more remains to be done. Apartheid has been eradicated in South Africa, colonialism has been largely dismantled and the cold war ended, but there still exists widespread discrimination on the basis of race, gender and religious belief. Around the world there is continuing civil strife based on religious intolerance and ethnic hatred. Millions of people are still denied food, shelter and access to medical care and education, and many continue to live in extreme poverty.

As we celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Jamaica recommits its best efforts towards building on the achievements of these last 50 years and towards better preparing itself for meeting the challenges of the twenty-first century. We shall continue our determined action to promote a national and global order based on justice and equity in which all human rights are preserved, promoted and protected in the true spirit of the Universal Declaration.

The President

I now call on the representative of the Maldives.

Mr. Shihab (Maldives)

The fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is truly a momentous occasion which calls for both celebration and reflection.

It is a time for celebration because of the enormous contribution the Declaration has made to the cause of promoting human rights the world over. It has produced positive results, advancing human values and giving a fuller meaning to the lives of peoples everywhere. It has spawned and inspired over 60 human rights instruments, many of which enjoy the force of international law.

Yet, we must pause for reflection. Fifty years down the track, formidable challenges persist to inhibit the universal realization of the vision enunciated in the Declaration. Half a century later, there are many tottering on the edge of fear and suffering that the framers of the Declaration wished to banish. Time and again over the past five decades, we have seen a most disturbing trend of relapse to the most heinous crimes against humanity that so galvanized States into action in the aftermath of the Second World War. Today, we must seriously reflect upon ways to prevent such occurrences ever again.

We must also ponder strategies to make the full achievement of the goals of the Declaration truly universal and real. This requires that we recognize the links between peace, democracy and development. None of these could be ignored in our attempts to promote human dignity, alleviate suffering and safeguard the sanctity of the person.

The lot of the poor may make less sensational headlines, but their plight deserves our serious attention if we wish to promote human rights. It has been estimated that more people died of hunger in the first two years of the last decade than were killed as a result of the First and Second World Wars. During the same period, hunger caused as many deaths every two days as were caused by the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. The numbers have only increased in the 1990s. It is therefore obvious that the goals of the Declaration cannot be realized without addressing the silent crises of underdevelopment, poverty, population pressures and the degradation of the environment, which impose untold suffering and misery on millions. Therefore, as we step into the next century and the third millennium, we must redouble our efforts to achieve the noble ideals of the Declaration and ensure that human dignity is not the preserve of only the affluent.

We should recognize not only that fundamental human rights are universal in nature but that they must be considered in the context of the dynamic and evolving process of international norm-setting, bearing in mind the significance of national and regional particularities and various historical backgrounds.

Let me conclude by assuring the Assembly that the Maldives will continue to lend its full support to the efforts and endeavours of this Organization to promote human rights. My country has made sustained progress in the protection and promotion of human rights through peace, democracy and development. We behold the future with optimism and hope, confident of continued happiness. We look forward to continued progress.

The President

I call on the representative of Azerbaijan.

Mr. Kouliev (Azerbaijan)

First of all, allow me to congratulate all of us on the fiftieth anniversary of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The significance of this historic Declaration is clear to all.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, whose provisions are reflected in the constitutions of many States, is the basis for the protection and observance of the basic rights and freedoms of all people in the world. Each individual is entitled to enjoy all basic human rights and to the full protection of those rights, including the right to life, liberty, security of person, citizenship and freedom of movement, ownership of property and the presumption of innocence. Over the past 50 years much has been done in the world to implement the provisions of this Declaration. Regrettably, on this ceremonial day we must acknowledge that human rights continue to be violated in some parts of the world. We call on the international community to unite its efforts to combat such grave human rights violations as genocide, racism and xenophobia.

Since the first days of the restoration of its independence, Azerbaijan has experienced the tragedy of serious human rights violations. As a result of continuing aggression by Armenia against Azerbaijan, 20 per cent of the territory of our country is currently occupied. The policy of ethnic cleansing, conducted by Armenia in the occupied territories, has brought about the forcible displacement of 1 million people, who have made temporary homes in other towns and villages of Azerbaijan. Clearly, the rights of those people, including such a basic right as the right to live in their own land, have been gravely violated.

Despite all the difficulties that my country has faced since the restoration of its independence, Azerbaijan has been consistently building a democratic society. Earlier this year a State commission for the commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was created by decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Recently, the State department for the censorship of the communications media was done away with by presidential decree. One of the great achievements of the democratization of society was the abolition of the death penalty in January of this year. The President introduced another humanitarian act in May: a decree on amnesty for prisoners. In accordance with this decree, thousands of convicted persons were amnestied. In order to strengthen the legal human rights instruments, in February the President introduced an act on measures to ensure the freedoms and rights of citizens.

A research institute on human rights has recently been set up. The institute is devoted to finding ways to create mechanisms for the comprehensive protection of human rights and basic freedoms. On 4 December 1998, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Heydar Aliyev, addressing the meeting of the State commission on the commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, mentioned the positive development of the growing cooperation between Government structures and non-governmental organizations in the field of the protection of human rights. He expressed the opinion that notwithstanding some success in the area of observance and protection of human rights, much more had to be done in order to achieve better results. That is the common goal of our Government structures and of every individual.

The achievement by the Republic of Azerbaijan of the status of special guest in the Council of Europe is an important contribution to the development of democratic reforms. It provides an opportunity for us to become deeply integrated into European legal structures and to receive expert assistance for the success of reforms in Azerbaijan.

The Government of Azerbaijan continues to provide all the conditions necessary for the protection of human rights. In addition to the new Constitution, by which the basic rights and freedoms of citizens are ensured, legislation has been adopted on political parties and public organizations, on the communications media, on freedom of religion and on alternative military service. Many of the bills that have been passed in Azerbaijan, including those relating to presidential elections and the Central Electoral Committee, have been endorsed by legal experts from international organizations. In recent years, the Parliament of Azerbaijan has enacted legislation that has totally changed the rules and functions of law-enforcement agencies and courts, including those relating to the police, to prosecution, to courts and judges and to the constitutional court. Draft laws on the municipalities and on elections to the municipal bodies are currently under consideration in Parliament.

We realize that the creation of a domestic legal foundation is not sufficient to create a democratic society. Since the first day of its independence, our country has acceded to 109 international legal instruments, covering almost all areas of life. The Government is doing its utmost to implement the provisions of those instruments. More than 30 of them deal with the protection and observance of human rights.

In the past, Azerbaijan has presented to the Secretary-General initial reports on the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Preparation of the second periodic reports is currently under way.

In conclusion, I should like to emphasize the crucial role played by the United Nations and its agencies in the comprehensive observance of human rights throughout the world. I call on all States to continue their support for the United Nations in order to ensure full protection for and observance of human rights.

The President

I now call on the representative of Panama.

Mr. Stagg (Panama)

In their desire to seek justice in the period of great confusion experienced by mankind 50 years ago, persons of goodwill came together, in the midst of inequities of all kinds, with the aim of finding ways to express the aspirations of humankind. The Declaration that emerged from those meetings in 1948, although it is not perfect, includes the legal and moral bases that a new society desired in order to overcome the divisions of the world. The Declaration that dates from that period seeks to define an order for public life, morality and general well-being in an attempt to find the correct interpretation of an enjoyment of the freedoms and rights formulated therein.

At that time, the Commission on Human Rights was established within the Secretariat, and it began the study of various projects on which the Panamanian internationalists Mr. Ricardo Alfaro and Mr. Mario de Diego worked with great perseverance.

For the first time, an organized community of nations achieved a Declaration on fundamental human rights and freedoms in a document that had the support of the millions of people represented in the United Nations, men, women and children from all parts of the planet seeking support and guidance in order to find the best possible solutions to humankind's problems.

On 4 September 1998, at a meeting of the Rio Group, the Government of the Republic of Panama articulated in the Panama Declaration the common standard that all peoples and nations of the world wish to attain, taking into account the principles of the universality and indivisibility of human rights, democracy and development. On that historic occasion, we expressed the deep concern of our peoples with regard to having a modern and effective judicial order. We spoke out very strongly against racial discrimination and in favour of fair conditions of migration, which is an entitlement of all human beings regardless of origin.

Panama has always been ready to ensure the exercise of fundamental human rights in order to prevent cruel, inhumane or degrading punishment or treatment from being meted out in any part of the world.

In modernizing our economy we have frequently experienced the traumas often entailed by structural reforms, which are necessary even though they may be painful. But, fortunately, with a minimum of suffering we have managed to move forward with progressive Governments such as the present one.

Our country has always supported appropriate protection for the most vulnerable groups of society, particularly ethnic minorities, women and children. Our citizens are aware that education and the eradication of poverty are the best way to promote human rights.

We wish to place on record our tribute to the great efforts made in the last four years by the First Lady of Panama with a view to fulfilling all the provisions relating to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women and to the good treatment of children.

On 26 January 1990, Panama signed the Convention on the Rights of the Child and ratified it on 5 October 1990. The Convention entered into force on 11 January 1991. We are very proud to say that we have always promoted the physical and psychological rehabilitation and social reintegration of children who have been the victims of all kinds of conflicts, abuse, abandonment, exploitation and torture in order to provide them with a climate in which they can enjoy better health, self-respect and a childhood in dignity.

As a priority, the Republic of Panama has become a party to the various conventions and protocols that provide for basic measures to combat international terrorism. The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide is one of the oldest treaties for the protection of human rights; it was adopted on 9 December 1948, a day earlier than the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Regrettably, today there are still Governments in the world that have been unable to suppress this deplorable manifestation of hatred and have persisted in using the power of their armies as an instrument of diplomacy.

This year's adoption of the Statute of the International Criminal Court in Rome is a significant step forward towards punishing genocide.

We are particularly gratified to note the beneficial participation of the United Nations Development Programme in promoting greater respect for the human rights of our people.

The President

I now call on the representative of Mali.

Mr. Ouane (Mali)

Following one of the darkest pages in the history of humankind, the General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10 December 1948.

This was not just an act of faith expressing the protestations of the human conscience at the horrors of the Second World War; it was also, above all, a founding act. By proclaiming basic universal and indivisible human rights for the individual, the Declaration achieved an ideal for all of humankind by offering both a basis and a framework for all further progress in this field.

Today we commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of this historic document. This is an opportunity for us not only to go back to our sources but also to consider the message of the Declaration, which, it should be recalled, has lost neither its strength nor its currency.

Since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, considerable efforts to build and codify rights for the individual have been carried out. The international community has adopted the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, as well as Conventions on the elimination of discrimination against women, on racial discrimination and against torture.

To ensure the reality of these rights, especially at the regional level, the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights was adopted. Similarly, at the domestic level, the promotion and protection of human rights is a major requirement for the third Malian Republic. I would like in this regard to mention the institutionalization, since 1994, of our democratic appeals system, which enables individuals, political parties and civil society to appeal directly and publicly, on 10 December every year, to the Government regarding respect for human rights in Mali.

In the same spirit, we have institutionalized a children's parliament, which is a forum for the children of Mali to express themselves freely to help public authorities implement a national plan of action for the survival, development and protection of the child.

At a time of globalization and of growing influence by economic actors, we must struggle for human rights especially in the area of inequality and exclusion. Democracy and economic development are mutually reinforcing and together foster a climate propitious for the establishment of a State based on the rule of law, in which both tension and poverty are reduced.

Convinced of these facts, Mali is committed to promoting the right to development, which is the preeminent right of solidarity. This new human right, based on the idea of interdependence, means that all human beings and all peoples have a right to development: to prosperity, which in turn will prevent hunger, disease and illiteracy. It also means greater justice in international economic relations.

As we follow up the outcome of the 1993 Vienna Conference, we must together consider new threats to human rights: such problems as the deterioration of the environment, artificial procreation and information technologies, which can call into question the right to life, the integrity of the individual or freedom of expression.

At the same time, how can we fail to welcome the adoption, in this fiftieth-anniversary year of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, of the Statute of the International Criminal Court? My country, Mali, has already signed the Statute and will do its utmost for the speedy establishment of the Court, which is an essential instrument for the implementation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

I reaffirm Mali's commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights, inter alia through its unqualified support for the resolution adopted by the General Assembly on this item.

The President

Before calling on the next speaker, I should like to consult the Assembly with a view to proceeding immediately to consider the draft decision contained in document A/53/L.71. In this connection, since that document was circulated only a short while ago, it would be necessary to waive the relevant provision of rule 78 of the rules of procedure, which reads as follows:

"As a general rule, no proposal shall be discussed or put to the vote at any meeting of the General Assembly unless copies of it have been circulated to all delegations not later than the day preceding the meeting".

Bearing in mind the content of the draft decision, by which the Assembly would simply decide to include in the agenda of its fifty-eighth session an item entitled "Fifty-fifth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights", may I take it that the Assembly agrees to that proposal?

The President

We shall now proceed to consider draft decision A/53/L.71. May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt the draft decision?

The President

I call now on the representative of Eritrea.

Mr. Seyoum (Eritrea)

As we commemorate the fiftieth year of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, there is much for all of us to reflect upon in our common conception of what constitutes universally applicable human rights and our practice in their implementation. I believe that we all maintain, or at least declare we maintain, that the articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights are lofty ideals that should guide the conduct of all Governments, institutions and individuals in their handling of every person and every social group. Much has also been done in articulating and expanding the interpretation of the rights set out in those articles since they were proclaimed 50 years ago.

On this, there is hardly any controversy. If differences exist, it is in minor areas where differences in cultural heritage and other specific local conditions are at times invoked by some as excuses for limiting the scope of the application of some of the articles of the Declaration. Socio-economic development, widening global interaction, the rise in the general level of education and the resulting higher level of consciousness will, I believe, of necessity bridge the already narrow gap that exists among these interpretations. The Government of the State of Eritrea reaffirms that the Declaration is truly universal and that the notion of human rights ingrained in its principles can easily be traced through the linguistic, cultural and traditional structures of all societies.

The widest gap exists between what is embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the practice of human rights. The worldwide campaign for respect for human rights has commendably been increasing, and this effort has definitely raised awareness, hope and the will to struggle in the powerless of the world. The human rights records of most Governments and the responses of others to those records, however, still fall far short of what needs to be done to ensure a humane existence for peoples throughout the world. For many Governments, human rights is often raised as a mere slogan, or is used as a political instrument to be applied against enemies, glossed over with friends and neglected where direct national interests warrant it.

Given such a reality, the United Nations, particularly the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, becomes a crucial instrument for collective action in raising the voice of the voiceless and defending the rights of the defenceless, who are still the victims of horrendous crimes. For exerting tireless efforts to ensure that the United Nations meets this challenge, the Secretary-General, Kofi Annan, and the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson, must be commended.

It goes without saying, of course, that the United Nations is the sum of its sovereign Member States, and the hands of its officials and institutions will remain weak or even tied unless the will to cooperate with their efforts is there from each and every nation. This cooperation, we must dare to admit, has not been there to the degree required, especially from those that have the capacity to provide it. But although unanimity may not be there, bold concerted efforts must be made by those committed to uphold and ensure the universal application of human rights. Such efforts, which represent the aspirations of the powerless billions in the world, can empower them and all those in and outside the United Nations who are engaged in defending human rights throughout the world to prevail against those that abuse them with impunity.

Mr. Seyoum (Eritrea)

I would like to state here that my country's constitution upholds human rights and that my Government spares no effort to ensure that human rights, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, are respected within Eritrea's borders. Our record proves this fact even during the most trying of times -- in times of war and conflict.

It is deplorable to witness, however, that certain Governments openly and flagrantly abuse human rights in the most heinous ways and that such crimes are allowed to continue without the appropriate response from the international community. I refer here, as a case in point, to the continuing deportation, detention, expropriation and inhumane treatment of Eritreans and Ethiopians of Eritrean origin by the Ethiopian Government, which have led not only to the suffering of tens of thousands but also to the deaths of many. To date, the number of those unjustly deported and arbitrarily detained has reached more than 40,000, and as I speak now to the Assembly, the witch-hunt and rounding up of those still remaining in the country is continuing.

Ethiopia's crimes against these innocent Eritrean civilians have been verified by numerous independent observers and condemned by some. Yet, the regime continues those crimes with impunity because there has not been appropriate international reaction against it. Unless action is taken where human rights crimes are perpetrated, the gap between our declared ideals and our actions will continue to widen, thus nullifying the meaning of the very ideals we purport to uphold.

Irrespective of this disappointment, my country pledges never to be deterred from doing its utmost to ensure that its actions conform to its beliefs and to continue to join those who are committed to working for a just world where human rights are universally respected. The United Nations needs to be the primary central forum for the coordination of such a collective effort. It is my sincere hope that our individual and collective actions in the days and years to come will live up to the high ideals enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the expectations of the powerless, who have no other recourse but to put their hope and trust in us to stand for them.

The Acting President

I now give the floor to the representative of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Mr. Kittikhoun (Laos)

We have come together here today to commemorate solemnly the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Adopted in 1948 by our Assembly, this historic Declaration remains the principal frame of reference for defining the needs of mankind in achieving its full development. It also embodies the hopes and ardent aspirations of the peoples of the world to live in peace, security and dignity and to fully enjoy their fundamental rights and freedoms.

Fifty years have elapsed and the world is still far from attaining the ideal that inspired the General Assembly in 1948. Destitution, disease and hunger continue to haunt us and remain the major impediments to the full enjoyment of human rights. Given such a situation, it is vital for the international community to pool its efforts and undertake more vigorous actions in the search for the common objectives that we have set for ourselves.

The Lao nation is an ancient one, known for its age-old past. Throughout its long history, our heroic country has been the target of various foreign aggressions. Animated by an indomitable spirit of struggle and a determination to overcome, the multi-ethnic Laotian people has risen again and has always resisted the yoke of foreign domination. In declaring the founding of the Lao People's Democratic Republic on 2 December 1975, the whole of the Lao people exercised its fundamental right to self-determination. Since the establishment of the new people's regime, our Government has spared no effort to rebuild its war-ravaged homeland, while at the same time ensuring the security of the State and social and political stability.

In 1991, the first constitution of the Republic to clearly set out the rights and duties of Laotian citizens was enacted. Many other laws in numerous fields were subsequently adopted, attesting to the Government's resolve to gradually convert our country into a State under the rule of law. The people of Laos now live in peace and harmony and are fully dedicated to building the national economy with a view to extricating the country from its current state of underdevelopment by 2020.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights is 50 years old today. While significant contributions have been made in the field of human rights, much remains to be done. While reiterating our principled position that human rights should under no circumstances be used as political instruments to interfere in the domestic affairs of others, we believe that it is essential for the international community to cooperate and work together to achieve its goals in this regard. Only cooperation and sincere international dialogue will ensure success in this difficult undertaking of promoting human rights.

The Acting President

I now give the floor to the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Mr. Mwamba Kapanga (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

One year from the dawning of a new millennium, while the international community celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, there is hardly any need to recall that my country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is the subject of an armed aggression that is jeopardizing the basic rights of its citizens and that presents a serious threat to its sovereignty and its territorial integrity.

Despite that situation, which is a supreme example of the violation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by virtue of the excesses committed daily against the populations of occupied provinces by the aggressors, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a peace-loving nation respectful of international conventions, would like to reaffirm its commitment to the principles set forth in the United Nations Charter.

The liberation of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on 17 May 1997 was intended to put an end to dictatorship and to give the Congolese people back their dignity, which had been so greatly affronted, through the establishment of the rule of law, respecting basic freedoms and human rights. My Government is among those that believes that recognition of the dignity inherent in all members of the human family and of their equal and inalienable rights is the basis for freedom, justice and peace throughout the world.

That is why, immediately following liberation, the Government worked resolutely to strengthen the promotion and protection of human rights throughout the national territory and to establish human rights programmes. It must be acknowledged that despite all the obstacles encountered, our Government has, even in the difficult context of the current war of aggression, managed to give material expression to the dedication of the Congolese people to a culture of peace and human rights.

Despite the situation on the ground, the Government has adhered to its time-table for the effective democratization of the national political territory. To this end, several phases of the electoral time-table have been completed. The latest was the announcement by the head of State, at the twentieth Summit Conference of the French and African Heads of State, of the lifting at the end of January 1999 of measures suspending activities by political parties.

We would note the creation on 1 June 1998 of a Ministry for human rights whose aim is to promote and protect the rights of the individual in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. That Ministry is also endeavouring to promote and ensure respect for international humanitarian law. It is also noteworthy that since 28 September 1998, the International Committee of the Red Cross has been given access by my Government to combatants and other detainees as well as to prisoners of war. The Red Cross has already begun its work by applying the relevant criteria for visits and hearings.

Another of my Government's achievements is the establishment of an interdepartmental commission for humanitarian issues which, in the context of the current aggression, ensures protection for vulnerable individuals and facilitates the departure abroad of those who wish to do so.

With respect to the commemoration of the event that brings us together at this time, I should like to inform the international community that the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a State Member of the United Nations, in keeping with the spirit and letter of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, has not remained on the sidelines of this event. It is pursuing in this context the implementation of a national plan of action for education in the area of human rights.

Therefore, in partnership with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Kinshasa, the Ministry for human rights of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has for the past few weeks been sponsoring various types of activities as part of a campaign to heighten awareness of human rights throughout various sectors of Congolese society, especially civil society, universities, the army, the police and the judiciary.

The Ministry for human rights has just announced its determination to enter into partnership with the army and the national police with respect to the promotion and protection of human rights. Furthermore, on Tuesday, 8 December 1998, it began a campaign to disseminate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in all four national languages.

The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo would like to reiterate its request for assistance in reforming its judicial system so as to help sustain its ongoing efforts to better promote and protect human rights throughout our national territory. Such an attitude would be in keeping with the mission of the United Nations, whose primary task is to promote universal adherence to the international instruments and their more strict implementation by States parties.

In conclusion, let me reiterate our Government's commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and its determination to establish the rule of law in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Finally, let me state that the Congolese Ministry for human rights, which handles the national coordination of human rights issues, will continue to ensure full respect by all parties in the Democratic Republic of the Congo for fundamental human rights.

The Acting President

I now give the floor to the representative of Gabon.

Mr. Essonghe (Gabon)

My delegation would like at the outset to associate itself with the statement made yesterday evening by the representative of Burkina Faso on behalf of the States members of the Organization of African Unity.

Through its adoption of instruments on the promotion and protection of human rights, the United Nations has set out to respond to the many attacks against and violations of the dignity and integrity of human beings around the world throughout history. At the very beginning of its existence, our Organization embarked on a debate on human rights which culminated, on 10 December 1948, in the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Today's commemoration of the fiftieth anniversary of that Declaration gives us an opportunity to see how far we have come.

Much has already been said about the milestones in the area of fundamental human rights from the Declaration's adoption in 1948 to the present day. The year 1998 has been key in this respect, with, inter alia, the implementation of the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action and the launching of preparations for the World Conference against racism, racial and ethnic discrimination, xenophobia and other related contemporary forms of intolerance. And let us not forget the Statute establishing the International Criminal Court, adopted at the Rome Conference in July by a number of countries, including my own.

However, after 50 years of efforts and progress in promoting and protecting human rights, we must face the fact that worldwide, massive violations of the principles set out in the Declaration continue to take place, even though the full realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms must be one of the priority goals of the international community.

In keeping with this philosophy, Gabon consider human rights to be one of the basic foundations of its existence. The establishment of a State based on the rule of law, founded on respect for the law and in particular for human rights as set forth in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, was the ongoing concern of our forefathers, who led our country to independence. In our Constitution, therefore, the Gabonese people affirm their resolve to safeguard their independence and national unity as well as their commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms. That resolve, under the leadership of Mr. El Hadj Omar Bongo, has been reflected at the international level in our accession to the majority of existing human rights instruments, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.

Also, having chaired the ad hoc working group of the Security Council on the situation of conflicts in Africa, we cannot fail to mention the close link between conflicts and human rights.

As you know, the many conflicts that continue to fester throughout the world, particularly in Africa, have given rise to many flagrant violations of human rights and of humanitarian law committed against civilian populations and refugees. It is for this reason that we call for an end to the flow of weapons to those regions of the world.

The enjoyment of human rights is also a long-term undertaking which must neither neglect nor ignore the economic, social or cultural needs of the individual. For how can we truly speak of human rights when access to foodstuffs and education is not available to the vast majority of the world's people, in particular those of the South.

This issue, as we see it, should be an absolute priority among the tasks still to be done in order to bring ourselves into line with all the noble ideals embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Similarly, the international community must ensure that the new millennium is free from the moral ravages that humankind has experienced, such as slavery, colonialism, apartheid and genocide, just to cite a few examples.

Mr. Snoussi (Morocco)

Today we are commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which may be regarded as one of the great achievements of the United Nations. It is an opportunity for us to consider humankind's achievements in terms of securing the dignity of the human individual and to implement the fundamental principles of justice, freedom and peace.

Throughout the last half century, unquestioned progress has been achieved in the area of combating human rights violations, and fundamental achievements have consolidated democracy and expanded the scope of freedom throughout the world. However, these remarkable advances do not mean that humankind's objectives have been achieved, for man is still facing tremendous challenges which impede the implementation of an impressive number of accepted rights.

The proliferation of ethnic conflicts, genocide, the rise of racism and exclusivity, discrimination towards women, the persecution of minorities, imprisonment without due process, terrorism, worsening poverty and the harassment of human rights defenders are there as examples to remind us of this. Furthermore, advances in the area of human rights have essentially related to the civil and political fields, and inadequate attention has been given to economic, social and cultural rights. I hardly need to stress that economic development and social development are a key in economic recovery and in the development of democracy, political stability and human rights.

Morocco, which takes an active part in the building of a fair, just and democratic world order, today reiterates its commitment to the principles that motivated the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and reaffirms its commitments to the strengthening of the rule of law, the protection of rights and freedoms in accordance with the precepts of Islam and the provisions of the constitution and international conventions ratified by our Kingdom.

In recent years, Morocco has passed through important stages on the path towards promoting and improving the situation in the area of human rights. The situation has undergone remarkable developments as result of the strengthening of the legal, judicial and administrative structures, including the creation of the Ministry of Human Rights and a number of other juridical instruments. Action to promote and protect human rights in Morocco is undertaken by governmental institutions, as well as by a large number of non-governmental organizations representing various political tendencies. The Advisory Council on Human Rights is responsible for ensuring the compatibility of national legislation with the spirit and letter of international instruments to which Morocco subscribes.

Among the actions undertaken in the area of promoting human rights is education on the principles of human rights and international conventions to which Morocco is a party, including training institutes designed to educate citizens as to their responsibilities. Morocco has also ratified most international instruments on human rights, being convinced that the rule of law, the freedom and equality of individuals, the rights of peoples, mutual understanding and cooperation will ultimately prevail.

The resolve of the Moroccan Government to promote human rights has been bolstered by the recent constitution, which stipulates that the Kingdom endorses the principles, rights and obligations stemming from the charters of the international agencies and reaffirms its commitment to human rights as universally recognized.

In April 1998 the Advisory Council on Human Rights held in Marrakesh the first Mediterranean meeting of national institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights, in consultation with the Consultative Commission on Human Rights of France and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in the spirit of the Euro-Mediterranean conference held in Barcelona in 1995. This meeting culminated in the adoption of a protocol relating to the creation in Morocco of a training and documentation centre on human rights, a centre whose aim is to help to improve public perception of the universality and indivisibility of human rights with a view to establishing a better understanding of the values of peace, tolerance and dialogue.

Thanks to the resolve of and the guidance from His Majesty the King, the provisions adopted by the Moroccan Government to clear the outstanding files and the projects under way to harmonize laws, to establish education in human rights, to develop a dialogue and partnership with the various movements in society attest to Morocco's political will to establish a society built on solidarity and concertation.

While the phenomenon of globalization and interdependence which have marked the latter part of this century undoubtedly helps to improve and develop the world economy, it necessitates proper adjustments in order to avoid marginalizing countries whose economies are still precarious. It would seem appropriate to establish a democratic and fair dialogue, in which all States concerned can participate in order to realize the right to development, which is the aspiration of all developing countries. There is no question that this objective can be achieved only through strengthened United Nations intervention in the area of international cooperation for development.

Allow me to conclude by congratulating the United Nations for all its tireless efforts in the area of the promotion and protection of human rights, notwithstanding all the challenges of this latter part of the century.

The Acting President

I now give the floor to the representative of Mauritius.

Mr. Wan Chat Kwong (Mauritius)

The signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 50 years ago was humanity's response to the darkest impulses of human nature, as revealed by the unspeakable horrors perpetrated during the Second World War. This Declaration was, at the same time, an act of faith that mankind can also be inspired by the most noble sentiments and aspirations.

But simply proclaiming the universal validity of human rights was, alas, by no means adequate to assure their observance and respect everywhere. As recent atrocities committed in parts of Europe, Africa and Asia attest all too well, the lessons of the Second World War do not seem to have been fully learned, and the call of "Never again" not sufficiently echoed.

Human rights will therefore remain the stage for perpetual struggle between the powers of darkness and the forces of enlightenment. That is the message my Prime Minister conveyed in concluding his statement last Tuesday at the unveiling ceremony of a monument dedicated to the Universal Declaration:

"[The monument] is a permanent reminder to us of the dangers of complacency in the face of bigotry and intolerance and the overriding need for unity in the face of threats to democratic and decent values in public life."

Debates on human rights have all too often been polarized between those, at one end, who are perceived as laying greater stress on civil and political rights and others, at the other, who hold that economic and social rights are pre-eminent. We believe that the opposition between these two sets of rights is only apparent. They are in fact the two sides of the same coin. Any model of society which does not simultaneously embrace and advance both sets of rights will sooner or later hit the limits of its expansion.

My Prime Minister, in addressing this Assembly in the general debate of the current session, announced that Mauritius would soon introduce a bill on the protection of human rights in the National Assembly. This bill was debated in our National Assembly during its current sitting and adopted three days ago on Tuesday.

Under the provisions of this bill, a national human rights commission will be established. This commission will be empowered to investigate any complaint of alleged violation of human rights. It will also be able to look into complaints against members of the police force if, following internal investigation, they are not resolved in a satisfactory manner. The commission will therefore act as a watchdog over possible cover-ups or leniency towards abuse by the police.

In setting up this commission, my Government hopes to reinforce the effective protection of the fundamental rights of its citizens already afforded to them under the Constitution. Current judicial recourse against breaches or alleged violations of human rights can be time-consuming and costly. This new body will enable citizens to seek redress more easily.

Other recent measures taken by my country for the protection of the more vulnerable members of society include the establishment of a Child Development Unit with the task of protecting children from abuse and counselling parents of ill-treated children. Last year, a Domestic Violence Intervention Unit was set up to provide psychological counselling and assistance to victims in court.

The theme for this fiftieth anniversary is "All human rights for all". Through the choice of this theme, all Member States of this Organization are being challenged to place human rights at the centre of their policies. Mauritius pledges its full cooperation towards the attainment of this objective.

Next January, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) will hold its first ministerial conference on human rights in Africa. At the invitation of the OAU, Mauritius has agreed to host this timely event.

Mrs. Ahmed (Sudan)

Today, we celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a very important historical document that has always enjoyed the respect of all countries of the world because it deepens and perpetuates the highest values of our human heritage. The Declaration makes frequent reference to the importance of human rights throughout history. Moreover, all heavenly religions urge respect for human beings and their rights and dignity.

In this context, national efforts for the promotion of human rights are exerted. That is why the Sudanese Constitution and relevant legislations, provide for respect of all the human rights of every citizen, without discrimination. My country participates with the international community in celebrating this occasion and reaffirms its commitment to all international human rights covenants. In so doing, my country is acting consistent with its cultural heritage and the tolerant values by which it is guided. It derives these from Islam, which 1,400 years ago established an integrated system for the protection of civil and political rights and consolidated the principle of honouring and preserving the freedom of peoples. Islam also addresses all human beings without discrimination. In the Holy Koran, God says:

"We have honoured the sons of Adam; provided them with transport on land and sea; given them for sustenance things good and pure; and conferred on them special favours, above a great part of our creation." (The Holy Koran, XVII:70)

As we observe this important occasion, it would seem appropriate that we recall the need for tolerance and objectivity in addressing questions of human rights and that we steer away from politicization, selectivity and double standards, in order to attain the noble objectives for which the relevant legislation was enacted. In this context we should take into consideration the social, cultural, ideological and religious particularities of every society. Thus, we should focus on the right to development as an integral part of human rights, especially in the developing countries, where poverty and the lack of basic services hinder the enjoyment of human rights.

This historic occasion coincides with the passage of 50 years since the beginning of the fraternal Palestinian people's crisis. The international community should continue to support the Palestinian people in their struggle to exercise their right to self-determination and to establish their own State on their national territory.

We wish once again to welcome this special occasion and the efforts of Secretary-General Kofi Annan and the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mrs. Mary Robinson, in supporting and promoting respect for human rights at all levels. Let us all pray for a world in which the values of liberty, equality and justice may prevail, without discrimination as to religion, gender or language.

The Acting President

I now call on the representative of Ethiopia.

Mr. Mohammed (Ethiopia)

Fifty years ago, on 10 December 1948, this Assembly took a historic step by adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and by proclaiming it as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations in the promotion and respect of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The manifold forms of misery which the Universal Declaration of Human Rights sought to eradicate 50 years ago remain prevalent throughout the world. Over 1 billion people today still live in absolute poverty, deprived of their daily basic needs. This situation makes it necessary for concrete steps to be taken to ensure the universal enjoyment and realization of all human rights, in particular the right of all to development.

As a founding Member of the United Nations that had the privilege of participating in the formulation and adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and based on its own recent experience, Ethiopia fully recognizes the significance and historic importance of this document. In this respect, I wish to point out that, in today's Ethiopia, the promotion and respect of human rights have become the foundation upon which the political and democratic transformation, as well as the economic development of the country, firmly rest. To this end, following the collapse of the military regime in 1991, the provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights were incorporated into the transitional Charter of Ethiopia, thereby becoming part of the law of the country, and subsequently reaffirmed in the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.

The Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, while incorporating the basic principles and ideals of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, also stipulates that all human rights provisions of the Constitution shall be interpreted in accordance with the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other human rights instruments accepted by Ethiopia. At present, Ethiopia is a party to all major international human rights instruments. Furthermore, additional practical measures, ranging from the general review of the legal system to the establishment of a national human rights commission and an ombudsman office, have been undertaken in order to strengthen the promotion of basic human rights and freedom in Ethiopia.

It is indeed quite unfortunate and sad to note that the Government of Eritrea has once again demonstrated its utter contempt for the international community by taking advantage of this august occasion and having the audacity to make the usual litany of false accusations of human rights violations against Ethiopia. It is therefore with great reluctance that my delegation would like to set the record straight, although such irrelevant rhetoric ought not have the dignity of attention.

The facts are very clear. The Eritrean regime committed an act of aggression against Ethiopia, a gross violation of human rights in itself, on 12 May 1998. During this wanton action, Eritrean forces deliberately chose to attack civilian targets, such as schools and health centres, killing scores of innocent people, including children and women. In addition, more than 30,000 Ethiopians were brutally expelled from Eritrea after their properties were confiscated and subjected to the worst forms of abuse. The Government of Eritrea attempted to create havoc inside Ethiopia by organizing some of its citizens in the country into clandestine terrorist groups, prompting the Government to take some precautionary measures in order to safeguard the national security of the country and its citizens.

The irresponsible action of the Eritrean Government is clearly attested to by its rather negative response to the various peace proposals of friendly countries and its defiance of the Organization of African Unity and Security Council resolutions to reverse its act of aggression.

Therefore, although it has not been our intention to raise this issue here, I would like to inform the Assembly that the accusations made by the Eritrean representative are no more than a continuation of prevarication and diversionary tactics by the Eritrean Government, in order to present itself to the international community as a victim, while the facts on the ground are quite the reverse.

In conclusion, while reaffirming Ethiopia's unwavering commitment to the full realization of the principles and ideals enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, my delegation would also like to underscore the importance of international cooperation and support of efforts aimed at promotion of and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

The Acting President

I call on the representative of Swaziland.

Mr. Dlamini (Swaziland)

The Kingdom of Swaziland is pleased to join previous speakers who have spoken on this agenda item and supports the resolution on the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

As we all recall, since its establishment the United Nations has been determined to help realize in all countries fundamental human rights and ensure the dignity and worth of the human person and the equal enjoyment of rights of men and women. It has done this through its determination to maintain international peace and security, thus enhancing international law, the promotion of social progress and better living standards.

Whilst much has been achieved in the promotion and maintenance of human rights and fundamental freedoms since the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, the world community is still faced with a multitude of challenges today as we commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration.

It is worth noting that progress in this area has been stifled in the developing nations of the world, particularly in Africa, by historical political considerations. There is need for genuine collaboration in recovering from the effects of the colonial and cold-war eras. Furthermore, the problem of poverty prevalent in all countries of the world is far more acute in Africa. Unfortunately, poverty can only provoke violent reactions. It is a fact that economic frustrations have led to crises most often leading to armed conflict. The eradication of poverty should remain central to our endeavours to address the prevention of causes of conflict. It is extremely disturbing, though, that the efforts by the United Nations and the international community to eradicate poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and malnutrition have not been met with strong political will to mobilize and use the much-needed resources, which would only ensure that the rights of the voiceless are attained.

