| Date | 16 December 2005 |
|---|---|
| Started | 15:00 |
| Ended | 17:15 |
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Reports of the Third Committee
The President
The General Assembly will consider the reports of the Third Committee on agenda items 39, 61 to 65, 67 to 71, 106, 107 and 116.
I request Mr. Pedro Cardoso of Brazil, Rapporteur of the Third Committee, to introduce, in one intervention, the reports of the Third Committee.
Mr. Cardoso (Brazil)
I have the honour to introduce, for the consideration of the General Assembly, the reports of the Third Committee on the agenda items allocated to it by the Assembly.
Under agenda item 39, entitled "Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, questions relating to refugees, returnees and displaced persons and humanitarian questions", the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 17 of document A/60/499, the adoption of three draft resolutions; and, in paragraph 18 of the same report, the adoption of one draft decision.
Under agenda item 61, 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 12 of document A/60/500, the adoption of one draft resolution.
Under agenda item 62, 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 paragraph 27 of document A/60/501, the adoption of four draft resolutions; and, in paragraph 28 of the same report, the adoption of one draft decision.
Under agenda item 63, entitled "Follow-up to the International Year of Older Persons: Second World Assembly on Ageing", the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 9 of document A/60/502, the adoption of one draft resolution.
Under agenda item 64, entitled "Advancement of women", the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 48 of document A/60/503, the adoption of six draft resolutions; and, in paragraph 49 of the same report, the adoption of one draft decision.
Under agenda item 65, 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 Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 10 of document A/60/504, the adoption one draft resolution.
Under agenda item 67, entitled "Promotion and protection of the rights of children", the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 46 of document A/60/505, the adoption of two draft resolutions.
Under agenda item 68, entitled "Indigenous issues", the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 12 of document A/60/506, the adoption of one draft resolution; and, in paragraph 13 of the same report, the adoption of one draft decision.
The report of the Third Committee under agenda item 69, entitled, "Elimination of racism and racial discrimination", is contained in documents A/60/507 and A/60/507/Corr.1. In paragraph 21 of the former, the Third Committee recommends the adoption of two draft resolutions; and, in paragraph 22 of the same report, the adoption of one draft decision.
Under agenda item 70, entitled "Right of peoples to self-determination", the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 17 of document A/60/508, the adoption of two draft resolutions; and, in paragraph 18 of the same report, the adoption one draft decision.
The report of the Third Committee under agenda item 71, entitled "Human rights questions", has been issued in seven parts, which are contained in documents A/60/509, A/60/509/Add.1, A/60/509/Add.2 (Part I), A/60/509/Add.2 (Part II), A/60/509/Add.3, A/60/509/Add.4 and A/60/509/Add.5.
In paragraph 5 of document A/60/509, the Third Committee recommends the adoption of one draft decision.
Under sub-item (a) of agenda item 71, entitled "Implementation of human rights instruments", the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 23 of document A/60/509/Add.1, the adoption of three draft resolutions.
The report issued under sub-item (b) of agenda item 71, entitled "Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms", has been issued in two parts. In paragraph 21 of document A/60/509/Add.2 (Part I), the Third Committee recommends the adoption of one draft resolution. In paragraph 102 of document A/60/509/Add.2 (Part II), the Third Committee recommends the adoption of 20 draft resolutions.
Under sub-item (c) of agenda item 71, entitled "Human rights situations and reports of special rapporteurs and representatives", the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 70 of document A/60/509/Add.3, the adoption of six draft resolutions.
The reports of the Third Committee contained in documents A/60/509/Add.4 and A/60/509/Add.5, indicate that no proposals were submitted under sub-item (d) of agenda item 71, entitled "Comprehensive implementation of and follow-up to the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action", or sub-item (e) of the same agenda item, entitled "Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights".
Under agenda item 106, entitled "Crime prevention and criminal justice", the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 21 of document A/60/510, the adoption of three draft resolutions; and, in paragraph 22 of the same document, the adoption of one draft decision.
Under agenda item 107, entitled "International drug control", the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 15 of document A/60/511, the adoption of two draft resolutions.
Finally, under agenda item 116, entitled "Revitalization of the work of the General Assembly", the Third Committee recommends, in paragraph 6 of document A/60/512, the adoption of two draft decisions.
Before concluding, I should like to thank the members of the Bureau of the Third Committee, as well as the members of the Secretariat, for their support and help in ensuring the successful completion of the work of the Committee. Having said that, I respectfully commend the reports of the Third Committee to the General Assembly for its consideration.
