General Assembly Session 62 meeting 74

The President

Members will recall that the Assembly held the High-level Dialogue on Interreligious and Intercultural Understanding and Cooperation for Peace, under this agenda item, at its 17th, 18th and 19th plenary meetings, on 4 and 5 October 2007, and that it held a debate at its 39th plenary meeting, on 30 October 2007.

Draft resolution A/62/L.6 has already been introduced.

I now give the floor to the representative of the Philippines to introduce draft resolution A/62/L.17/Rev.1.

Mr. Davide (Philippines)

On behalf of the main sponsors, Pakistan and the Philippines, I am pleased to introduce draft resolution A/62/L.17/Rev.1, entitled "Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace". For the record, the following countries are also sponsors as of noon on 14 December: Angola, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, the Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Djibouti, the Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Eritrea, Fiji, the Gambia, Guatemala, Haiti, Indonesia, the Islamic Republic of Iran, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Liberia, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Mongolia, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Qatar, the Russian Federation, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, the Sudan, Suriname, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Uzbekistan. The Secretariat will announce shortly any additional sponsors.

As an update of resolution 61/221, bearing the same title, the draft resolution revisits three operational provisions of resolution 61/221.

First, it welcomes the designation by the Secretary-General of the Office for Economic and Social Council Support and Coordination, in the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, as a focal point in the Secretariat to assist the Secretary-General in coordinating the contribution of the United Nations system entities to the intergovernmental process of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace, and looks forward to its effective functioning.

Secondly, it emphasizes the need to sustain the momentum generated by the High-level Dialogue of 4 and 5 October 2007 on Interreligious and Intercultural Understanding and Cooperation for Peace in subsequent discussions.

Thirdly, it decides to declare the year 2010 as the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures and to recommend the organization during that year of appropriate events on interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace, including, inter alia, a high-level dialogue and/or informal interactive hearings with civil society. This was recommended by the recent General Conference of UNESCO. The sponsors will submit to the General Assembly at the next session a modalities resolution to implement the International Year. The other operative paragraphs of the draft resolution are equally important.

Draft resolution A/62/L.17/Rev.1 has been the subject of a series of informal consultations. At this point, allow me to convey my gratitude and that of the sponsors for the constructive contributions in enriching the text of the draft resolution. We are equally grateful to other delegations for their exemplary flexibility and accommodation that made it possible to have a consensus text for our approval today.

On behalf of the sponsors, I commend the adoption by consensus of draft resolution A/62/L.17/Rev.1, entitled "Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace".

Finally, allow me to extend to all of my dear colleagues my best wishes that they be lavished with the season's message of faith, love, peace, selfless service and hope and a New Year for a world filled with this message.

The President

We shall now proceed to consider draft resolutions A/62/L.6 and A/62/L.17/Rev.1.

The Assembly will first take action on draft resolution A/62/L.6, entitled "International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World, 2001-2010". May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/62/L.6?

The President

The Assembly will now take action on draft resolution A/62/L.17/Rev.1, entitled "Promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace". May I take it that the Assembly decides to adopt draft resolution A/62/L.17/Rev.1?

The President

We will now hear two general statements following adoption of the resolutions.

Mr. Lemos Godinho (Portugal)

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The European Union has joined the consensus on resolution 62/90 and would like to thank the main sponsors for their flexibility in addressing the concerns of delegations in the revised text.

The European Union understands the purpose of this resolution as an affirmation of the importance of interreligious and intercultural dialogue as important dimensions of the dialogue among civilizations and of the culture of peace. The European Union also sees this resolution as an expression of commitment, since genuine interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace can only take place if human rights and fundamental freedoms are fully protected and promoted.

The European Union is in full agreement that the promotion of dialogue and understanding among cultures is essential to building a more peaceful world. For that reason, the European Union supported the decision at the recent General Conference of UNESCO to recommend to the General Assembly the proclamation of the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures.

