| Date | 18 December 2002 |
|---|---|
| Started | 10:00 |
| Ended | 12:55 |
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Reports of the Third Committee
The Acting President
The General Assembly will consider the reports of the Third Committee on agenda items 97 to 109, 43 and 12.
I request the Rapporteur of the Third Committee, Mrs. Oksana Boiko of Ukraine, to introduce the reports of the Third Committee in one intervention.
Mrs. Boiko (Ukraine)
I have the great honour to present for consideration the following reports of the Third Committee on the agenda items allocated to it by the General Assembly.
Under item 43 of the agenda, entitled "Follow-up to the outcome of the special session on children", no action was taken.
Under item 97, entitled "Implementation of the outcome of the World Summit for Social Development and of the twenty-fourth special session of the General Assembly", the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 10 of document A/57/544, the adoption of one draft resolution.
Under item 98, entitled "Social development, including questions relating to the world social situation and to youth, ageing, disabled persons and the family", the Committee recommends, in paragraphs 17 and 18 of document A/57/545, the adoption of three draft resolutions and one draft decision.
Under item 99, entitled "Follow-up to the international Year of Older Persons: Second World Assembly on Ageing", the Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/57/546, the adoption of one draft resolution.
Under item 100, entitled "Crime prevention and criminal justice", the Committee recommends, in paragraph 22 of document A/57/547, the adoption of six draft resolutions and, in paragraph 23, one draft decision.
Under item 101, entitled "International drug control", the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 8 of document A/57/548, the adoption of one draft resolution.
Under item 102, entitled "Advancement of women", the Committee recommends, in paragraph 34 of document A/57/549, the adoption of six draft resolutions and, in paragraph 35, one draft decision. In connection with draft resolution IV, entitled "Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women", operative paragraph 4 should be updated so that the reference to the number of States parties reads "which now stands at forty-nine".
Under item 103, entitled "Implementation of the outcome of the Fourth World Conference on Women and of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly, entitled 'Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace for the twenty-first century'", the Committee recommends, in paragraph 12 of document A/57/550, the adoption of two draft resolutions.
Under item 104, 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 paragraph 20 of document A/57/551, the adoption of five draft resolutions.
Under item 105, entitled "Promotion and protection of the rights of children", the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 25 of document A/57/552, the adoption of three draft resolutions and, in paragraph 26, one draft decision.
Under item 106, entitled "Programme of activities of the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People", the Committee recommends, in paragraph 16 of document A/57/553, the adoption of three draft resolutions and, in paragraph 17, one draft decision. With regard to draft resolution I, in operative paragraph 1 (a), the words "in New York" should be added after "of the Secretariat".
Under sub-item 107 (a), entitled "Elimination of racism and racial discrimination", and sub-item 107 (b), entitled "Comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action", the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 18 of document A/57/554, the adoption of five draft resolutions and, in paragraph 19, one draft decision.
Under item 108, entitled "Right of peoples to self-determination", the Committee recommends, in paragraph 19 of document A/57/555, the adoption of three draft resolutions.
Under item 109, entitled "Human rights questions", the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 4 of document A/57/556, the adoption of one draft decision.
Under sub-item 109 (a), entitled "Implementation of human rights instruments", the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 31 of document A/57/556/Add.1 the adoption of four draft resolutions.
Under sub-item 109 (b), entitled "Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms", the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 127 of document A/57/556/Add.2 the adoption of 27 draft resolutions and, in paragraph 128, the adoption of one draft decision.
Under sub-item 109 [c], entitled "Human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives", the Committee recommends, in paragraph 46 of document A/57/556/Add.3 the adoption of five draft resolutions.
With regard to draft resolution III, "Situation of human rights in Iraq", operative paragraph 5 (i) should read as follows:
"To cooperate fully with the relevant mechanisms of the Commission on Human Rights, in particular its Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iraq, and to ensure his access to Iraq, without preconditions, in order to allow him fully to discharge his mandate, including by allowing access to any person deemed appropriate by the Special Rapporteur;".
In connection with this report, I should also like to make two corrections to draft resolution IV, entitled "Situation of human rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo". At the end of operative paragraph 3 (f), the words "have not yet been brought to justice" should be corrected to read "remain to be brought to justice"; and at the beginning of operative paragraph 5 (e), the words "Together with" should be changed to read "Along with".
Under sub-item (d), entitled "Comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action", of agenda item 109, "Human rights questions", the Third Committee recommends, in document A/57/556/Add.4, paragraph 5, the adoption of one draft decision.
No action was taken under sub-item (e), entitled "Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights", of agenda item 109, "Human rights questions".
Under agenda item 12, entitled "Report of the Economic and Social Council", the Third Committee recommends, in document A/57/558, paragraph 8, the adoption of two draft decisions.
I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the Chairman of the Third Committee, Ambassador Christian Wenaweser of Liechtenstein, for the outstanding manner in which he conducted the work of the Committee. His experience, knowledge and understanding of issues before us enabled the Committee to carry out its considerably complicated and difficult task. I would also like to thank my brilliant colleagues in the Bureau of the Committee, Vice-Chairpersons Ms. Loreto Leyton of Chile, Mrs. Ilham Ibrahim Mohamed Ahmed of the Sudan and Mr. Toru Morikawa of Japan, with whom I had the great pleasure of working.
I should also like to express my gratitude and appreciation to the secretariat of the Third Committee for its exhaustive work and the assistance it provided to me in the discharge of my duties as Rapporteur of the Third Committee.
In conclusion, I would like to thank the members of the Group of Eastern European States, which I have had the honour to represent in the Bureau of the Third Committee during this session of the General Assembly. I thank my dear friends for their support, and wish "happy holidays" to all.
The Acting 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 which are before the Assembly today.
The Acting President
Statements will therefore be limited to explanations of vote.
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, that is, 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 ten 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. That means that where recorded votes or 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.
Agenda item 97
Implementation of the outcome of the World Summit for Social Development and of the twenty-fourth special session of the General Assembly
Report of the Third Committee (A/57/544)
The Acting President
The Assembly will take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 10 of its report.
The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The Acting President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 97?
Agenda item 98 (continued)
Social development, including questions relating to the world social situation and to youth, ageing, disabled persons and the family
Report of the Third Committee (A/57/545)
The Acting President
The Assembly will now take a decision on three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 17 of its report and one draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 18 of the same report. After all the decisions have been taken, representatives will again have the opportunity to explain their votes.
Draft resolution I is entitled "Preparation for and observance of the tenth anniversary of the International Year of the Family".
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The Acting President
Draft resolution II is entitled "Promoting youth employment".
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The Acting President
Draft resolution III is entitled "United Nations Literacy Decade: education for all".
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The Acting President
We now turn to the draft decision contained in paragraph 18 of the report.
The draft decision is entitled "Reports submitted in connection with agenda item 98".
May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision recommended by the Third Committee?
The Acting President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 98?
Agenda item 99
Follow-up to the International Year of Older Persons: Second World Assembly on Ageing
Report of the Third Committee (A/57/546)
The Acting President
The Assembly will take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 8 of its report.
The draft resolution is entitled "Follow-up to the Second World Assembly on Ageing".
The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The Acting President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 99?
The Acting President
The Assembly will take a decision on six draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 22 of its report and a draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 23 of the same report.
We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled "International cooperation in the fight against transnational organized crime: assistance to States in capacity-building with a view to facilitating the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and the protocols thereto".
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The Acting President
Draft resolution II is entitled "High-level political conference for the purpose of signing the United Nations convention against corruption".
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The Acting President
Draft resolution III is entitled "Follow-up to the plans of action for the implementation of the Vienna Declaration on Crime and Justice: Meeting the Challenges of the Twenty-first Century".
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The Acting President
Draft resolution IV is entitled "Preparations for the Eleventh United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice".
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution IV without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The Acting President
Draft resolution V is entitled "United Nations African Institute for the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders".
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution V without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The Acting President
Draft resolution VI is entitled "Strengthening the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme, in particular its technical cooperation capacity".
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VI without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The Acting President
We now turn to the draft decision entitled "Documents considered by the General Assembly in connection with the question of crime prevention and criminal justice".
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to adopt the draft decision recommended by the Third Committee?
The Acting President
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 100.
The Acting President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 8 of its report.
The draft resolution is entitled "International cooperation against the world drug problem".
The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The Acting President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 101?
Agenda item 102
Advancement of women
Report of the Third Committee (A/57/549)
Report of the Fifth Committee (A/57/658)
The Acting President
The Assembly will consider the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 102 entitled "Advancement of women". The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of draft resolution I is contained in document A/57/658.
The Assembly will now take a decision on the six draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 34 of its report and the draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 35 of the same report.
We turn first to draft resolution I, entitled "Future operation of the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women".
| favour |
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Draft resolution I was adopted by 136 votes to 7, with 29 abstentions (resolution 57/175).
favour=136 against=7 abstain=29 absent=20
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe
The Acting President
Draft resolution II is entitled "Trafficking in women and girls".