The President
I thank Mr. Pedro Cardoso of Brazil, Rapporteur of the Third Committee, for his introduction of the reports of the Third Committee.
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 the Assembly today.
The 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, 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 further 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 reports of the Third Committee, I would 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 would 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 39
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/60/499)
The President
The Assembly has before it three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 17 of its report, as well as a draft decision recommended by the Committee in paragraph 18 of the same report. We shall now take a decision on draft resolutions I to III, and on the draft decision.
Draft resolution I is entitled "Enlargement of the Executive Committee of the Programme of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
Draft resolution II is entitled "Assistance to refugees, returnees and displaced persons in Africa". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
Draft resolution III is entitled "Office 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 likewise?
The President
I call on the representative of Azerbaijan on a point of order.
Ms. Adjalova (Azerbaijan)
With regard to resolution 60/129, I would like to inform the General Assembly that Azerbaijan withdrew its sponsorship at the time that action was taken in the Third Committee. That fact was not reflected in the report before us, and we would like to request the Secretariat to ensure that it is recorded.
The President
We turn now to the draft decision, entitled "Report of the Secretary-General on assistance to unaccompanied refugee minors".
May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 18 of its report?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 39?
Agenda item 61
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/60/500)
The President
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 12 of its report in document A/60/500.
We will now take a decision on the draft resolution. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 61?
Agenda item 62
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/60/501)
The President
The Assembly has before it four draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 27 of its report in document A/60/501, and one draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 28 of the same report.
We will now take decisions on draft resolutions I through IV and on the draft decision.
Draft resolution I is entitled "Implementation of the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons: realizing the Millennium Development Goals for persons with disabilities". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
Draft resolution II is entitled "Cooperatives in social development". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
Draft resolution III is entitled "Follow-up to the tenth anniversary of the International Year of the Family and beyond". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
Draft resolution IV is entitled "Follow-up to the implementation of the International Year of Volunteers". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution IV without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
We now turn to the draft decision, entitled "Report considered by the General Assembly in connection with the question of social development".
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to adopt the draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 28 of its report?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 62?
Agenda item 63
Follow-up to the International Year of Older Persons: Second World Assembly on Ageing
Report of the Third Committee (A/60/502)
The President
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 9 of its report in document A/60/502.
We will now take a decision on the draft resolution, 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 President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 63?
The President
The Assembly has before it six draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 48 of its report in document A/60/503, and one draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 49 of the same report.
I should like to inform members that action on draft resolution IV, entitled "Future operation of the International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women", and draft resolution VI, entitled "Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women", is postponed to a later date to allow time for the review of their programme budget implications by the Fifth Committee. The Assembly will take action on draft resolutions IV and VI as soon as the reports of the Fifth Committee on their programme budget implications are available.
We will now take decisions on draft resolutions I, II, III and V and on the draft decision.
Draft resolution I is entitled "In-depth study on all forms of violence against women". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
Draft resolution II is entitled "United Nations Development Fund for Women". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
Draft resolution III is entitled "Improvement of the situation of women in rural areas". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
Draft resolution V is entitled "Violence against women migrant workers". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution V without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
We now turn to the draft decision, entitled "Report of the Office of Internal Oversight Services on the review of the United Nations International Research and Training Institute for the Advancement of Women".
May I take it that it is the wish of the Assembly to adopt the draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 49 of its report?
The President
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 64.
Agenda item 65
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/60/504)
The President
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 10 of its report in document A/60/504.
We will now take a decision on the draft resolution, 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 the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 65?
Agenda item 67
Promotion and protection of the rights of children
Report of the Third Committee (A/60/505)
The President
The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 46 of its report in document A/60/505.
I should like to inform members that action on draft resolution II, entitled "Rights of the child", is postponed to a later date to allow time for the review of its programme budget implications by the Fifth Committee. The Assembly will take action on draft resolution II as soon as the reports of the Fifth Committee on its programme budget implications is available.
We will now take a decision on 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 the same?
The President
The Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 67.
The President
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 12 of its report in document A/60/506 and a draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 13 of the same report.
We will now take a decision on the draft resolution and on the draft decision.
The draft resolution is entitled "Programme of Action for the Second International Decade of the World's Indigenous People". The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
The draft decision is entitled "Report of the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the situation of human rights and fundamental freedoms of indigenous people".