However, the European Union would like to recall that the existing Economic and Social Council guidelines for the consideration of international years -- which we reaffirmed last year by adopting resolution 61/185 -- set out that, prior to their consideration by the General Assembly, proposals for international years made by organizations within the United Nations system should first be brought to the attention of the Council to enable it to advise on their timing and to evaluate their purpose. The EU believes it important that the clear mandate of the Council in that regard should be respected, and we regret that it has not been so in this case.

It is our hope that, despite this, we will use the two years we have until 2010 to properly prepare, under the active guidance of UNESCO, the International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures so that it can make a real difference and achieve its objective of bringing different cultures together.

Mr. Rogachev (Russia)

We welcome the adoption of the resolution on the promotion of interreligious and intercultural dialogue, understanding and cooperation for peace, of which the Russian Federation was a sponsor. This resolution marks a new step in strengthening constructive interaction among civilizations.

The universal nature of the United Nations dictates the need to take into account spiritual traditions and the diversity of global cultures and religions. That is demonstrated by successful cooperation in the framework of such formats as the Tripartite Forum on Interfaith Cooperation for Peace, the Alliance of Civilizations, the Dialogue of Civilizations forum held on the Island of Rhodes and others. The Assembly's High-level Dialogue on Interreligious and Intercultural Understanding and Cooperation for Peace, which took place during the present session, on 4 and 5 October, demonstrated the need for such a form of interaction among States, religions and civil society. That positive experience should be both supported, reproduced and more vigorously developed.

Dialogue has become the source for a number of constructive initiatives, making use of the potential of the United Nations in strengthening interreligious peace as a condition for the implementation of the primary goals of the Organization: global security, development and respect for human rights. The impetus provided by the High-level Dialogue must be used to further the Organization's practical activity in that area, and the resolution just adopted creates a good foundation for this.

The President

May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to conclude its consideration of agenda item 49?

The President

Members will recall that the Assembly already held a joint debate on agenda item 71 and its sub-items, together with agenda item 72, at its 53rd to 55th plenary meetings, held on 19 and 20 November 2007, and has adopted a resolution under sub-item (d) of agenda item 71.

In connection with agenda item 71 and its sub-items (a) and (c), I now give the floor to the representative of Indonesia to introduce draft resolution A/62/L.30.

Mr. Petranto (Indonesia)

I have the honour to introduce, on behalf of the tsunami-affected countries, the draft resolution contained in document A/62/L.30, entitled "Strengthening emergency relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction and prevention in the aftermath of the Indian Ocean tsunami disaster".

Natural disasters have become global issue due to the serious damage suffered by countries around the world each year. They have threatened human life by bringing about socio-economic disorder and have caused actual loss of life and damage of property. There is wide recognition that the poor in developing countries are most vulnerable to natural disasters; they tend to suffer heavily and to be displaced by such disasters.

The disaster caused by the major earthquake off the coast of Sumatra and the resulting tsunami in the Indian Ocean in December 2004 led to unprecedented human and physical damage to the countries in the area of the earthquake and far away. The vast majority of the thousands killed were in impoverished fishing and farming communities near the coasts.

While each country has the primary responsibility for its own people, the terrible events of the tsunami, as in other disasters before it, brought out the best in the human spirit of solidarity and struggle. It is that unconquerable spirit that has enabled us to overcome nature's obstacles time and again in history through mutual help and partnership. With international support, we are working hard to help the survivors get back on their feet. We are making progress, but recovery is going to take years.

Against that background, draft resolution A/62/L.30 updates General Assembly resolution 61/132 of 14 December 2006. The text of this year's resolution is similar, apart from its taking into account the recent developments and lessons learned during the rehabilitation and reconstruction phase in the affected countries.

The key actions in the resolution include, first, maintaining a long-term perspective on the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the affected areas, for tsunami-affected countries, although facing different recovery timetables, still share the common challenge of long-term recovery. Secondly, preventive measures are essential for the affected communities, particularly with regard to improving the quality of and strengthening local capacity to respond to tsunami warnings. As part of that effort, building national capacity in the context of creating reliable early warning system in the region is also crucial. Thirdly, early warning systems must be continually evaluated and strengthened. Fourthly, close coordination must be continually promoted so as to improve the effectiveness of disaster response and recovery. A fifth area is the promotion of transparency and accountability among donors and recipient countries.

Before taking action on the draft resolution, permit my delegation to note some editorial errors that require oral corrections. First, in the last line of operative paragraph 12, replace "for assessing and monitoring" with "to assess and monitor". Secondly, in operative paragraph 13, insert "UNESCO", immediately before "Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission" and, in the penultimate line, replace "towards developing" with "for developing". Lastly, in operative paragraph 16, replace "opportunities for women" with "every opportunity for women".

As of Friday, 141 countries had joined in co-sponsoring this draft resolution. Permit me to express, on behalf of the affected countries, our sincere thanks to all the Member States that have shown interest in and given their support to this draft resolution. We truly hope it can be adopted by consensus.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Pakistan to introduce draft resolution A/62/L.34.

Mr. Amil (Pakistan)

On behalf of the Group of 77 and China as well as the other sponsors, I have the honour to introduce the draft resolution entitled "International cooperation on humanitarian assistance in the field of natural disasters, from relief to development", contained in document A/62/L.34.

Successive reports of the Secretary-General on humanitarian issues indicate an alarming increase in the number and scale of natural disasters over the past decade, particularly in the developing countries. The poverty/disaster interface has the potential for immense suffering and loss. Natural disasters not only have an adverse impact on the economic and social development of the vulnerable, especially the poor, but also impede progress towards development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Although it may not be possible to completely eliminate the suffering caused by natural disasters, commitment to enhancing preparedness and response capacity could help in the early recovery and long-term rehabilitation of those affected by such disasters.

It is in this backdrop that the G-77 and China has again tabled this resolution, which requires the continued attention of the international community to this important issue.

Strengthening disaster preparedness, response and early recovery efforts to mitigate and minimize the impact of natural disasters is one of main objectives of draft resolution A/62/L.34. In this context, the G-77 and China wish to highlight that the affected State has the primary responsibility in the initiation, organization, coordination and implementation of humanitarian assistance within its territory. At the same time, it is important to strengthen international cooperation, especially through the effective use of multilateral mechanisms in the provision of humanitarian assistance during all phases of a disaster, from relief and mitigation to development.

The resolution also recognizes the role information and telecommunication technology can play in disaster response, and encourages the international community to assist the efforts of developing countries to enhance their capacity in this regard.

The resolution is also mindful of the importance of rapid access to funds to ensure a more predictable and timely United Nations response to humanitarian emergencies. Welcoming the establishment of the Central Emergency Response Fund, the resolution also calls for mobilization of adequate, flexible and sustainable resources for the recovery activities.

On behalf of the G-77 and China, I wish to thank all those Member States that have sponsored this important resolution in order to express their commitment to strengthening international cooperation in responding to the challenges of relief and early recovery. In particular, I would like to thank Mrs. Ruchi Ghanashyam of the Indian delegation, who facilitated the consultations. I hope that as in the past, the Assembly will adopt this draft resolution by consensus.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Portugal to introduce draft resolutions A/62/L.36 and A/62/L.38.

Mr. Lemos Godinho (Portugal)

Allow me at the outset to express my sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their lives last week in the tragic events in Algiers.

It is my pleasure, on behalf of the European Union, to introduce draft resolutions A/62/L.38, entitled "Safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel", and A/62/L.36, entitled "Assistance to the Palestinian people".

Humanitarian personnel and United Nations and associated personnel conducting operations in the field provide an invaluable service to millions of people in need, often at great personal risk. The deeply disturbing information on deaths and injuries and on harassment against those personnel, as well as the fact that the perpetrators of such acts of violence seemingly operate with impunity, clearly demonstrates that this issue deserves our urgent attention.

The draft resolution before us addresses both the issues of strengthening the normative framework for the safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel and efforts to promote and enhance the security management system of the United Nations.

On the normative framework, the draft resolution calls upon all States to consider becoming parties to and to respect fully their obligations under the relevant international instruments, mindful of the need to promote the universality of the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel. The Optional Protocol to the Convention is a very important step forward in the protection of United Nations and associated personnel. The draft resolution calls upon all States to consider signing and ratifying the Optional Protocol as soon as possible, and urges States parties to put in place appropriate national legislation, as necessary, to enable the effective implementation of the Optional Protocol.

The draft resolution also recommends that the Secretary-General continue to seek the inclusion of, and that host countries include, key provisions of the Convention on the Safety of United Nations and Associated Personnel, among others, in the host country agreements and other related agreements concluded between the United Nations and those countries.

Importantly, the draft resolution reaffirms the need to hold accountable those responsible for all threats and acts of violence against humanitarian personnel and United Nations and associated personnel, and urges States to end impunity for such acts.

Secondly, the draft resolution acknowledges the ongoing efforts of the Secretary-General to further enhance the security management system of the United Nations, recognizing the important work of the Department of Safety and Security. The draft resolution recognizes the need for continued efforts to enhance coordination and cooperation between the United Nations and other relevant organizations to address mutual security concerns in the field. The draft resolution also invites the United Nations and, as appropriate, other humanitarian organizations, working closely with host States, to further strengthen the analysis of threats to the safety and security of their personnel. The draft resolution also highlights the importance of information on the range and scope of security incidents involving humanitarian personnel and United Nations and associated personnel.

In addition, the draft resolution addresses the importance of providing to humanitarian and United Nations staff adequate information and training on security, and encourages collaborative initiatives to address security training needs.

Recalling the essential role of telecommunication resources, the draft resolution also addresses the issue of limiting and, whenever possible, lifting the restrictions placed on the use of communications equipment by United Nations and associated personnel.

The increasing dangers faced by both international and national staff involved in humanitarian and United Nations operations underlines the urgency of the need for further measures to reinforce their safety and security. It is our sincere hope that this draft resolution will contribute to wider efforts to provide the necessary security and protection required for humanitarian and United Nations and associated personnel in assisting those in need.

Finally, I would like to thank all interested delegations for their engagement on the text in the informal consultations. My delegation and the other sponsors hope that the draft resolution contained in document A/62/L.38 will be adopted by consensus.

I will now turn to draft resolution A/62/L.36, which is entitled "Assistance to the Palestinian people". The European Union reiterates its commitment to the provision of assistance to the Palestinian people. Sustained donor support from the international community, working with the parties, is crucial for an improvement of the Palestinian economic and social infrastructure and to address the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people. For its part, the European Union has been consistently increasing its assistance. The overall European Union assistance to the Palestinian people, including humanitarian and non-humanitarian assistance, as well as contributions to the temporary international mechanism, will this year exceed 900 million, which represents an important increase from last year, and again makes us the single biggest donor.

The European Union remains determined to support the ongoing negotiation process between the parties launched at Annapolis and stands ready to work closely with the Palestinian Authority, the Quartet and regional partners to contribute to the Palestinian economy's revival and development. The European Union recently adopted an action strategy in order to adapt and enhance its activities in areas such as security, law and order, institution-building, good governance, civil society contributions and support for the Palestinian economy, in order to foster a new, substantive and credible peace process.

We would also like to underline the importance of the role of the Quartet Representative, Mr. Tony Blair, and to welcome the work already done, in particular the recent announcement of a number of quick-impact projects.

The European Union, however, remains gravely concerned about the humanitarian situation of the Palestinian people, particularly in the Gaza Strip, and calls for the opening of crossings for both humanitarian reasons and commercial flows. We welcome the recent opening of a crossing for the export of agricultural goods as an important first step.

Today, the international donors are meeting in Paris in a conference that represents an essential building block of the political process launched at Annapolis and constitutes a unique opportunity for the international community to back up its commitment to assist in the economic and financial development of a future viable and prosperous Palestinian State. The European Union again demonstrated its support to the Palestinian people today, pledging the sum of 440 million for the year 2008.

I would to express our gratitude to the delegations that requested to be included in the list of sponsors of draft resolution A/62/L.36. The European Union and our fellow sponsors hope that this draft resolution will be adopted by consensus. We would also like to thank the Palestinian and Israeli delegations for their cooperation during the negotiations.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Sweden to introduce draft resolution A/62/L.37.