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The Acting President
Draft resolution III is entitled "Situation of older women in society".
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The Acting President
Draft resolution IV is entitled "Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women".
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution IV without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft resolution IV, as orally updated by the Rapporteur?
The Acting President
Draft resolution V is entitled "Working towards the elimination of crimes against women committed in the name of honour".
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution V without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The Acting President
Draft resolution VI is entitled "Improvement of the status of women in the United Nations system".
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VI without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The Acting President
We now turn to the draft decision entitled "Document submitted in connection with the question of the advancement of women".
May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision as recommended by the Third Committee?
The Acting President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 102?
Agenda item 103
Implementation of the outcome of the Fourth World Conference on Women and of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly, entitled "Women 2000: gender equality, development and peace for the twenty-first century"
Report of the Third Committee (A/57/550)
The Acting President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 12 of its report. Draft resolution I is entitled "Elimination of all forms of violence against women, including crimes identified in the outcome document of the twenty-third 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 I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The Acting President
Draft resolution II is entitled "Follow-up to the Fourth World Conference on Women and full implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action and the outcome of the twenty-third special session of the General Assembly.
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The Acting President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of the agenda item 103?
Agenda item 104
Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, questions relating to refugees, returnees and displaced persons and humanitarian questions
Report of the Third Committee (A/57/551)
The Acting President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the five draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 20 of its report.
Draft resolution I is entitled "Assistance to refugees, returnees and displaced persons in Africa". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The Acting President
Draft resolution II is entitled "New international humanitarian order". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The Acting President
Draft resolution III is entitled "Enlargement of the Executive Committee of the Programme of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees".
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The Acting President
Draft resolution IV is entitled "Continuation of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees".
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution IV without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The Acting President
Draft resolution V is entitled "Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees".
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution V without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The Acting President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 104?
Agenda item 105
Promotion and protection of the rights of children
Report of the Third Committee (A/57/552)
The Acting President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 25 of the report and on the draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 26 of the same report.
We now turn to draft resolution I, entitled "Situation of and assistance to Palestinian children".
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Draft resolution I was adopted by 108 votes to 5, with 60 abstentions (resolution 57/188).
favour=108 against=5 abstain=60 absent=19
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe
The Acting President
Draft resolution II is entitled "The girl child".
A separate, recorded vote has been requested on operative paragraph 1 of draft resolution II.
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Operative paragraph 1 was retained by 168 votes to 2, with 1 abstention.
favour=168 against=2 abstain=1 absent=21
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe
The Acting President
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II, as a whole, without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The Acting President
Draft resolution III is entitled "Rights of the child".
| favour |
| against |
| abstain |
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Draft resolution III was adopted by 175 votes to 2 (resolution 57/190).
favour=175 against=2 abstain=0 absent=15
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe
The Acting President
We now turn to the draft decision entitled "Reports submitted in connection with the promotion and protection of the rights of children".
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to adopt the draft decision recommended by the Third Committee?
The Acting President
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 105?
Agenda item 106
Programme of activities of the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People
Report of the Third Committee (A/57/553)
Report of the Fifth Committee (A/57/659)
The Acting President
The report of the Fifth Committee on the programme budget implications of draft resolution I is contained in document A/57/659.
The Assembly will now take a decision on the three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 16 of its report and on the draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 17 of the report.
Draft resolution I is entitled "Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues".
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt draft resolution I, as orally corrected by the Rapporteur?
The Acting President
Draft resolution II is entitled "International Decade of the World's Indigenous People".
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The Acting President
Draft resolution III is entitled "Indigenous People and issues".
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The Acting President
We now turn to the draft decision entitled "Document considered by the General Assembly in connection with the question of the programme of activities of the International Decade of the World's Indigenous People".
May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision recommended by the Third Committee?
The Acting President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 106?
Agenda item 107
Elimination of racism and racial discrimination
Report of the Third Committee (A/57/554)
The Acting President
The Assembly will take a decision on the two draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 18 of its report and on the draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 19 of the same report.
Draft resolution I is entitled "International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination".
A separate vote has been requested on operative paragraph 10 of section 1 of draft resolution I.
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Operative paragraph 10 of section 1 of draft resolution I was retained by 168 votes to 2.
favour=168 against=2 abstain=0 absent=22
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe
The Acting President
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I as a whole without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The Acting President
Draft resolution II is entitled "The fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance and the comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action".
| favour |
| against |
| abstain |
| absent |
Draft resolution II was adopted by 173 votes to 3, with 2 abstentions (resolution 57/195).
favour=173 against=3 abstain=2 absent=14
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe
The Acting President
The Assembly will now turn to the draft decision entitled "Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on the comprehensive implementation of follow-up to the World Conference against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance".
May I take it that the General Assembly decides to adopt the draft decision recommended by the Third Committee?
The Acting President
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 107.
The Acting President
The Assembly will now take a decision on the three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 19 of its report.
Draft resolution I is entitled "Use of mercenaries as a means of violating human rights and impeding the exercise of the right of peoples to self-determination".
| favour |
| against |
| abstain |
| absent |
Draft resolution I was adopted by 124 votes to 21, with 34 abstentions (resolution 57/196).
favour=124 against=21 abstain=34 absent=13
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe
The Acting President
Draft resolution II is entitled "Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination".
The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The Acting President
Draft resolution III is entitled "The right of the Palestinian people to self-determination".
| favour |
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| abstain |
| absent |
Draft resolution III was adopted by 172 votes to 4, with 3 abstentions (resolution 57/198).
favour=172 against=4 abstain=3 absent=13
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d'Ivoire, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Yugoslavia, Zambia, Zimbabwe
The Acting President
I call on the observer of Palestine.
Mr. Al-Kidwa (Palestine)
At this time, I would like to take the opportunity to say a few words on the issue of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, particularly as my delegation did not do so after the vote on the draft resolution related to that issue in the Third Committee. However, before doing so, I wish to express our thanks and appreciation to all those who voted in favour of the resolution entitled "The situation of and assistance to Palestinian children". We maintain the hope that those who abstained on that important and timely resolution will join the majority on this critical issue in the future as long as the conditions of Palestinian children continue to warrant such a resolution.
We are pleased with and very proud of the results of the vote on the resolution entitled "The right of the Palestinian people to self-determination", as well as with the impressive number of sponsors of that resolution. The right to self-determination remains a central issue for our people, and the continuous reaffirmation of that right by the international community -- such as its support for the resolution -- is essential until the actual realization of that right.
Nevertheless, it is imperative that we express our deep concern at the negative vote cast by Israel on the resolution. Such a vote serves only as additional proof that the Israeli Government indeed rejects a real peace settlement based on the existence of two States, Israel and Palestine. Even worse, the vote is inconsistent with the mutual recognition achieved at the beginning of the Oslo peace process between the Government of Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization. Reneging by one side on that mutual recognition not only is dangerous and tragic but, if established, would lead to the recognition's nullification, not only by one side but in its entirety.
The vote by the delegation of the United States is also very disappointing and unfortunate. That is particularly so in the light of the special responsibilities of the United States and the role that it plays in international politics, including in the Middle East. In fact, it is impossible to reconcile statements made by the President of the United States concerning his vision of a region with two States, Israel and Palestine, on the one hand, and the negative vote by the United States on this resolution, on the other. Indeed, it is extremely difficult for the Palestinian people -- and, I would imagine, even for the Israeli people -- to take such a position and vision seriously while, at the same time, witnessing a negative vote by the United States on such a resolution.
If we are to achieve peace in the Middle East, we need a solution that recognizes and guarantees the basic and national rights of both peoples. The recognition of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including their right to an independent State of Palestine, is the first step in that direction. It is our hope that we will see a unanimous vote on this resolution next year.
The Acting President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 108?
The Acting 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 recommended by the Third Committee?
The Acting President
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 109.
Agenda item 109 (continued)
Sub-item (a)
Implementation of human rights instruments
Report of the Third Committee (A/57/556/Add.1)
The Acting President
The representative of Bahrain has asked for the floor before the vote.
Mr. Saleh (Bahrain)
My country's delegation wishes to explain its position before the vote on the draft resolution on the implementation of human rights instruments and on the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.
The Kingdom of Bahrain is making efforts, particularly within the area of the democratic process, to establish institutions designed to serve the aspirations of our people, which will help advance the interests of Bahraini citizens. The Constitution and legislation of Bahrain condemn all forms of discrimination against or cruel treatment of any human beings within the territory of the Kingdom whether they are citizens or resident aliens. That is tangible evidence of the great importance the Kingdom of Bahrain attaches to the preservation of and respect for human rights in order to promote human dignity and the role of individuals.
In that regard, the Kingdom of Bahrain has supported the adoption of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel