General Assembly Session 54 meeting 83

The President

This morning, the General Assembly will consider the reports of the Third Committee on agenda items 106 to 116 and 12.

I request the Rapporteur of the Third Committee, Mr. Naif Bin Bandar Al-Sudairy of Saudi Arabia, to introduce in one intervention the reports of the Third Committee.

Mr. Al-Sudairy (Saudi Arabia)

I have the honour to present for consideration the following reports of the Third Committee on the agenda items allocated to it by the General Assembly.

Under agenda item 106, entitled "Social development, including questions relating to the world social situation and to youth, ageing, disabled persons and the family", the Third Committee recommends in document A/54/595, paragraph 27, the adoption of five draft resolutions and, in paragraph 28, the adoption of one draft decision.

Under agenda item 107, entitled "Crime prevention and criminal justice", the Third Committee recommends in document A/54/596, paragraph 31, the adoption of seven draft resolutions and, in paragraph 32, the adoption of one draft decision.

Under agenda item 108, entitled "International drug control", the Committee recommends in document A/54/597, paragraph 7, the adoption of one draft resolution.

Under agenda item 109, entitled "Advancement of women", the Committee recommends in document A/54/598 and Corr. 1 and 2, paragraph 34, the adoption of eight draft resolutions.

Under agenda item 110, entitled "Implementation of the outcome of the Fourth World Conference on Women", the Third Committee recommends in document A/54/599 and Corr. 1, paragraph 11, the adoption of two draft resolutions.

Under agenda item 111, entitled "Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, questions relating to refugees, returnees and displaced persons and humanitarian questions", the Committee recommends in document A/54/600, paragraph 19, the adoption of five draft resolutions.

I would like to draw the attention of the Assembly to paragraph 7 of the report, which concerns draft resolution A/C.3/54/L.91, entitled "Follow-up to the Regional Conference to Address the Problems of Refugees, Displaced Persons, Other Forms of Involuntary Displacement and Returnees in the Countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States and Relevant Neighbouring States". The name of Georgia should be deleted from the list of sponsors.

Under agenda item 112, entitled "Promotion and protection of the rights of children", the Third Committee recommends in document A/54/601, paragraph 12, the adoption of two draft resolutions and, in paragraph 13, the adoption of one draft decision.

Regarding agenda item 113, there is a correction to page 7 of the Arabic text of document A/54/602.

Under this agenda item, entitled "Programme of activities of the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People", the Third Committee recommends in document A/54/602, paragraph 9, the adoption of one draft resolution.

Under agenda item 114, entitled "Elimination of racism and racial discrimination", the Committee recommends in document A/54/603, paragraph 16, the adoption of two draft resolutions and, in paragraph 17, the adoption of one draft decision.

Under agenda item 115, entitled "Right of peoples to self-determination", the Third Committee recommends in document A/54/604, paragraph 17, the adoption of three draft resolutions.

Under agenda item 116 (c), entitled "Human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives", the Third Committee recommends in document A/54/605/Add.3, paragraph 62, the adoption of 10 draft resolutions.

Under agenda item 116 (d), entitled "Comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action", the Third Committee indicates in its report (A/54/605/Add.4) that no proposals were submitted and no action was taken under the sub-item.

Under agenda item 116 (e), entitled "Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights", the Third Committee indicates in its report (A/54/605/Add.5) that no proposals were submitted and no action was taken under the sub-item.

Under agenda item 12, entitled "Report of the Economic and Social Council", the Third Committee recommends in document A/54/606, paragraph 8, the adoption of two draft resolutions.

In conclusion, I wish to thank the members of the Asian Group, who have given me the honour of representing them as a member of the Bureau. I would also like to thank the Chairman of the Committee, the Vice-Chairmen, the Secretariat and the interpreters for their efforts to ensure the success of our work.

The President

If there is no proposal under rule 66 of the rules of procedure, I shall take it that the General Assembly decides not to discuss the reports of the Third Committee that are before it today.

The President

Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote or position. The positions of delegations regarding the recommendations of the Third Committee have been made clear in the Committee and are reflected in the relevant official records. May I remind members that under paragraph 7 of decision 34/401 the General Assembly agreed that

"When the same draft resolution is considered in a Main Committee and in plenary meeting, a delegation should, as far as possible, explain its vote only once, i.e., either in the Committee or in plenary meeting unless that delegation's vote in plenary meeting is different from its vote in the Committee."

May I remind delegations that, also in accordance with General Assembly decision 34/401, explanations of vote are limited to 10 minutes and should be made by delegations from their seats.

Before we begin to take action on the recommendations contained in the reports of the Third Committee, I should like to advise representatives that we are going to proceed to take decisions in the same manner as was done in the Third Committee, unless the Secretariat is notified otherwise in advance. This means that where recorded votes and separate votes were taken, we will do the same. I should also hope that we may proceed to adopt without a vote those recommendations that were adopted without a vote in the Third Committee.

The President

The Assembly has before it five draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 27 of its report and one draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 28 of the same report.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the five draft resolutions and the draft decision one by one. After all the decisions have been taken, representatives will again have the opportunity to explain their votes or positions.

We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled "Policies and programmes involving youth".

The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled "Implementation of the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons: towards a society for all in the twenty-first century", without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III, entitled " A United Nations literacy decade: education for all", without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

The Third Committee adopted draft resolution IV, entitled "Cooperatives in social development", without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

The Third Committee adopted draft resolution V, entitled "Follow-up to the International Year of the Family", without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision, entitled "Report of the Secretary-General on the implementation of the World Programme of Action for Youth to the Year 2000 and Beyond", which the Third Committee recommended for adoption. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to adopt the draft decision?

The President

I call on the representative of the United States of America for an explanation of position.

Mr. Rabby (United States)

The United States regrets not having been able to co-sponsor resolution 54/121 on the implementation of the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons. We joined in the consensus, but we would like to note that the United States cannot support the language in the third preambular paragraph, which amounts to a reaffirmation by all of the States supporting this resolution of obligations which they have not all, in fact, undertaken.

We would like to emphasize, however, our Government's commitment to the advancement and protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.

The President

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 106.

The President

The Assembly has before it seven draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 31 of its report and one draft decision, recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 32 of the same report. The Assembly will take a decision on the seven draft resolutions and the draft decision one by one. After all the decisions have been taken, representatives will again have the opportunity to explain their vote.

We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled "Tenth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

Draft resolution II, entitled "Draft United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the draft protocols thereto", was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly too wishes to adopt the draft resolution?

The President

Draft resolution III is entitled "Activities of the Ad Hoc Committee on the Elaboration of a Convention against Transnational Organized Crime: illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in firearms, their parts and components and ammunition, as well as consideration of the need to develop an instrument on the illicit manufacturing of and trafficking in explosives". Draft resolution III was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft resolution?

The President

Draft resolution IV, entitled "Action against corruption", was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly too wishes to adopt the draft resolution?

The President

Draft resolution V is entitled "High-level Political Signing Conference for the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime". The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

Draft resolution VI, entitled "African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders", was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft resolution?

The President

Draft resolution VII is entitled "Strengthening the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme, in particular its technical cooperation capacity". Draft resolution VII was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes also to adopt the draft resolution?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision, entitled "Report of the Secretary-General on the elimination of violence against women", recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 32 of its report. May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to adopt the draft decision?

The President

I call on the representative of Uganda on a point of order.

Ms. Otiti (Uganda)

With respect to draft resolution VI, just adopted as resolution 54/130, I wish to recall that, as indicated in the Third Committee by the Chairman of the African Group, the correct name of the institution to which the draft resolution refers is the United Nations African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders. I would request that this correction be reflected in the final text of resolution 54/130.

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 107?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 7 of its report.

The draft resolution, entitled "International cooperation against the world drug problem", was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly too wishes to adopt the draft resolution?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 108?

The President

The Assembly has before it eight draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 34 of its report.

I call on the representative of the Philippines.

Mrs. Austria-Garcia (Philippines)

I wish to make a correction to draft resolution VI, to reflect agreement that was reached in the Third Committee. Paragraph 11 of that draft resolution should read as follows:

"Also encourages concerned Governments, particularly those of the countries of origin and destination, to adopt measures or strengthen existing ones to regulate the recruitment and deployment of women migrant workers, including considering the adoption of appropriate legal measures against intermediaries who deliberately encourage the clandestine movement of workers and who exploit women migrant workers".

I thank the delegation of Finland in connection with this correction.

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on all eight draft resolutions, one by one, after which members will have an opportunity to explain their positions.

We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled "Traditional or customary practices affecting the health of women and girls", which was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft resolution?

The President

Draft resolution II, entitled "International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women", was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly too wishes to adopt the draft resolution?

The President

The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III, entitled "Improvement of the situation of women in rural areas", without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

The Third Committee adopted draft resolution IV, entitled "United Nations Development Fund for Women", without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

The Third Committee adopted draft resolution V, entitled "Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women", without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VI, entitled "Violence against women migrant workers", without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VII, entitled "Improvement of the status of women in the Secretariat", without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VIII, entitled "Revitalization and strengthening of the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women", without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

I call on the representative of Brazil on a point of order.

Mrs. Nicodemus (Brazil)

I would request the Secretariat to note in document A/54/598 that Brazil is an original co-sponsor of resolution 54/134 on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

The President

I call on the representative of Morocco on a point of order.

Mrs. Afifi (Morocco)

I would like it to be noted that my delegation wishes to join the sponsors of resolution 54/133 on traditional or customary practices affecting the health of women and girls.

The President

I call on the representative of the Russian Federation on a point of order.

Mr. Rogov (Russia)

The delegation of the Russian Federation would refer to resolution 54/140 on revitalization and strengthening of the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women. In operative paragraph 10, following the words "in the Web site of the Institute", the words "should be ensured" should be added so that the resolution is fully consistent with the draft as adopted by the Third Committee in document A/C.3/54/L.89.

The President

I call on the representative of Ecuador on a point of order.

Ms. Martínez (Ecuador)

My delegation wishes to speak in reference to resolution 54/134 on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. Like Brazil, Ecuador is also a co-sponsor of the resolution and we ask that our sponsorship be reflected in the report.

Mr. Simón Padrós (Argentina)

My delegation became a co-sponsor of the draft resolution on the United Nations Development Fund for Women, now resolution 54/136, at the time of its adoption in the Third Committee. I wish to state that for the record now, as our sponsorship is not reflected in the report in document A/54/598.

Ms. Stiglic (Slovenia)

Slovenia joined the list of co-sponsors on resolution 54/134, entitled "International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women", and we would request our sponsorship to be reflected accordingly.

Mr. Yu Wenzhe (China)

The Chinese delegation is also one of the sponsors of draft resolution III on improvement of the situation of women in rural areas. I hope that China's name will also be added to the list of sponsors.

Mr. García González (El Salvador)

My delegation also wishes to refer to the draft resolution entitled "United Nations Development Fund for women". In the Third Committee, my delegation also became a sponsor of this draft, and we would like that to be reflected in the record.

The President

I am advised by the Secretariat that the corrections being made now were made in the Committee and will be added as corrigenda to the report. They were not actually omitted; they will be duly reflected in the corrigenda.

Mr. Aliyu (Nigeria)

My delegation would also like to join as a sponsor of draft resolution II, "International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women".

The President

That will be added.

Ms. de Armas García (Cuba)

My delegation also regrets that it has to refer back to the draft resolution on improvement of the situation of women in rural areas. We would like to make it clear that my delegation had also joined in sponsoring that draft when it was adopted in the Third Committee, and we are not shown on record, so we would also appreciate that correction being made.

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 11 of its report.

The General Assembly shall first turn to draft resolution I, entitled "Follow-up to the Fourth World Conference on Women and full implementation of the Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

We now turn to draft resolution II, entitled "Preparations for the special session of the General Assembly entitled Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace for the twenty-first century'". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

Ms. Kangaskorpi (Finland)

I have the honour, on behalf of the European Union, to explain our position in connection with the two resolutions just adopted.

The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the European Union -- Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia -- and the associated countries Cyprus and Malta, as well as the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) country member of the European Economic Area (EEA), Iceland, align themselves with this explanation of vote.

The European Union would like to share our views regarding the arrangements for the participation of non-governmental organizations in the Beijing + 5 special session. The European Union has joined the consensus in adopting the resolutions and can support their content.

While paragraph 16 of draft resolution II and corresponding paragraph 15 of draft resolution I remain valid, further discussion, in light of the new developments concerning non-governmental organization participation in the follow-up processes, is required. Since the adoption of draft resolution II in March of this year, new experience has been gained and new developments have taken place. Agreement was reached regarding the arrangements for accreditation and participation of non-governmental organizations in the ICPD + 5 special session held in June and later, in August, for next year's Copenhagen + 5 special session.

In light of these recent developments, we feel that it is important that women's organizations are treated on an equal basis with non-governmental organizations which are participating in other, similar follow-up processes.

The European Union discussed the issue of participation by non-governmental organizations informally during the negotiation process in the Third Committee but decided not to pursue the issue, as it is a matter to be addressed by the Preparatory Committee. Non-governmental organization participation was discussed during the Beijing + 5 informal consultations a couple of weeks ago, and the European Union also raised the question of accreditation of those non-governmental organizations not covered by the existing arrangements.

Since the Beijing Conference in 1995, new non-governmental organizations have emerged as a result of the momentum created by the Conference itself. These include a number of small national organizations which are unable to participate in the work of the United Nations on a regular basis. For these organizations, the process of applying for the Economic and Social Council consultative status to participate in this particular special session only would not be reasonable and, indeed, would not be meaningful from a practical point of view, especially taking into account the workload faced by the Committee on Non-Governmental Organizations. To widen the accreditation for non-governmental organizations other than those having Economic and Social Council consultative status or which participated in the Beijing Conference would provide the interested non-governmental organizations or women's groups with the possibility to attend this particular special session.

Only a short while ago, consensus was reached among delegations on the arrangements for participation by non-governmental organizations in the context of the ICPD + 5 conference and the Copenhagen + 5 preparatory process, including addressing the participation of organizations which did not attend those Conferences or which do not have Economic and Social Council consultative status.

We believe that these arrangements would provide us with a good basis for our discussions. As regards the arrangements concerning the participation of the non-governmental organizations in the plenary, the African Group made a proposal in the informal consultations of the Preparatory Committee which we welcomed. We hope that a final agreement on all the arrangements for participation by non-governmental organizations in the Beijing + 5 special session will be reached before we enter the substantive negotiations in the Preparatory Committee in March 2000.

After all, non-governmental organizations, in particular women's organizations, play a vital role in the implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and continue to be an indispensable force for gender equality. Therefore, wide attendance at the special session is essential.

The President

I give the floor to the representative of Algeria, who has asked to speak on a point of order.

Mrs. Mesdoua (Algeria)

It was not my delegation's intention to take the floor on this item. However, having heard the statement made by the representative of the European Union on this subject, we deeply regret that this question is being brought up now, at a time when we are adopting two draft resolutions on which the Third Committee reached consensus.

In connection with the accreditation of non-governmental organizations and their participation in the special session to be held next year for Beijing+5, it is clear to the Algerian delegation -- and we want this to be clearly reflected in the records of the Assembly -- that the accreditation of non-governmental organizations to the General Assembly has already been the subject of discussion and of consensus not only in the Preparatory Committee and the Economic and Social Council, but also in the Third Committee. We feel that the statement made just now by the European Union is an attempt to reopen this question. We hope that this is not the case. In any event, it is clear to the Algerian delegation that the question of accreditation is a matter that has already been discussed and negotiated and on which consensus has been reached. The Algerian delegation does not intend to reopen this issue.

The participation of these non-governmental organizations in the special session is a question that is now being negotiated. We do not believe that the question should be raised now, at the time of the adoption of the report of the Third Committee. I would ask, therefore, that the statement made by the Algerian delegation be reflected in the records of the Assembly.

The President

I call on the representative of Suriname on a point of order.

Mr. Kerpens (Suriname)

I would like to call to the Assembly's attention that in document A/54/599, entitled "Implementation of the outcome of the Fourth World Conference on Women", on the top left of page 1 in the English version, we see "Fifty-fourth session, Agenda item 10". I presume it should read "Agenda item 110".

The President

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 110.

The President

The Assembly has before it five draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 19 of its report.

The Assembly will now take a decision on the five draft resolutions one by one. After all the decisions have been taken, representatives will again have the opportunity to explain their vote.

We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled "Enlargement of the Executive Committee of the Programme of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees", which the Third Committee adopted without a vote.

May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled "Follow-up to the Regional Conference to Address the Problems of Refugees, Displaced Persons, Other Forms of Involuntary Displacement and Returnees in the Countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States and Relevant Neighbouring States", without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III, entitled "Assistance to unaccompanied refugee minors", without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

The Third Committee adopted draft resolution IV, entitled "Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees", without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

The Third Committee adopted draft resolution V, entitled "Assistance to refugees, returnees and displaced persons in Africa", without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 111?

The President

I give the floor to those representatives who have asked to speak on a point of order.

Mr. Schalin (Finland)

I wish to point out that in section III of draft resolution II, contained in document A/54/601 and entitled "The rights of the child", operative paragraph 1 -- which in the English version is on page 10 -- was subject to substantive and extensive negotiations and was correctly reflected in the Third Committee in the "L" document which was adopted. That paragraph should therefore read:

"Welcomes the report of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on the impact of armed conflict on children".

On the following page of the same report, in operative paragraph 7 -- which was likewise carefully negotiated and orally amended in the Third Committee before adoption -- the third line should read:

"... against children, as defined in the Statute of the Court, which include, inter alia, ...".

The words "Rome" and "International Criminal" should therefore be deleted.

Mrs. Afifi (Morocco)

I apologize for taking the floor yet again, but I would like to draw to the Assembly's attention the fact that Morocco is a sponsor of draft resolution II under item 112 on "The rights of the child", which is contained in document A/54/601.

Mr. García González (El Salvador)

My delegation wants to express its wish to be a sponsor of draft resolution I, entitled "The girl child", and we hope this can be reflected in the record.

Mrs. Brobbey (Ghana)

Ghana would like to co-sponsor draft resolution II, "The rights of the child".

Mr. Manele (Solomon Islands)

My delegation would like to co-sponsor draft resolution II.

Mr. Rabuka (Fiji)

My delegation would like to join as a sponsor of draft resolution II.

The President

I call on the representative of Costa Rica on a point of order.

Mrs. Castro de Barish (Costa Rica)

Costa Rica is also a sponsor of draft resolution II, entitled "The rights of the child", but does not appear among the sponsors or among those that joined later. We hope that this will be placed on record.

Mr. Essonghé (Gabon)

My delegation would also like to join as a sponsor of the draft resolution entitled "The rights of the child".

Mr. Bhatti (Pakistan)

My delegation would like to join the sponsors of draft resolution I.

Mrs. Sinjela (Zambia)

Zambia would like to join as a sponsor of draft resolution II.

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 12 of the report and on the one draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 13 of the same report.

We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled "The girl child". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled "The rights of the child", without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision entitled "Report of the Secretary-General on the status of the Convention on the Rights of the Child". May I consider that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 112?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 9 of its report. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution, entitled "International Decade of the World's Indigenous People", without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 113?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 16 of its report and on the draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 17 of the same report.

We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled "Measures to combat contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

Draft resolution II is entitled "Third Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination and the convening of the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision entitled "Report of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision?

The President

May I take it that the Assembly wishes to conclude its consideration of agenda item 114?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 17 of its report. The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of draft resolution II is contained in document A/54/672.

We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled "Universal realization of the realization of the right of peoples to self-determination". The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

Draft resolution II is entitled "Use of mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination". A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

Draft resolution III is entitled "The right of the Palestinian people to self-determination". A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 115?

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 4 of its report.

The draft decision is entitled "Documents considered by the General Assembly in connection with the question of human rights". May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to adopt the draft decision.

The President

I give the floor to the representative of the United States, who wishes to make a statement in explanation of position.

Mr. Rabby (United States)

We would like to explain our position on the draft resolution entitled "International Covenants on Human Rights" which has been submitted under agenda item 116 (a).

The Government of the United States takes exception to the language in operative paragraph 6 that suggests that there are broad rules proscribing the ability of States, under international law, to enter reservations to treaties beyond the provision that a reservation may not be incompatible with the object and purpose of the relevant treaty.

For the record, the Government of the United States wishes to note that the applicable international law, which is stated in Article 19 of the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, is that

"A State may, when signing, ratifying, accepting, approving or acceding to a treaty, formulate a reservation unless:

(a) the reservation is prohibited by the treaty;

(b) the treaty provides that only specified reservations, which do not include the reservation in question, may be made; or

(c) in cases not falling under sub-paragraphs (a) and (b), the reservation is incompatible with the object and purpose of the treaty."

We should also like to explain our position on draft resolution III, under agenda item 116 (a), regarding the Convention on migrant workers. Since this Convention was adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession in December 1990, only 12 countries have chosen to become States parties. The great majority of countries have chosen not to become a party to this instrument, among them the Government of the United States. We cannot support the use of scarce funds by the Secretary-General for a public affairs campaign aimed at promoting a Convention that has gained so little support.

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 16 of its report (A/54/605/Add.1).

We shall first turn to draft resolution I, entitled "Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled "International Covenants on Human Rights", without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

We turn now to draft resolution III, entitled "International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

I call on the representative of Mexico, who wishes to speak in exercise of the right of reply.

Ms. Monroy (Mexico)

I ask for the floor in connection with the statement just made by the representative of the United States. My delegation understood him to say that his delegation did not want to support the use of funds for a convention, such as the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, that has received so little support. However, my delegation wishes to state that the allocation of funds would be intended to promote the ratification and dissemination of the Convention, which has recently been receiving ratifications, albeit slowly. Moreover, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights recently referred to this Convention as a basic international instrument in the area of human rights that certainly deserves the support of the Member States of the United Nations.

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (a) of agenda item 116?

The President

The Assembly has before it 20 draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 75 of its report.

I call on the representative of Thailand, who wishes to speak in explanation of vote before voting.

Mr. Wirasamban (Thailand)

Thailand wishes to clarify its position on draft resolution XX, entitled "The right to development", contained in document A/54/605/Add.2, under agenda item 116 (b), "Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms".

Thailand deeply regrets that the issue of the right to development has become highly politicized during this session of the General Assembly. The definition of the right to development has become selectively interpreted. Such selective interpretation is contrary to the principles enshrined in the 1986 Declaration on the Right to Development, which clearly stipulates that the right to development encompasses all human rights. Thailand feels that the advancement of the right to development is very much contingent on common understanding of and consensus on the true spirit and real objectives of the Declaration on the Right to Development.

In this regard, we sincerely hope that in future work on the right to development all parties will make great efforts to achieve such consensus, bearing in mind the universality, indivisibility and interdependence of all human rights. Attaching great importance to consensus on the issue of the right to development, Thailand will vote in support this draft resolution, but we reserve our right to express our views in future work and subsequent discussions on the right to development, particularly on the issues reflected in the context of paragraphs to be voted on by the General Assembly.

The President

I call on the representative of Japan on a point of order.

Mrs. Ito (Japan)

My delegation wishes to make corrections to draft resolution XI, entitled "Situation of human rights in Cambodia", in order to reflect properly the language agreed in the Third Committee. In operative paragraph 7, lines 2 through line 4, the names of the Commissions should be the National Assembly Commission of Human Rights and Reception of Complaints and the Senate Commission of Human Rights and Reception of Complaints.

In the same draft resolution, in operative paragraph 20, the words "inter alia" should be replaced with the word "including".

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on the 20 draft resolutions one by one. After all the decisions have been taken, representatives will again have the opportunity to explain their votes.

We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled "Elimination of all forms of religious intolerance". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II, entitled "Human rights and cultural diversity", adopted without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III, entitled "United Nations Decade for Human Rights Education, 1995-2004, and public information activities in the field of human rights", without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

The Third Committee adopted draft resolution IV, entitled "Effective promotion of the Declaration on the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities", without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

Draft resolution V, entitled "Human rights in the administration of justice", was adopted by the Third Committee without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly too wishes to adopt the draft resolution?

The President

Draft resolution VI is entitled "Protection of migrants". A separate vote has been requested on the tenth preambular paragraph of draft resolution VI.

As there is no objection to that request, I shall now put to the vote the tenth preambular paragraph of draft resolution VI. A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution VI as a whole. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VI as a whole without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

Draft resolution VII is entitled "Protection of and assistance to internally displaced persons". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VII without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

Draft resolution VIII is entitled "Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VIII without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

We turn now to draft resolution IX, entitled "Human rights and terrorism".A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

Draft resolution X is entitled "Globalization and its impact on the full enjoyment of all human rights". A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

Draft resolution XI is entitled "Situation of human rights in Cambodia". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XI without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

Draft resolution XII is entitled "Strengthening United Nations action in the field of human rights through the promotion of international cooperation and the importance of non-selectivity, impartiality and objectivity".

The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XII without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

Draft resolution XIII is entitled "Respect for the principles of national sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of States in their electoral processes". A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

Draft resolution XIV is entitled "Respect for the right to universal freedom of travel and the vital importance of family reunification". A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

Draft resolution XV is entitled "National institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights".

The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XV without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

Draft resolution XVI is entitled "Human rights and mass exoduses".

The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XVI without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

Draft resolution XVII is entitled "Human rights and unilateral coercive measures". A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

Draft resolution XVIII is entitled "Strengthening the role of the United Nations in enhancing the effectiveness of the principle of periodic and genuine elections and the promotion of democratization".

A separate vote has been requested on operative paragraph 8 of draft resolution XVIII. I see no objection to that request. I shall therefore first put to the vote operative paragraph 8. A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

I shall now put to the vote draft resolution XVIII as a whole. A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

Draft resolution XIX is entitled "Enhancement of international cooperation in the field of human rights".

The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XIX without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

Draft resolution XX is entitled "The right to development". Separate votes have been requested on the eighth and thirteenth preambular paragraphs and on operative paragraphs 3 (c), 3 (e), 13, 21 and 22 of draft resolution XX.

Are there any objections to this request? I see none.

I shall first put to the vote the eighth preambular paragraph of draft resolution XX, on which a separate vote has been requested. A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

I shall now put to the vote the thirteenth preambular paragraph, on which a separate vote has been requested. A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

I shall now put to the vote operative paragraph 3 (c), on which a separate vote has been requested. A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

I shall now put to the vote operative paragraph 3 (e), on which a separate vote has been requested. A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

I shall now put to the vote operative paragraph 13, on which a separate vote has been requested. A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

I shall now put to the vote operative paragraph 21, on which a separate vote has been requested. A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

I shall now put to the vote operative paragraph 22, on which a separate vote has been requested. A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

I shall now put to the vote draft resolution XX as a whole.A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

I shall now call on those representatives who wish to speak in explanation of vote on the resolution just adopted.

Mr. Tapia (Chile)

The Chilean delegation wishes to explain its vote on the resolution entitled "Human rights and cultural diversity", contained in document A/54/605/Add.2.

The delegation of Chile joined in the consensus on the adoption of the draft resolution on "Human rights and cultural diversity". Nonetheless, it has reservations as to the appropriateness of including the subject of cultural diversity in the area of human rights.

My country scrupulously respects the coexistence of different cultural systems in the international sphere. It could not be otherwise for a country such as Chile, where different cultures of very diverse origin coexist. Nonetheless, we believe that the subject of cultural diversity corresponds to a different area of the work of the United Nations, in particular that of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and not to the area of human rights.

We are approaching the close of the twentieth century, of which no one speaks at length because of the expectations for the next millennium. But progress has certainly been achieved in this difficult century, at the cost of great suffering, in the area of the recognition and acceptance of the universality of human rights. For Chile, universality of human rights means that the intrinsic dignity of all inhabitants of the world must be respected, regardless of culture, religion, social status, ethnic origin, gender or traditions. Neither lack of development nor cultural characteristics can be invoked to justify a limitation of human rights as recognized in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the other conventions that constitute the universal system for the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Reopening a debate on human rights and cultural diversity could mean, in the view of the Chilean delegation, a step backwards with regard to the universality and validity of those rights.

Mr. Schalin (Finland)

I have the honour to explain our position on draft resolution II, entitled "Human rights and cultural diversity", and our vote on draft resolution XX, entitled "The right to development". I will first turn to resolution XX and make an explanation of vote on behalf of the European Union.

The European Union was unable to vote in support of the draft resolution. We sincerely regret that it was not possible to arrive at a consensus on the resolution this year. Indeed, on many occasions in the past, such consensus has been achieved. The European Union, because of its great interest in this matter, participated, as did many others, very actively in the informal consultations on the text. While we appreciate the flexibility shown by all involved in the negotiations and the willingness of the sponsors to accommodate many concerns, we regret that the sponsors decided to include a number of new elements which are not directly part of the subject matter under consideration and could not find consensus. We are also concerned about the new reporting obligations established by this resolution; these obligations prematurely change the mandate of the follow-up mechanism on the right to development, established at last year's session of the Commission on Human Rights. This change of the mandate has been effected even before the working group has started its work.

The European Union stands prepared to work for the realization of the right to development in constructive partnership with all interested countries. For that purpose, we have great expectations and hopes for the follow-up mechanism, which was established with the support of all Member States. The vote on the resolution was particularly unfortunate in the run-up to the first meeting of the open-ended working group of the Commission on Human Rights, which was planned to take place this week, but had to be postponed again to a later date.

The implementation of the right to development deserves active support from the international community. The European Union reiterates its willingness to continue, in a true partnership, its cooperation in implementing the right to development. Such partnership should, in our view, be reflected in a joint commitment to reach consensus in multilateral forums. We therefore hope that the open-ended working group on the right to development will be able to lay the foundations for a return to consensus on the important subject of the right to development.

I will now turn to draft resolution II, entitled "Human rights and cultural diversity". I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the European Union -- Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia -- and the associated countries, Cyprus and Malta, as well as the European Free Trade Association countries and members of the European Economic Area, Iceland and Liechtenstein, align themselves with this statement.

Cultural, religious and linguistic diversity is a fundamental asset for humankind. For Europe, as for so many other regions around the world, multi-ethnic and multicultural diversity and interaction have created an enormously rich heritage. The European Union supports the importance of cultural diversity at all levels of society. We have not stood in the way of consensus on the resolution just adopted, regardless of our reservations with regard to the way it is drafted.

The European Union remains of the view that the promotion and protection of human rights, including cultural rights, is the first responsibility of States, and they have the responsibility of ensuring the enjoyment of such rights by individuals within their jurisdiction. The Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recognizes the right of everyone to take part in cultural life. States have a duty to conserve, develop and diffuse science and culture, with a view to achieving the full realization of this right, which belongs to the individual. In a resolution on human rights and cultural diversity, the European Union would have liked to see this elementary cultural right referred to or reiterated. This idea, however, was not accepted by the sponsors of the resolution. Instead the draft resolution refers repeatedly to cultural diversity at the international level.

The European Union agrees that all peoples have the right freely to pursue their economic, social and cultural development. The European Union is also of the view that this right can be fully realized only within democratic societies which respect the diversity and cultural rights of their members. Cultural diversity at the national level, between individuals and communities, flows directly from respect by the State for all human rights.

According to draft resolution II, cultural diversity at the international level is enjoyed by "nations" or "peoples" of the world. Such promotion of cultural diversity between nations could easily promote uniformity within nations -- at worst, even to the point where it would hamper the right of individuals to enjoy cultural diversity among themselves. The European Union is made uneasy by the possibility that nations, by actively identifying with a particular set of distinct cultural attributes, will in fact discourage tolerance for cultural expressions flowing from other sets of cultural attributes. Such a bias could, at worst, lead to limitations on the enjoyment of human rights by persons belonging to linguistic, religious or cultural minorities.

For all these reasons, in the view of the European Union, the subject of cultural diversity at the international level would have been better addressed in the context of agenda item 34, entitled "Dialogue among civilizations". A draft resolution entitled "Human rights and cultural diversity", presented under a human rights item, should have remained focused at the national level, where human rights are primarily promoted, protected and respected.

The President

We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote.

I explained once again, earlier, that a delegation has an option to explain its vote only once, either in the Committee or here, but not to do it in the Committee and again here in the Assembly. That is what we agreed a long time ago.

I call on the representative of Qatar on a point of order.

Mr. Al-Hajri (Qatar)

(spoke in Arabic): I would like to point out that Qatar was one of the sponsors of draft resolution II, "Human rights and cultural diversity", contained in document A/54/605/Add.2.

The President

I call on the representative of the Russian Federation on a point of order.

Mr. Rogov (Russia)

The delegation of the Russian Federation would like to request the correction of a mistake. In document A/54/605/Add.2, page 15, paragraph 63, where the results of the voting are given for draft resolution A/C.3/54/L.79, entitled "Human rights and unilateral coercive measures", it is incorrectly indicated that the Russian Federation voted against that draft resolution. We voted in favour of that draft resolution, and I would like this point to be duly taken into account in the record.

Ms. Afifi (Morocco)

I wish to state that my delegation would like to join as a sponsor of the resolution entitled "National institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights".

Mr. Rabuka (Fiji)

My delegation would like to be listed as one of the sponsors of draft resolution X.

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (b) of agenda item 116?

The President

The Assembly has before it 10 draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 62 of its report.

I shall now give the floor to those representatives who wish to speak in explanation of vote before the vote.

Mr. Wirasamban (Thailand)

Under agenda item 116 (c), "Human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives", Thailand wishes to explain its position on draft resolution II, entitled "Human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran", which is contained in document A/54/605/Add.3.

Over the past year there has been a positive trend in the development of human rights in Iran. Local elections were held. Iranian women are increasingly participating in public life. Human rights, good governance and the rule of law have taken their place on the Iranian Government's agenda. Thailand recognizes and commends these sincere efforts that are being made by the Government of Iran, despite difficulties and obstacles. We believe that the Government of Iran will continue unwaveringly to redouble its efforts in this proper direction. For these reasons, Thailand will abstain in the voting.

We also feel that dialogues being held both within the Iranian society and between Iran and the United Nations, including with the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, will further constructively contribute to the progress that has been made by the present Government of Iran in promoting human rights.

Mr. Ileka (Democratic Republic of the Congo)

At this session my delegation has on many occasions had an opportunity to shed light on the armed conflict that has victimized my country. For almost two years there have been significant violations of human rights and international humanitarian law as a result of this conflict. My delegation would like again to emphasize the gravity of the situation, as the Special Rapporteur, Mr. Garreton, did. He most eloquently described the situation -- in particular as regards the atrocities -- and he clearly indicated who is responsible for these atrocities. As the international community knows, those responsible are the Government forces from Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi that are occupying the northern and eastern sections of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations, the African Charter on Human and People's Rights, and the Ceasefire Agreement that the Governments of these countries that are attacking my country signed with us on 10 July 1999 in Lusaka.

During debates in the Committee on sub-item (c) of agenda item 116, my delegation in fact made a statement about the unfairness of the draft resolution that was introduced by the European Union and that appears as draft resolution IV in document A/54/605/Add.3. This draft resolution pretends to be based on Mr. Garreton's report, but in fact it constitutes an unacceptable denial of the most basic rights of the Congolese civilian population in the northern and eastern parts of the country, in particular, their right to life. Similarly, the European Union has overlooked the efforts made by my Government, as described by the Special Rapporteur, to promote and protect human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in spite of this unjust war.

My delegation therefore notes with great regret that the philosophy underlying this draft resolution completely lacks objectivity and balance, and to such an extent that my delegation finds itself wondering whether the European Union -- by lending its support to the barbaric and murderous acts being committed against innocent Congolese victims by the aggressors, Rwandans in particular -- is not making itself the spokesperson for the very ideology it fought so hard against 50 years ago.

In spite of this difficult period in my country's history, my Government reiterates its trust in the institutions of the United Nations. We believe that everything should be done in order not to hamper the progress that has been achieved by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the United Nations in the search for solutions to this tragedy.

My delegation is also pleased that the United Nations is making further efforts in this regard and that it is attempting to work appropriately and effectively and with respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We are particularly pleased by the establishment of the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC), whose many tasks include helping defend human rights, including those of children.

As regards defending and protecting children's rights, my delegation wishes to pay tribute to the United Nations Children's Fund and to the Governments of Belgium and Canada for the major role that they have played in the successful holding of the Forum on the demobilization and reintegration of child soldiers, which was held in Kinshasa from 6 to 10 December last.

In spite of the war taking place in our country, my Government, wishing to honour its international obligations regarding the protection and promotion of the rights of child soldiers, has taken a number of other protective measures -- to demobilize child soldiers, to reintegrate them into society and to prohibit the recruitment of minors. We would also like to announce that last week our Government declared a moratorium on capital punishment. Lastly, my Government has just issued an amnesty and released more than one hundred prisoners on 10 December, Human Rights Day.

Rather than condemning the Democratic Republic of the Congo by the adoption of resolutions that are not at all motivated by humanitarian concerns, but rather by obscure political goals, the European Union could usefully give its support to my country through constructive cooperation for the defence and protection of human rights. My delegation feels entitled the expect from the European Union a sincere effort to better initiate and carry out a fruitful relationship and the necessary support in this field in accordance with the Congolese national programme.

In this regard, and in accordance with the instruments to which it is party, my country is prepared to continue to display its good will with regard to human rights. I am also pleased to announce that through the establishment of the Supreme Court of Justice my Government has undertaken judiciary reform, and it reiterates its invitation to the international community to help us in this process. My Government believes that the international community would be doing useful work if it were to help our efforts in this respect, if it really wants to effectively tackle violations of human rights, to which effort it has committed itself.

In conclusion, my Government wishes to state that in no way is it concerned by this draft resolution in the sense that the text is not concerned with the protection and promotion of human rights in my country. It is a text that is used by some for politicized goals that should not have been the subject of discussion in this Assembly.

My delegation would also like to ask you, Mr. President, to please withdraw the question of the situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo from the agenda of future sessions of the General Assembly. My Government would like to reassure you that it will continue its full cooperation with all United Nations bodies entrusted with issues of human rights and international humanitarian law.

Finally, I wish to take this opportunity to thank the delegations that have understood the justice of our cause and that have given us unfailing support by voting against this resolution in the Third Committee. We ask them to continue to support us. As for those who were not able to do so in the past, we ask them to join us and vote against this resolution and thus do justice to the Congolese people, who have suffered so much from the ills of war and who do not need this new tribulation.

The President

I thank the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is not for the President to withdraw what the representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has asked me to do. It is for the delegations to take the initiative. The representative of the Democratic Republic of the Congo belongs, among others, to two influential groups, the African Group and the Non-Aligned Movement. Initiatives can come from there.

The Assembly shall now take a decision on the 10 draft resolutions, one by one. After all the decisions have been taken, representatives will again have an opportunity to explain their vote.

We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled "Question of human rights in Afghanistan". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

We turn now to draft resolution II, entitled "Human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran". A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

Draft resolution III is entitled "Human rights situation in Iraq".

A recorded vote has been requested jointly on paragraphs 2(a), 3(g), 3(i) and 3(j) of draft resolution III. Are there any objections to that request? I see none.

The President

I shall first put to the vote jointly operative paragraphs 2(a), 3(g), 3(i) and 3(j), on which a recorded vote has been requested.

The President

I shall now put draft resolution III as a whole to the vote.

The President

Draft resolution IV is entitled "Situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo". A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

We turn now to draft resolution V, entitled "Situation of human rights in Myanmar". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution V without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?

The President

Draft resolution VI is entitled "Situation of human rights in Haiti". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VI without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?

The President

Draft resolution VII is entitled "Situation of human rights in the Sudan". A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

Draft resolution VIII is entitled "Situation of human rights in Kosovo". A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

Draft resolution IX is entitled "Situation of human rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Montenegro)". Separate votes have been requested on section III and on sections I and II of draft resolution IX.

I shall first put to the vote section III of draft resolution IX, on which a separate vote has been requested. A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

I shall next put to the vote sections I and II of draft resolution IX, on which a separate vote has been requested. A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

The Assembly will now take a decision on draft resolution IX as a whole. A recorded vote has been requested.

The President

Draft resolution X is entitled "Situation of human rights in Rwanda".

The Third Committee adopted draft resolution X without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?

The Acting President

I shall now call on those representatives who wish to explain their votes or position.

Mr. Qin Huasun (China)

I wish to speak in explanation of vote on resolution 54/183 on the situation of human rights in Kosovo.

Respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries represent important principles of the United Nations Charter. China is of the view that Kosovo is part of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and that the question of Kosovo, as an internal affair of that country, should be settled politically through dialogue on the basis of respect for its sovereignty and territorial integrity and guaranteeing the legitimate rights and interests of all ethnic groups in Kosovo.

Moreover, China is always in favour of increased understanding and enhanced cooperation through exchanges and dialogue on the basis of equality and mutual respect. We oppose the exertion of pressure on other countries through the submission of resolutions on their human rights situations; much less, then, could we support a resolution on human rights in one part of the territory of a sovereign State.

In view of the fact that the relevant elements of resolution 54/183 are not consistent with China's position, China abstained in the voting.

Mr. Sulaiman (Syria)

My delegation abstained in the voting on resolution 54/178 on the human rights situation in Iraq. We regret to note that it contains an attempt to partition that country among the Shi'a, Turkmen and Assyrians, as evidenced in paragraph 3 (j). Syria forcefully rejects this and any attempt to assail the territorial integrity of Iraq and to interfere in the northern part of that country under the pretext of defending human rights. Declarations on the creation of a security zone in northern Iraq and similar measures threaten the unity and territorial integrity of Iraq.

Moreover, the resolution once again proposes the adoption of and support for an institutionalized system of control over all human rights in any given country by deploying a human rights observer mission in Iraq. This represents interference in the internal affairs of a State Member of the United Nations and is therefore contrary to the purposes and principles of the Organization itself.

My delegation wishes nevertheless to reiterate the need for the Iraqi authorities to cooperate in order to ensure fair solutions to the plight of Kuwaiti prisoners and others.

Ms. Zúñiga Achá (Bolivia)

I wish to speak in explanation of vote in connection with the voting in the Third Committee on the draft resolution on the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran. My delegation abstained at that time. Now, however, having received specific instructions from the capital, my delegation voted in favour of resolution 54/160.

Mr. Spirollari (Albania)

I should like to explain our vote on resolution 54/183 on the situation of human rights in Kosovo.

The situation of human rights in Kosovo has been on the agenda of this body for a number of years now. The General Assembly quite justly drew the attention of the international community to the brutal and continuous violation of the human rights of ethnic Albanians in Kosovo. Despite the growing concern on this issue, the situation of human rights in Kosovo worsened, assuming the proportions of a threat to international peace and security.

In the spring of this year, it reached the point of open conflict in Kosovo. The Serbian military and paramilitary, accompanied by the police forces and thugs, launched the most brutal campaign of ethnic cleansing and genocide in Europe since the end of the Second World War. One million ethnic Albanians were forced to leave their houses and lands under the threat of being killed. Thousands of people were killed and buried in mass graves all over Kosovo. Hundreds of thousands had to live in the open on root plants. The houses and businesses of ethnic Albanians were burned to ashes. A long trail of people -- women, children and the elderly -- walking for days or rushed in train-wagons towards neighbouring countries, readily recalled scenes from a reality that Europe had already left behind: the worst years of the Holocaust. Albania alone received around 500,000 people, which raised the local population by 15 per cent in a matter of days.

In these circumstances, in order to preserve the sacred principles of the United Nations Charter and of humanitarian law, the international community intervened decisively to protect the population that was under threat of disappearance. The Albanians of Kosovo strongly supported this action and saw the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countries as their sole protector and defender of human principles in the face of systematic oppression and long-term strategy of the Belgrade authorities to ethnically cleanse Kosovo of its indigenous Albanians.

Today Kosovo is enjoying long-desired freedom. Over 90 per cent of the refugees are back, and 90 per cent of the schools are open. People are doing their best to rebuild their lives, and a sense of normalcy is being restored. The reality that only a few months ago was unthinkable is now taking shape with the presence of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) and the Kosovo Force (KFOR).

My delegation would like to express its appreciation and gratitude to the United States delegation for presenting for a second time a draft resolution on the situation of human rights in Kosovo. Although Albania was the main sponsor of such resolutions for a number of years, this time we were not able to co-sponsor it because of a principled position. The resolution does not have any reference to the will of the people of Kosovo, a reference that was a fundamental element of previous resolutions. It is our strong view that sustainable peace in the Balkans and the process of integration of that region into Europe would have to take into consideration the right to self-determination of Kosovars as a way towards a lasting solution, in accordance with the Rambouillet Accords. Any other solution precluding the people of Kosovo from expressing their will would be just another step away from peace and a way of ignoring reality.

Mr. Bhattacharjee (India)

I am speaking in explanation of vote on the resolution on the situation of human rights in Kosovo.

India voted against the resolution because it is inconsistent with the manner in which the question of human rights violations in the former Republic of Yugoslavia has been treated. On the one hand, we have but one resolution on the situation of human rights in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Croatia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia -- three independent, sovereign nations; while, on the other hand, there is this resolution on a part of the territory of one of the countries dealt with in the other resolution. By implication, this treatment appears to treat Kosovo as an indeterminate territory, not as an integral part of the country concerned.

Secondly, the fundamental flaw in the resolution is that it is critical of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia for all that is happening in Kosovo, ignoring the fact that Kosovo is administered by the United Nations, with the assistance of regional bodies. As the Special Rapporteur has noted, the human rights of the Serbs and other ethnic minorities, such as the Roma, are being violated despite their presence -- and not by the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

Regrettably, this resolution represents the use of human rights as a political instrument. We deplore this, both because it politicizes human rights and because it calls into question the territorial integrity of a member State. We were unable to support this resolution.

Mr. Naber (Jordan)

My delegation would like to mention, with reference to draft resolutions II and VII, that any unanimity on human rights should establish the fact that human rights belong to everyone, regardless of cultural, religious, racial or political orientation. In this regard, we have to refer to the major achievements of the world over the last half century in promoting, publicizing and strengthening respect for human rights on a very broad scale through the adoption of international instruments and conventions that deal with the protection of those rights, and the existence of the political will to apply them.

The issue of human rights in all countries is legitimately a main concern for the world as a whole. In this respect, international monitoring of human rights standards could have a bearing on the sensitive issue of State sovereignty. Nevertheless, this sovereignty cannot be used to justify discrimination against persons or depriving them of their internationally guaranteed rights. The standards of human rights should provide the foundation for justice throughout the world, and the monitoring of their application must be looked at from a global, objective standpoint. Accountability should be based on recognized standards and norms.

That is why my delegation believes all States and individuals have responsibility for the promotion of such norms through a constructive and sustained dialogue as an important step towards consensus. My delegation has taken into consideration the fact that a genuine and constructive dialogue is taking place with regard to draft resolutions II and VII under this agenda item.

The Acting President

We have heard the last speaker in explanation of vote.

I call on the representative of Finland on a point of order.

Mr. Schalin (Finland)

I wish to make a small number of editorial comments on some of the texts we have just adopted.

In draft resolution III, entitled "Human rights situation in Iraq", in the seventh preambular paragraph, at the end of the second line on that page, Security Council resolution 1153 (1998) should be replaced by Security Council resolution 1175 (1998), as in document A/C.3/54/L.60 adopted in the Third Committee.

In the eighth preambular paragraph of draft resolution III, we would request that the French translation of the English phrase "and appealing to all concerned to fulfil their mutual obligations" be made consistent with the Secretary-General's report from which it is quoted -- namely, document S/1999/896, paragraph 104.

In draft resolution VII, "Situation of human rights in the Sudan", we would request that operative paragraph 2, subparagraph (a) (i), be reflected as it was adopted in the Third Committee. It has been rearranged by editing. I will read it out as it is in document A/C.3/54/L.81, adopted in the Third Committee:

"At the occurrence of cases of extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary execution resulting from conflict between members of the armed forces and their allies, and armed insurgent groups, including the Sudanese People's Liberation Army".

Allow me to conclude by just putting on record that the European Union had not explained its vote under agenda item 116 (b), on the right to development, nor on cultural diversity, in the Third Committee. Therefore, we decided to explain our vote in plenary meeting.

The Acting President

I call on the representative of the Russian Federation on a point of order.

Mr. Rogov (Russia)

My delegation would also like to bring to the Assembly's attention a number of technical inaccuracies in the draft resolutions just adopted.

Turning to draft resolution VIII, on "Situation of human rights in Kosovo", on page 11 of the English text, in the second line of paragraph 45, the document number in parentheses should read "A/C.3/54/L.97" instead of "L.96".

On page 39 of the English text, in the third line of the third preambular paragraph, the word "sovereign" should be replaced by the word "sovereignty".

There are also some changes with respect to draft resolution IX. On page 13 of the English text, in the second line of paragraph 52, the words "and orally revised" should be deleted. Similarly, the words "orally revised" should be deleted from the second line of paragraph 54. In addition, at the end of paragraph 52, also on page 13 of the English text, the word "boundaries" should be replaced by the word "borders".

The Acting President

The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of sub-item (c) of agenda item 116.

The Acting President

May I take it that the Assembly takes note of the report of the Third Committee?

The Acting President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (d) of agenda item 116?

The Acting President

May I take it that the General Assembly takes note of the report of the Third Committee?

The Acting President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of sub-item (e) of agenda item 116?

The Acting President

The Assembly will take a decision on the two draft decisions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 8 of its report.

We turn first to draft decision I, entitled "Organization of work of the Third Committee and biennial programme of work of the Committee for 2000-2001".

May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision I?

The Acting President

We turn next to draft decision II, entitled "Report of the Economic and Social Council".

May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft decision II?

The Acting President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of the chapters of the report of the Economic and Social Council allocated to the Third Committee?

The Acting President

The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of all the reports of the Third Committee before it.