May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 13 of its report?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 68?
Agenda item 69
Elimination of racism and racial discrimination
Report of the Third Committee (A/60/507 and Corr.1)
The President
The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 21 of its report in document A/60/507 and one draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 22 of the same report.
We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I and II and on the draft decision.
Draft resolution I is entitled "Inadmissibility of certain practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance".
| favour |
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| abstain |
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Draft resolution I was adopted by 114 votes to 4, with 57 abstentions (resolution 60/143).
favour=114 against=4 abstain=57 absent=16
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, Zambia, Zimbabwe
The President
Draft resolution II is entitled "Global efforts for the total elimination of 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 |
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Draft resolution II was adopted by 172 votes to 3, with 4 abstentions (resolution 60/144).
favour=172 against=3 abstain=4 absent=12
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, Zambia, Zimbabwe
The President
The Assembly will now turn to the draft decision, entitled "Report of the Secretary-General under agenda item 69".
May I take it that the General Assembly decides to adopt the draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 22 of its report?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 69?
The President
The Assembly has before it two draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 17 of its report in document A/60/508 and one draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph of 18 of the same report.
I call on the representative of the United States to speak in explanation of vote.
Mr. Godard (United States)
The United States has worked continuously to support the social and economic development, as well as legitimate political aspirations, of the Palestinian people. The level of United States assistance for Palestinians' needs compares favourably to that of any other country in the world. The United States has no quarrel with the "right of the Palestinian people to self-determination". President Bush articulated clearly that the United States objective is two sovereign, democratic States -- Israel and Palestine -- living side by side in peace and security.
The United States, working with the Palestinian Authority and the international community, has focused substantial resources on strengthening the Palestinian Authority's institutions and providing assistance to ensure democratic elections. President Bush recently welcomed Palestinian Authority President Abbas to the White House. Recent progress on the ground, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the 15 November Agreement on Movement and Access between Israel and the Palestinian Authority are historic and show that progress is made when Israeli and Palestinian officials work together with the support of the international community. In this regard, the opening of Rafah on 25 November marked an important step in building trust between the parties as we work to renew progress along the road map.
The United States cannot support the draft resolution under consideration. The draft resolution and others like it reflect an outdated approach conceived when the Palestinian people lacked democratic leadership and believed that the solution to their problems lay in the United Nations. There is a role for the United Nations in this issue, but that role is in supporting the two parties to the conflict. One-sided resolutions from the Assembly undermine the credibility of the United Nations and, ultimately, its effectiveness.
The President
A number of representatives have indicated to the Secretariat that their names were not included in the list of sponsors of draft resolution II, entitled "The right of the Palestinian people to self-determination", contained in document A/60/508. In that connection, I give the floor to the Director of the General Assembly and Economic and Social Council Affairs Division of the Department for General Assembly and Conference Management.
Ms. Kelley (Director, General Assembly and Economic and Social Council Affairs Division, Department for General Assembly and Conference Management)
Regrettably, document A/60/508 failed to list the names of the additional sponsors of draft resolution II, entitled "The right of the Palestinian people to self-determination". I would like for the record to read out those names and to assure the Assembly that they will be included in the final version of the report.
The additional sponsors of draft resolution II, on the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, are: Andorra, Armenia, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Benin, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, the Comoros, Costa Rica, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ecuador, Finland, France, Greece, Guinea, Guyana, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Niger, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Saint Lucia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, the United Republic of Tanzania, Viet Nam, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The President
We will now take a decision on draft resolutions I and II and on the draft decision.
Draft resolution I is entitled "Universal realization of the right of peoples to self-determination". 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 "The right of the Palestinian people to self-determination".
| favour |
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Draft resolution II was adopted by 170 votes to 5, with 1 abstention (resolution 60/146).
favour=170 against=5 abstain=1 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, Zambia, Zimbabwe
The President
The draft decision is entitled "Documents considered by the General Assembly in connection with the question of the rights of peoples to self-determination". May I take it that the Assembly wishes to adopt the draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 18 of its report?
The President
May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 70?
The President
The Assembly has before it a draft decision recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 5 of its report.
We will now take action on the draft decision.
The draft decision, entitled "Reports considered by the General Assembly in connection with the question of human rights", was adopted by the Third Committee. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
The General Assembly has thus concluded this stage of its consideration of agenda item 71.
(a) Implementation of human rights instruments
Report of the Third Committee (A/60/509/Add.1)
The President
The Assembly has before it three draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 23 of its report.
We will now take decisions on draft resolutions I to III.
Draft resolution I is entitled "Basic Principles and Guidelines on the Right to a Remedy and Reparation for Victims of Gross Violations of International Human Rights Law and Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law". 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 "Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
Draft resolution III is entitled "International Covenants on Human Rights". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
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 71?
(b) Human rights questions, including alternative approaches for improving the effective enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms
Report of the Third Committee (A/60/509/Add.2 (Parts I and II))
The President
The Assembly has before it a draft resolution recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 21 of part I of its report and 20 draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 102 of part II of its report.
Before proceeding further, I should like to inform members that action on the draft resolution entitled "Ad Hoc Committee on a Comprehensive and Integral International Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities", contained in part I of the report, is postponed to a later date to allow time for the review of its programme budget implications by the Fifth Committee. The Assembly will take action on the draft resolution as soon as the report of the Fifth Committee on its programme budget implications is available.
I now call on the representative of the United States of America, who wishes to speak in explanation of vote before the voting.
Mr. Godard (United States)
With regard to draft resolution X under this item, entitled "Human rights in the administration of justice", the United States would like to bring to the attention of the General Assembly the amendments to operative paragraphs 1 and 2 submitted by our delegation during consideration of the draft resolution by the Third Committee.
While we are not going to re-submit these now, we would like to reaffirm our position. In particular, we have strong concerns with the reference in paragraph 1 to implementing "all United Nations standards on human rights", which include a variety of non-binding norms and recommendations.
The United States takes seriously our commitment to fully implement human rights obligations we have undertaken, and we believe that that more limited and accurate language should be used when addressing this topic in future resolutions of this nature.
The President
We will now take decisions, one by one, on the 20 draft resolutions recommended in paragraph 102 of part II of the report. After all the decisions have been taken, representatives will again have the opportunity to explain their votes.
We first turn to draft resolution I, entitled "Combating defamation of religions".
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Draft resolution I was adopted by 101 to 53, with 20 abstentions (resolution 60/150).
favour=101 against=53 abstain=20 absent=17
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, Zambia, Zimbabwe
The President
Draft resolution II is entitled "Subregional Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
Draft resolution III is entitled "Globalization and its impact on the full enjoyment of all human rights".
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Draft resolution III was adopted by 121 to 53, with 4 abstentions (resolution 60/152).
favour=121 against=53 abstain=4 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, Zambia, Zimbabwe
The President
Draft resolution IV is entitled "Establishment of a United Nations human rights training and documentation centre for South-West Asia and the Arab region". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution IV without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
Draft resolution V is entitled "National institutions for the promotion and protection of human rights". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution V without a vote. May I take it the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
Draft resolution VI is entitled "Human rights and unilateral coercive measures".
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Draft resolution VI was adopted by 125 to 53, with no abstentions (resolution 60/155).
favour=125 against=53 abstain=0 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, Zambia, Zimbabwe
The President
Draft resolution VII is entitled "Enhancement of international cooperation in the field of human rights". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution VII without a vote. May I take it the Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The President
Draft resolution VIII is entitled "The right to development".
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Draft resolution VIII was adopted by 172 votes to 2, with 5 abstentions (resolution 60/157).
favour=172 against=2 abstain=5 absent=12
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, Zambia, Zimbabwe
The President
Draft resolution IX is entitled "Protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism." The Third Committee adopted draft resolution IX without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
Draft resolution X is entitled "Human rights in the administration of justice." The Third Committee adopted draft resolution X without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
Draft resolution XI is entitled "Effective promotion of the Declaration of the Rights of Persons Belonging to National or Ethnic, Religious and Linguistic Minorities." The Third Committee adopted draft resolution XI without a vote. May I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
Draft resolution XII 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 XII without a vote. May I take it that the Assembly wishes to do the same?
The President
Draft resolution XIII 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 the fifth preambular paragraph of draft resolution XIII. I shall first put that paragraph to the vote.
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The fifth preambular paragraph of draft resolution XVIII was retained by 136 votes to none, with 31 abstentions.
favour=136 against=0 abstain=31 absent=24
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, Zambia, Zimbabwe
The President
I now put to the vote the draft resolution as a whole.
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Draft resolution XIII as a whole was adopted by 173 votes to none, with 1 abstention (resolution 60/162).
favour=173 against=0 abstain=1 absent=17
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria,