A/32/PV.98 General Assembly
THIRTY-SECOND SESSION
Oflicial Records
68. UnUled approach to development analysis and planning REPORT OF THE SECOND COMMITTEE (A/32/408) A/32/PV.98 REPORT OF THE SECOND COMMITTEE (A/32/385) 1. Mr. DHARAf (Libyan f'.rab Jamahiriya), Rapporteur of the Second Committee: i have the :lonour to introduce to the Assembiy seven reports concer ,jng the work of the Second Committee. 2. The first report [A/32/290j concerns agenda it~m 60. In paragraph 8 of the report the Assembly will find a draft resalution on UNITAR which the Second Committee recommends for adoption by the A~sembly. 3. The ~econd report [A/32/360J concerns agenda item . 63. Paragraph 11 of that report contllins two draft reso!utions which the Second Committee ha~ recommended for adoption, Draft resolution I is entitled "Manila Com- munique of the World Food Council: Programme of Action to Eradicate Hunger and Malnutrition" and draft resolution 11 is entitled "International Fund for Agricultllral Devel- opment". 4. The third report [A/32/297J concerns agenda item 64. In paragraph 6 of the report the Assembly will find the recommendation of the Second Committee. 5. The fourth report [A/32/3611 concerns agenda item 65. In paragn~ph7 of that report 'he Assembly will flnd a draft resolution on the United N,tttons University which the Second Committee recommends for adoption by the Assembly. 6. The filth report [A/32/404J concerns agenda it~m 66. In paragraph 12 of the report the Second Committee has recommended two draft resolutions. Draft resolution I is entitled "Assistance to the drought-stricken areas of Ethiopia" and draft resolution 11 is entitled "Offlce of the United Nations Disaster Relief Co-ordinator". 7. The sixth report [A/32/408J , concerns agenda item 68. In paragraph 5 of that report the Second Committee recommends a draft decision for adoption by the General Assembly. 8. Finally, I have the honour to introduce the report of the Second Committee on agenda item 69 [A/32/385J. In paragraph 8 of that document the Second Committee recommends that the Assembly adopt a draft resolution entitled "Examination of long-term trends in economic development". Pursuant to mle 66 of,the rules of procedure, it was decided not to discuss the reports of the Second Com- mittee.
The positioH:S of delegations with respect to the recommendations in the various reports of the Second Committee to the General Assembly are reflected in the relevant summary records of the Second Committee.
The draft resolution loWS adopted (rfso[ution 32/51).
81. International Covenants on Human Rights: (a) Report of the Human Rights Committee; (h) Status of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Optional Protocol to the "International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: report of the Secretary-General REPORT OF THE THIRD COMMITTEE (A/32/333) REPORT OF TaE THIRD COM~ITTEE (A/32/352) (c) Elec'i:!on of the High Commissioner 22. Mr. AL-HINAI (Oman), Rapporteur of th~ Third Committee: I have the honour to introduce today four reports of the Third Committee, dealing with agenda items 77, 80~ 81 and 87, contained in documents A/32/359, A/32i355, Aj32j333 and A/32/352, respectively. 23. The report on agenda item 77 [A/32/359J cor-tains a summary ef the proceedings at the five meetings at which the Third Committee discussed the item. The COll1mittee considered l.wo draft resolutions recommended by the Econcmic an-i Social Council: one relating: to methods and W!iYS likely to be mo;;t effective in preventing CrL"!le and i.,l1lproving the treatment of offenders and the Oth~i' 0!1 the report of the Fifth United Nations Congress on the pi~vention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders. Several amendments were submitted to those texts. 'The ChairmaIl submitted two draft resolutions replacing the draft resolutions submitted by the Economic and Social Council. The Committee adopted without a vote the texts proposed by the Chairman. In the Third Committee's report those texts may be found in paragraph 23 as draft resolutions 1 and H. 24. In draft resolution I, the General Assembly would take note of the report on "Uethods and ways likely to be most effective in preventing crime and improving the treatment of offenders";1 invite Member States to make use of the report while fonnulating national crime-prevention policies and strategies; and urge them to support the United Nations Trust Fund for Social Defence. It would also recommend that the Secretary-General should draw on the report in formulating proposals for future medium-term plans in crime prevention and criminal justice. 25. In dr"ft resolution H, relating to the report of the Fifth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders, the General Assembly would request the Secretary-General to h-nplr ~ept to the fullest extent possible the conclusions of the Congi:ess and invite Member States to give maximum attention and support to those conclusions. It would further request the Secretary-General to take the necessary measures for the preparation of the Sixth Congre3s and to prepare a report on the information received from Member States on the measures taken by them in support of the conclusions of the Fifth Congress. 26. Draft resolution Ill, adopted by the Committee without a vote, deals with crime prevention and control and is aimed at improving United Nations machinery in this field. 28. The report on agenda item 80, dealing with torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment [A/32/355], reflects the proceedings in the Third Committee during the eight meetings at which the item was discussed. The Committee considered a draft resolution recommended by the Economic and Social _ Council containing the draft of a "Code of conduct for law enforcement officials" which had been prepared by the Committee on Crime Prevention and Control at its fourth session. The Committee entertained a debate on the item and decided to recommend to the General Assembly that it request the Secretary-General to transmit the draft Code to all Governments for their examination and comments and that it examine the draft Code, together with the replies from Governments, at its thirty-third session. Paragraph 22 of the Committee's report contains the text of that decision. 29. With regard to the drafting of a convention on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading t~Jatment or punishment, which was the subject of a draft resolution submitted to'it, the Committee adopted a draft resolution without a vote recommending to the Assembly, inter alia, that it request the Commission on Human Rights to draft the document and submit a f·-ogress report on its work to the General Assembly at its thirty-third session. Paragraph 21 of the Third Committee's report contains the text of that draft resolution as draft resolution I. 30. Two draft resolutions relating to the Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Being Subjected to Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment were submitted to the Committee. Both were adopted by the Committee without a vote. 31. In the first. draft resolution, which appears in para- graph 21 of the report as draft resolution 11, the Committee recomrrends that the General Assembly, :nter alia, request the Secretary-General to draw up and circulate among Member States il questionnaire soliciting information con- cerning steps they have taken to put irto practice the principles of '~he Declaration and to submit the information provided to the General Assembly at its thirty-third session. 32. In the second draft resolution, which .appears in paragraph 21 of the report as draft resolution Ill, the General Assembly would call upon all Member States to reinforce their support of the Declaration by making unilateral declarations against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, following the model of a unilateral declaration annexed to the draft resolution. ~ession under the item and that the discussion on this item at the thirty-third session of the Assembly would include the item in all its aspects as well as the specific issues mentioned in the various resolutions adopted by the Committee. 34. Finally, the Committee adopted, also without a vote, draft resolution IV, relating to torture of political prisoners and detainees in southern Africa, which can be found in paragraph 21 of the Committee's report. 35. The report on agenda item 81, dealing with the International Covenants on Human Rights [A/32/333], gives a summary of the Third Committee's proceedings at the five meetings at which the item was discussed. The Committee had before it two draft resolutions that are recorded in paragraphs 5 and 6 of its report. The Chairman of the Committee submitted a draft resolution that combined the two texts to which I have referred. That new text was adopted by the Committee without objectiolt. The draft resolution, inter alia, reflects the appreciation of the General Assembly for the efforts made by the Human Rights Committee to achieve uniform standards in the implementation of the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and of the Optional Protocol thereto, and requests the Secretary-General to submit to the General AsSembly at its thirty-third session a report on the status of both International Covenants and the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. 36. The report on agenda item 87, dealing with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, is contained in document A/321352. Subitem raj of agenda item 87 deals with the report of the High Commissioner for Refugees and Subitem rh) with the question of the con- tinuation of the Office of the High Commissioner. Four draft resolutions relating to those two subitems were adopted. 37. In draft resolution I, the General Assembly wuuld, -inter alia, express its deep satisfaction at the efficient manner in which the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees continues to accomplish his humanitarian tasks and call upon Governments to contribute generously towards the fmancing of the High Commissioner's humani- tarian activities. 38. Under draft resolution 11, which deals with the continuation of the Office of the High Commissioner, the Assembly would decide to continue the Office for a further period of five years from 1 January 1979 and to review, not later than at its thirty-seventh session, arrangements for continuation of the Office beyond the end of 1983. - 39. In draft resolution Ill, which was adopted by accla- mation, the Assembly would express its sincere appre- ciation for the work done by the outgoing High Commis- sioner, His Highness Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan. Pursuant to rule 66 of the rules of procedure, it was decided not to discuss the reports ofthe Third Committee.
Vote:
31/37
Consensus
We shall now consider the report of the Second Committee on agenda item 63 [A/32/360J. The Assembly will now take a decision on the twc draft resolutions recommended by th~l Second Committee in paragraph 11 of this report.
12. ['raft resolution t is entitled "Manila Comm'.lnique of the World Fond Ccuncil: Programme of Action to Erad- icate Hunger and Ma1nutrition'~. Since the Second Ccm- mltcs.e adoT.'ted draft l~soiutionI withou,,: a vote, may II consider tll~l .:h~ General Assembly wishes tc do likewise?
Vote:
31/37
Consensus
Draft resolutIOn I was adopted (resolution 3.1,/52).
Draft re.AlluE'Jn II is entitled "International Fund for Agricultural DI~vclopment". The Second Committee.rJsC' adopted anft re..;oLati<..!l iI without a vote. May I take 1t that th~ General Assemblv dee;~d€s to do likewise?
Draft resolution II was tuj:;pted (reso;;Jtion ~,?153).
14. The PRES!DENT: The ASsell:iJiy will now con~ider the report ot' the Second Committee on agp.Ilda item 64 [Aj32/297}. We shall now take a decision on 'fle recom-
mendation contained in paragraph 6 of the repor( to the effect that the General As~mbly mOuld take note of the report of the Board of Governors of the United Nations Special Fund on t.~e w.:>.!",: of its ....)urth :c;s;- l. May I take it that the General AssemlhY adopts that,cOil1mendation?
The recommendation was adopted (decision 32/417).
I now invite the Assembly's atten- tion to document A/32/346, containing a note by the Secretary-General, under item 64 (b), "Confirmation of the appointment of the Executive Director of the United Nations Special Fund". May I take it that the General Assembly takes note of document A/32/346?
It was so decided (decision 32/313).
We now turn to the report of the Second Committee on agenda item 65 [A/32/361J. We shall now take a decision on the draft resolution entitled "United Nations University" recommended by the Second Committee hi paragraph 7 of its report. Since the Second Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote, may I consider that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Vote:
31/100
Consensus
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 32/54).
We now turn to agenda item 66 on the Office of the United Nations Disaster Relief Co-
18. Draft resolution I is entitled "Assistance to the drought-stricken areas of Ethiopia". May I consider that the General Assembly adopts draft resolution I?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 32/55).
Vote:
32/95
Consensus
Oraft resolution n is entitled
"Offiv~ of the United Nations Disaster Relief Co-ordi- nator n • May I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to adopt draft resolution I1?
Draft resolution II was adovted (resolt!tion 32/56).
We shall now take ~p the report of the SeCtT d Committee on agenda item 68, entitled "Uni- fied appmalch to development analysis and planning". The report is contained in document A/32/408. The A~sembly will now tak~ a decisioI1 on the recommendation contained in paragraph 5 of the [~t>0rt. May I consider that the General Assembly adopt~ that recoll1m endation?
The recommendJation VJQS adopted (decision 32/418).
21. ~1te PRES~Dl:2'!T: The As.'emb~y will now cOllSider the report of th~ Second CommIttee on agenda item 69, {A./32/385J. We SHall now take a decision on the draft
f.;sol...tion entitled '"Examination of long-term trends in economk development'~,recommended by the Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. The Second Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 32i57).
Vote:
32i57
Consensus
The Assembly will first consider the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 77 dealing with crime prevention and control [A/32/359J. The Assembly will now take a decision on the four draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 23 of its report.
42. Draft resolution I is entitled "Methods and ways likely to be most effective in preventing crime and h-nproving the treatment of offenders". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I without a vote. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution III is entitled "Unilateral declarations by Member States against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment". Since the Third Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote, may I take it that it is the wish of the General Assembly to adopt it also? Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 32/58).
Draft resolution Il is entitled "Report of the Fifth United Nations Congress on the Prevention of Crime and the Treatment of Offenders". The report of the Fifth Committee on the administrative and financial implications of that draft resolution is contained in document A/32/414. The Third Committee adopted draft resolution Il without a vote. May I consider that it is the wish of the General Assembly also to adopt it?
Draft resolution 11 was adopted (resolution 32/59).
Draft resolution III is entitled "Crime prevention and control". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III without a vote. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 32/60).
Draft resolution IV is entitled "Capital punishment". Since the Third Committee adopted that draft resolution without a vote, may I take it that the General Assembly so adopts it?
Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 32/61).
The Assembly will now consider the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 80, entitled "Torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment". The report is contained in document A/32/355. The Assembly will now take a decision on the four draft resolutions recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 21 of its report.
47. Draft resolution I is entitled "Draft convention on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment". The Third Committee adopted draft resolu- tion I without a vote. May I consider that the General Assembly decides to do likewise?
Draft resolution I was adopted (resolution 32/62).
Vote:
A/32/355
Consensus
It was so decided.
We turn next to draft resolution n, entitled "Questionnaire on the Declaration on the Pro- tection of All Persons from Being Subjected to Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punish- ment". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II without a vote. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise? 5L The PRESIDENT: Draft resolution IV is entitled "Tvrture of political prisoners and detainees in southern Africa". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution IV without a vote. M,ay I consider that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?
Draft resolution 11 was adopted (resolution 32/63).
Draft resolution III was adopted (resolution 32/64).
Draft resolution IV was adopted (resolution 32/65).
I now invite representaCves to turn to the recommendation concerning the draft Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials contained in paragraph 22 of the Third Committee's report in document A/32/355. The Third Committe adopted that recommen- dation without a vote. May I consider that the General Assembly wishes to do likewise?
The recommendation was adopted (decision 32/419).
I shall now call on those represen- tatives who wish to explain their position on the draft resolutions adopted under agenda item 80.
The Belgian Government welcomes the General Assembly's adoption of draft resolution III adopted on agenda item 80, urging "all Member States to give maxi- mum publicity to their unilateral declarations against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment". It is to the Government of India, principally supported by the Governments of Bangladesh and Egypt, that we owe the draft resolution. Belgium became a sponsor of the draft, as did many other countries.
55. The Government of Belgium wishes to be the first country to make the declaration called for in the reso- lution. On instructions from my Government, I therefore have the honour to make the following declaration, which
"The Belgian Government wishes to point out on this occasion that its legislation is in confonnity with the requirements of the Declaration."
The Government of the United States h.as joined in the consensus on draft resolution IV under agenda item 80 out of a deep sense of outrage over the number of persons who . have died in r~cent years while detained in South Africa's prisons. These deaths in detention are compelling evidence of a pattern of gross mistreatment and intimidation of those individuals whose courage has allowed them and whose convictions have required them to voice their opposition to apartheid. The tragic and untimely death of Steven Biko has commanded the attention and the con- science of the world. His death and the circumstances surrounding it have stimulated throughout the world and throughout this General Assembly a sense of indebtedness to those who have already died in South African gaols, a sense of concern for those now under arrest or in detention, and a moral commitment of- support for those who continue to oppose apartheid despite the known perils.
57. Since this draft resolution was adopted in the Third Committee the world has been informed of the official fmdings of the inquest into the death of Steven Biko which was conducted in South Africa. My Government was shocked by the verdict in the face of compelling evidence that, at the least, Steven Biko was a victim of flagrant neglect and official irresponsibility. It seems inconceivable on the evidence presented that the inquest could render a judgement that no one was responsible. Even if individual responsibility was not established, Mr. Biko's death clearly resulted from a system which pennits gross mistreatment and violation of the most basic human rights.
58. My Government's support of draft resolution IV under agenda item 80 reflects both the hope or the American people that these senseless deaths will cease and our Government's commitment to press for the respect of human rights in South Africa.
In joining in the consensus on draft resolution HI, just adopted by the General Assembly, I wish to place on record that the United, Kingdom Government interprets article 10 of the Declaration on the Protection of All Persons from Being Subjected to Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or De- grading Treatment or Punishment [resolution 3451 (XXX). annex]. adopted by the General Assembly on 9 December 1975, as being in conformity with current practice in the United Kingdom whereby the competent authorities retain their discretion to bring proceedings in any particular case.
The Assembly will now consider the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 81 concerning the International CoveIiants on Human Rights [A/32/333]. The Assembly will now take a decision on the draft resolution entitled "Status of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights". This draft resolution has been recommended by the Third Committee in paragraph 8 of its report. The Third Committee adopted the draft resolution without objection. I take it that the General Assembly wishes to do the same.
The draft resolution was adopted (resolution 32/66).
The Assembly will now consider the report of the Third Committee on agenda item 87, concerning the Office of the United Nations High Commis- sioner for Refugees [A/32/352]. The Assembly will now take decisions on the three draft resolutions recommended by the Third COmmittee in paragraph 14 of its report.
63. Draft resolution I is entitled "Report of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution I by consensus. I take it thQ~ the Assembly adopts draft resolution I.
Draft resolution [was adopted (resolution 32/67).
Draft resolution Il is el!tliled "Continuation of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution II by consensus. I take it that the General Assembly adopts draft resolution 11.
Draft resolution [[was adopted (resolution 32/68).
Draft resolution III is entitled "Expression of appreciation to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees". The Third Committee adopted draft resolution III by acclamation. I take it that the General Assembly adopts draft resolution Ill?
Draft resolution [Ilwas (dopted (resolution 32/69).
May I associate myself with the expression of sincere appreciation and thanks to Prince Sadruddin Aga Khan and wish him success in his future endeavours.
67. The last draft resolution, draft resolution IV, is entitled "Assistance to refugees in southern Africa". Tne Third Committee adopted draft resolution IV by consensus.
I should now like to invite the Assembly's attention to document A/32/401 and Add.l, containing two notes by the Secretary-General, unaer agenda item 87 (c) relating to the election of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. In the latter note [A/32/401/Add.1] the Secretary-General suggests that Mr. Poul Hartling b~elected United Nations High Commis- sioner for Refugees for a five-year term beginning on
I declare Mr. Poul Hartling elected United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for a five-year term beginning on 1 January 1978. I should like to congratulate Mr. Hartling upon his election, and I wish him every success in his important task.
The meeting rose at 4.30 p.m.