We believe that national effort must be supported in a spirit of true partnership. Cooperation at the international level is important in ensuring the promotion of all human rights, bearing in mind that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated. The Kingdom of Swaziland would like to emphasize that partnership in this regard should be aimed at ensuring universal respect for the full enjoyment by all people of their civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights, including the right to self-determination.

May I sound a word of caution that selectivity and conditionalities only result in negativity. Political rights must be considered on a level equal to the right to development. After all, the adoption of the Declaration on the Right to Development over ten years ago was a very important development which marked a turning point in the efforts of the United Nations in resolving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian nature and in enhancing respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for every human person and for all peoples in all countries of the world, particularly in developing countries. Furthermore, we believe that recognition, promotion and realization of the right to development is a major step forward towards the achievement of that goal in improving a comprehensive and integrated approach to human rights.

The adoption of the Rome Statute, creating the International Criminal Court in July 1998, could not have come at a more opportune time. This century has seen the worst violence in the history of mankind. In the past 50 years, millions of people have been stripped of their basic human rights, their property and their dignity in conflicts all over the world. Most of these victims have been simply forgotten and few perpetrators have been brought to justice. With the establishment of the International Criminal Court, the growing global culture of impunity will come to an end and the concerns of the victims of those offences covered by the Statute will be addressed accordingly.

The Kingdom of Swaziland is fully committed and desires to promote and protect the full enjoyment of human rights by all Swazis. Continuous efforts are being undertaken to eradicate poverty, improve health conditions, substantially reduce unemployment, ensure the implementation of education regarding all policies, including the policy of equality between women and men, as well as other social and economic policies aimed at improving the living conditions of all citizens. Furthermore, the political rights of the Swazi citizens are promoted and protected and programmes aimed at ensuring them are in place. This includes the Constitutional Review Commission, which has achieved substantial progress in its work.

Another very important achievement in the past year has been the completion of the National Development Strategy, which provides the framework for the nation's development priorities over the next 25 years, including the question of human rights in all its forms. This includes the Economic and Social Reform Agenda, which is intended to boost the economic efforts of the Kingdom of Swaziland. It is aimed at affording people at all levels, including the grass-roots level, economic empowerment. The Investment Promotion Authority is yet another initiative, and it acts as the Kingdom's contact point with the global business community in attracting investment on a large scale. It thus serves to accelerate the tempo of the economic empowerment of the people at the grass-roots level.

The Swazi nation is involved in all these vitally important exercises. In fact, it is a Swazi way of life to debate issues and consult in open forums, thus giving all people the opportunity to express their views and have them considered.

May I conclude by urging the international community that, as we enter the new millennium, the nations of the world must recommit themselves to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations. In doing so we would be living up to the standards and expectations of our peoples, who look up to this Organization as a provider of international peace and security, stability, sustainable development and hope for the future.

The Acting President

I give the floor to the representative of Kuwait.

Mr. Abulhasan (Kuwait)

Today's observance of the fiftieth anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights highlights the importance accorded by the United Nations and the entire international community to the issue of human rights and the search for a world in which humankind can enjoy freedom, justice and equality, a world that is secure and prosperous for the present generation and for generations to come.

The State of Kuwait attaches special importance to human rights. The basic principles of Kuwaiti society are based on the pillars of justice, freedom, equality, cooperation, the rule of law, stable standards of living and the provision of guarantees for all human rights. Those guarantees are enshrined in the constitution of Kuwait. They are considered its salient characteristics. In promoting and protecting human rights, my country is guided by the words of God, as expressed in the glorious Koran, as well as by the many traditions of the prophet, Muhammed, which hold humankind in esteem as the inheritor of the earth and all its creatures. Humankind has inherited the earth with the instructions of Allah.

My country is marching in that direction, as expressed in the words of His Royal Highness the Emir of my country, who said that hope for illustrious human fraternity springs from merciful hearts believing in the dignity of humankind, whose rights they uphold as a torch that lights the way.

The Kuwaiti people are in the vanguard of those who are sensitive to the issue of human rights. We abide by them, advocate them and act according to their principles. The Kuwaiti people's Assembly, the parliament of Kuwait, has set up a permanent committee on human rights, which ensures respect by all for human rights in implementing the relevant Kuwaiti constitutional provisions.

The Kuwaiti people may have suffered more than others from the consequences of the violations of human rights and the flouting of their principles by some States. Since the Iraqi invasion of 1990, we have been suffering from a lack of real, genuine Iraqi cooperation in returning Kuwaiti prisoners of war, hostages and the nationals of other States or even in disclosing their whereabouts. Indeed, that is the primary humanitarian issue that Kuwait is currently dealing with. For their part, the Kuwaiti Government and people will never rest until Iraq discloses their whereabouts in accordance with universal principles and the relevant Security Council resolutions.

We hope that this lofty occasion that we are celebrating today -- the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights -- will motivate the Iraqi Government to cooperate faithfully and earnestly with the International Committee of the Red Cross to end the suffering of those innocent hostages and of their relatives and friends, as well as of the nationals of other countries.

God has honoured and favoured humankind over all His other creatures, as the object and the end of life and development. The rights of humankind, granted by God and safeguarded in divinely inspired legislation and positive laws, must henceforth be preserved.

In conclusion, we hope that the whole world will witness further respect for human rights in the future.

The Acting President

I give the floor to the representative of Nicaragua.